Teen Ministry
One of the foundations to a local church ministry is the youth. They are the next generation of Christians and our youth ministry (7th-12th grades) is led by Pastor Jonas Harley who strives to disciple each teenager in three distinct areas.
1. Spiritual Leadership - Developing their heart for the Lord
Every time the youth meet in Sunday school, Wednesday night, or some other special activity the preaching of God’s Word is a priority! Pastor Jonas preaches expository (verse-by-verse) and topical messages to the youth that are relevant and applicable to their life today. The preaching of God’s Word has the power to transform lives for God's glory (Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16-17). They are challenged to love God with all their heart, soul, and mind for their entire life (Matthew 22:36-38). This is also developed by taking the youth to summer camp at the Wilds, P.O.W.E.R. groups (small group discipleship on Wednesday nights), and special retreats or activities.
2. Servant Leadership - Developing their heart for the Local Church
Several activities Pastor Jonas plans each year are geared to teach the teens how to serve in and through our local church. This is accomplished, for example, through teen fellowships (where the teens are encourage to give of their time to spend with other brothers and sisters in Christ), widow visitation (they spend a day visiting some of the widows or widowers in our church), vacation Bible school (during the summer they get to serve in various aspects), and other opportunities that arise within our church. God always honors and blesses local church involvement (Hebrews 10:24-25).
3. Soulwinning Leadership - Developing their heart for the Lost
A youth group that has a heartbeat for the unsaved is a youth group that transforms families, churches, and communities! Once per month Pastor Jonas organizes a teen evangelism outreach that is designed to teach, equip, and demonstrate to our youth how to reach the lost by communicating the good news of Jesus Christ. This is also developed through short-term summer mission trips home and abroad, giving money to missionaries, and other creative ways that advance the gospel locally, nationally, and internationally (Matthew 29:19-21, Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8).
Parents of Teens
The devil is constantly seeking to destroy our homes and tear our families apart. Parenting can be incredibly difficult. That is why the youth ministry of Catawba Springs Christian Church is focused on the entire family! Pastor Jonas has a tremendous burden to biblically equip parents on how to guide their
families. Two or three time per year parents of teens are given practical instruction and insight on parenting issues, hot topics, and other related themes that provide valuable tools on raising teens in this challenging culture. Some of the recent topics he has preached on are:
- Defeating the Media Monster: How to Guide your Family in a High-tech World
- The Great Exchange: Successfully Passing your Faith to Future Generations
- Game Day: Using Sports to the Glory of God
If there is a specific question or problem you face as a parent, please call us at 919.772.5079, and we would be happy to do our best to help.
2013 Brazil Mission Trip Application
The Lord has graciously opened a door for the teens of Catawba Springs to serve on the mission field in Brazil with veteran missionary Shawn Alexander during the summer of 2013.
Please take some specific time in prayer asking God about the possiblity of serving in this capacity. This application must be submitted by Wednesday, March 21st, 2012.
Click here for Mission Trip Information
Click here for Mission Trip Application
Side by Side
Pastor Jonas maintains a blog as a way for you to find a variety of articles, biblical principles, resources, books, tools, and ideas all relating to the Christian life that will equip and encourage you to grow spiritually. He would love to hear how God is working in your life. Please visit: www.pastorjonas.com
Wednesday Night Bible Study
The Catawba Springs youth group invites all 7th-12th graders to join them in the teen room on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM for fellowship, small group discipleship, and practical lessons from the Bible where you will receive answers! We look forward to meeting you!
Current Wednesday Night Sermon Series
Previous Wednesday Night Sermon Series...
Teen Trap #1 - Bad Attitude (9/28/11)
Teen Trap #2 - Peer Pressure (10/5/11)
Teen Trap #3 - Decision Making (10/12/11)
Teen Trap #4 - Sexual Impurity (10/19/11)
Teen Trap #5 - Guy/Girl Relationships (10/26/11)
Teen Trap #6 - Hypocrisy (11/2/11)
Teen Trap #7 - Bitterness (11/16/11)