“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” - Deuteronomy 6:4-9, ESV

Parents: You are the greatest spiritual influence on your children. God has gifted you the opportunity to disciple your own children, and God has commanded you to disciple them.

One of the biggest challenges faced in student ministry is when parents are disengaged, uninterested, and not involved in their teen’s faith development. Student ministry wants to partner with you and work in concert with you in teaching your youth about God.  Student ministry should never be your replacement or substitute teacher when you feel inadequate, uncomfortable, or simply apathetic.

We want to encourage you and perhaps provide some tools and suggestions.

Do you pray with your children?

Do you read the Bible with them?

Do you ask them engaging questions about their faith?

Of course, we are assuming that you pray on your own already, and read your Bible on your own already, and discuss faith already. To go back to the scripture at the top: Do you love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might? Is God’s word on your heart? This is where you begin. Then, and only then, will you be able to diligently teach it to your children.

“Diligence”: It requires time, patience, persistence, love, and grace. It also means that you have to be disciplined enough to make it a part of your daily schedule. I know we’re all busy, but if it is a priority we will make time just like we make time for our favorite TV show.

Start Small: Don’t try to automatically become a Super-Giant-Bible-Hero, especially starting off. Just start small. Maybe begin with a daily Bible verse followed by a few minutes to share thoughts on the verse and then ending with prayer together. It might only take 10-15 minutes, but it will make a lasting impression.

Praying Together for Each Other: One of the things my wife and I try and do every day is share some personal prayer requests with one another, just some things to remember throughout the day. When you pray with your child, take the time to ask them, “What can I pray specifically about for you today?” It shows them you’re interested and that you genuinely care. Sooner than later they will begin to open up to you once they see you’re on their side and you really do care.

Goals: Our goal in Student Ministry is first and foremost that Jesus be elevated in your child’s life. We desire to make God top priority in every student’s life.  Our second goal is to foster opportunities for families to become stronger, closer, and more in love with Jesus.

There is more that could be said, but this is a great jumping off point. Parents, know that we love you and we love your kids.

- Brian Adams, Student Pastor @ West Hampton Baptist Church; Elevate Student Ministry

August 12-14 @ Eagle Eyrie Baptist Conference Center 

Youth Advance: While this may be a retreat setting, we will not retreat.  It’s time to get on the offensive as believers.  We want to encourage our students to advance to others and elevate faith, hope, and love in Christ.
This is the first year of Youth Advance for Elevate Student Ministry (WHBC). We are excited and look forward to engaging, equipping, and encouraging our students as they get ready for a new school year.
Theme: ”Unstoppable Grace” (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 15:10)
Cost: $80/person (does not include road meals going and coming)
Lodging: We will be staying in PAL Lodge at Eagle Eyrie (You will need to bring linens/pillow/sleeping bag)
Food: We will be cooking and sharing our meals together at the lodge.  (You will just be responsible for buying your meals traveling between Hampton and E.E.)
Transportation: We will be carpooling and renting a 15 passenger van. Spots are limited so SIGN UP TODAY!!!
Activities: We will be doing a few different activities including walking, swimming, and some team building games. (Bring necessary clothing.)
Sign Up/Due Dates: Sign up TODAY!  Deposit ($20) is due at time of registration* and total balance ($80) is due by Sunday, July 24th!!!  DO NOT BE LATE!!!
*Only deposits paid guarantee you a spot.  Please turn in money to either Brian or Debbie Ford (in the office).  You can check with Debbie Ford (in the office) about your fundraiser account. Please do so ASAP!
Leadership: Spots are available for adult/young adult leadership.  If you join the Advance Team we will ask you to fill some responsibilities: (Meal Planning/Cooking, Driving, Bible Teaching, Prayer/Worship, Recreation/Games). Please see Brian if you are interested!