As shared in the book Within Reach by Ben Truebold, 66% of students who graduate high school are stepping out of church. There are two factors for staying that our ministry will focus on

1. Significant relationship with 3 or more caring adults
2. Knowing how to navigate the Word of God for themselves.

Our ministry will focus on providing youth with mature Christians who will help them develop their relationship with God.

This can be done by:

1. Catching up - discover what's going on in their lives, listen for things to celebrate, pray about, and hold them accountable.
2. Accountability - help youth process areas of struggle, growth, and opportunity by offering grace, encouragement, and words of wisdom that show them they are known, loved, and accepted.
3. Scripture - help to memorize verses that apply to everyday life and study the Word together
4. Prayer - pray for youth based on what is shared and observed from catching up, accountability, and Scripture.
5. Presence - show up where they are beyond the church walls by attending events and activities youth are a part of.

Doing this will help students feel that they matter, grow in their faith, and become disciple-makers.