CPC 1999 Annual Report:
Youth Ministries
Christopher C. Ritchie

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"So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow." 1 Corinthians 3:6

This has truly been a year of growth within the youth ministry at Central Presbyterian Church - a year in which we have seen students being moved toward Christ by the Holy Spirit. And while spiritual growth can be difficult to quantify, it has been increasingly evident in the lives of many teens who have been touched by this congregation. Several students have received Christ as their Savior this year, and it has been inspiring to watch as the Lord has led several students into a deeper walk with Him.

Growth is not always easy or comfortable, though, either in the life of a young person nor in the life of a youth ministry. As we have continued in the process of building the youth ministry at Central we have been continually challenged to assess how we can most effectively disciple our young people and give them the tools that they need to live faithfully for Christ both now and in the future. Friday Nite Live and Powerhouse, our regular weekly programs for middle and high school students, respectively, have continued to be places where students are being confronted by the claims of the Gospel and invited to consider the impact that it has on their lives.

As we have considered the growing needs of our middle school ministry, both numerically and spiritually, we have launched two Sunday school classes, one for guys and one for girls. At the senior high level we are now offering two different elective Sunday school classes which are based on the spiritual interests and needs of our students. This past summer was another time of ministry and growth for our students which was augmented by the return of Greg Meadows. As he graciously served as a volunteer intern this summer, he continued to pour his life into this ministry and the hearts of our young people. The summer was highlighted by several events which encouraged our students in their walk with Christ, including a first-ever middle school Vacation Bible School program, a mission trip with five senior high students to Tunica, Mississippi, several teen outreach nights at Beachmont Christian Camp as well as several small group Bible studies.

We are moving into a new year and a new century with great excitement and great anticipation about what God will continue to do in the lives of our students and their families here at Central Presbyterian Church and beyond. A study completed by Metro-Maryland Youth for Christ determined that about 80% of middle school and senior high students in our area are not connected with a church in any way. Our students are truly living on the mission field. We have a responsibility as a church to faithfully share with our students the good news of Jesus Christ within this community of faith. As we love, encourage and equip them in Christ, we will be sending them out to serve on their local campuses, and for several, on their college campuses. We have retreats, lock-ins, Bible studies, a mission trip to the Dominican Republic, confirmation classes and other activities planned for our students in the year 2000. However, what we are prayerfully anticipating the most this year is the continued moving of the Holy Spirit in the lives of our students. In His grace God has chosen the parents and leaders here at Central to partner with Him in that move. We must be up to the challenge!