Our teens are a close-knit community, led by a group of all-star small group leaders. They spend time each Sunday, diving into the Word, discussing the lesson shared with them, and praying over each other. This is special intentional time that CCYM dedicates each week in order to progress our students down the discipleship path. Much of that responsibility rests on the shoulders of our small group leaders. These awesome men and women pour themselves into the lives of students, not simply on Sunday for an hour. They go to ball games. Cheer meets. Band competitions. Irish step-dancing festivals. They celebrate victories together. They comfort during times of loss. They sacrifice family time in order to build-up and encourage their students.
Research shows that the more healthy, spiritually-focused relationships that a teenager has with adults other than their parents, the better they turn out. CCYM’s small group leaders know what is going on with their students. They ask them about family situations, how their event went, or if they passed their driver’s permit test. A teenager does NOT care what you know, until they know that you care. Trust is built over time. Being authentic. Being present. Our small group leaders do that. This is not merely friendship or laughing together, although those are big factors for bonding. We are talking about growing together while in community. Building trust.
We want the students of CCYM to know that not only will Mitchell, Aubrey, and their wives know their names and where they belong; there is a host of dedicated small group leaders that care for them. Every student at CCYM should feel that they are KNOWN and LOVED.
Paul’s prayer for the believers in Philippi ring true and is our prayer for both the dedicated small group leaders AND the students at CCYM.
“This is my prayer for you: that your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love; that you will see the difference between good and bad and will choose the good; that you will be pure and without wrong for the coming of Christ; that you will be filled with the good things produced in your life by Christ to bring glory and praise to God.” [Philippians 1:9-11]
Celebration 