The Loop

We are entering the busiest time of the year.

School is wrapping up, summer is right around the corner, and the weather is starting to turn from blah and grey to beautiful and vibrant. But that also means there is both a scary and exciting time coming for many of you.
In the life of student ministry, May through July is both a beginning and end for many of our students. On one hand, we welcome new students moving up from elementary school into our middle school ministry. We also welcome middle school students into our high school ministry. On the other hand, we send off our graduating seniors into the next stage of life. There’s a lot of excitement surrounding each of these beginnings, but with each of them comes change.

Change.

Many times, it creeps up on us when we least expect it. We think, "there’s no way these students could be ready for this next stage in their life, right?!" Yet, here is where we find them. In a sense, it’s a new beginning, but it’s change and change can be scary. This is especially true as students enter middle school, high school, and adulthood for the first time. Those are three big steps in the life of our students that we all do our best to prepare them for.

But we know the reality is that things don’t always work out. At times there are some serious bumps along the way. As adults, we all know what that’s like. We all went through similar experiences and can think back to those formative years of our lives. We want what is best for our students; for them to never experience the pain or suffering we may have. But the truth is, these bumps as they transition into their next stage of life are what help shape them into the person they will become. It’s often through failure and mess-ups that we grow and learn things about ourselves that we may never have known otherwise.

Here’s some good news, you're not alone. Collectively, so many of us are about to enter this stage in life, whether a parent, a guardian, a student or even a youth pastor. We walk this road together, prayerfully, carefully, and with Jesus in mind. In our kStudent ministry, our goal is that during their time with us, our students have a real experience with Jesus and would in turn seek to expand His kingdom. Everything we do is through that lens.  

The other good news? As I look at our seniors, I see just that. It’s exciting for sure! But that only happens when everyone comes together to make Jesus real to our students during their teenage years. While they may not have everything figured out (and who does, really?), in doing so, we give them the opportunity to enter adulthood knowing who Jesus is, and how much He loves them! And that is worth all the change that this season can bring. 

If you are in this season with your student and have questions or need some support, we would love to hear from you. Don’t hesitate to email us. Our team is here for you. 

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