Youth Mission (Grades 7-12)

YOUTH MISSION (grades 7 - 12)

FAITH IN ACTION

In the Bible we learn of Jesus tying a towel around himself and washing the dusty feet of his disciples before the last Passover supper. He stressed that he performed this humble gesture of radical hospitality and service as an example, telling the disciples they were to go and do as he had done. At South Church we believe servant leadership is a way of being in the world, a way of following Jesus’s instruction and example. It is a way of following his commandment to love one another. We live out our belief by nurturing servant leadership through social justice mission programs for many ages.
When youth embody servant leadership they gain real and valuable experiences of putting their faith into action. Throughout the year, youth will be stretched to use their own skills and gifts in a variety of ways and share the love we are called to offer the world in the model of Jesus Christ. They will be challenged and enriched as they meet others in life circumstances very different from their own. At times, we will challenge them to stretch themselves beyond their own comfort zones. The programs are designed to help the youth go deeper into their spiritual exploration and development as they experience each program, based on new experiences and personal growth. The model for the mission programs is cyclical rather than linear. The goal, however, is constant: to help them learn to become servant leaders in the model of Jesus Christ. They will work in community, learning more about themselves, others, and the presence of God. Through having experienced making a difference in the world, they grow into young adults who feel empowered to do so throughout their lives.

Church School Youth Mission (K-6)

Children will engage in age-appropriate mission activities learning the Biblical basis of compassion with a concentration on our local community (K-6).

  • Introduce children to needs that exist in the world
  • Build confidence that they can make a difference in the world
  • Affirm their unique gifts and contribution
  • Teach personal responsibility to create a safe space for one anothe

Middle School Youth Mission (MSYM)

Our Middle School Youth Mission program offers community building and hands on service opportunities for young people in grades 7-8. This program empowers youth to truly embody what it means to be servant leaders in the world, culminating with a 4-day service-learning mission trip experience.

  • Learn to see the face of Jesus in unexpected places, in themselves, and in others by engaging in face-to-face experiences.
  • Build confidence to engage with people in communities outside of their comfort zone.
  • Celebrate their worth and what they can offer to the world and their own community; affirm their potential to make a difference in the world.
  • Work together and respect one another to become a community of Christian disciples.
  • Understand what it means to be a church in mission.
  • Build empathy while finding common ground with others. 

High School Youth Mission – Freshmen & Sophomores (FRSO)

This program will continue to engage youth in issues of social justice. The year ends with a week-long face-to-face mission trip. Reflection enhances and deepens the Mission Trip experience.

  • Learn to be inclusive, empathetic, and practice hospitality by engaging in face-to-face experiences.
  • Provide opportunity for reflection on where they have seen God on the mission trip, and where they have experienced commonalities with others.
  • Recognize how their own skills can be amplified by the contributions of others through affirmation and support of one another.
  • Begin to develop an understanding of root causes of poverty and homelessness.
  • Foster desire and commitment to be servant leaders throughout

High School Youth Mission – Juniors & Seniors (JRSR)

This program will deepen youths’ understanding and awareness of issues of social justice and allow them to reflect on the values of their Christian faith. The year culminates in a week-long partnership with Habitat for Humanity to help to break the cycle of poverty through affordable housing. 

  • Recognize the plight of those experiencing homelessness and the ability to make a difference in the world.
  • Learn new life skills through hands on construction projects.
  • Build confidence by accepting challenges and supporting one another.
  • Develop collaborative leadership skills by leading evening reflections and morning circle, as well as meal prep and worksite responsibilities.
  • At the trip’s close, seniors are commissioned into the world as young adults equipped to be humble and confident servant leaders.