Raise the Standard

Now we are talking people. I finally have this thing figured out with the postings and all of that other fun jazz.

Allow me to begin this blog with talking to the importance of Student Ministries (Youth and College). Here at Wrightsville Beach Baptist Church, we refer to our ministry to Youth and College students as our Student Communities. We believe whole heartedly in the biblical model of community and strive daily to make ourselves just that. (See Acts 2)

Let's take a quick journey all the way back to the 2nd century AD and hear the sayings of one of the great early apologists of our time, Justin Martyr: "Many men and women of the age of 60 and 70 years have been disciples of Christ from Childhood." Justin lived from 100-165 AD, which was 30 years after the destruction of Jerusalem (AD 70). The Roman Empire was at it's height of persecution of Christians, under which Justin was later killed by the Great Marcus Aurelius. (some of you may recognize that name from "Gladiator")

Justin saw in a generation of persecuted believers a faith that was stable and strong which was formed in the early years of these believers lives. WHAT A STATEMENT! These believers were being persecuted and martyred for the Gospel and did not back down. They are the true Champions of the Faith for some of us. And they were devoted to Jesus from their early years as children.

This is what WBBC Student Communities strives for. We strive to build up a generation of young believers to be on the frontlines battling for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We don't see them as the "future leaders," they are our leaders. I desire to see the next great William Carey, Billy Graham, Danny Akin, JD Greear, Picasso, Beethoven, leaders of the community, leaders in the workplace, and leaders for the gospel worldwide come from this community of faith here at WBBC. To use a phrase coined by Dr. Alvin Reid in his book; we are committed to "Raise the Bar" in our community. Raising the Bar in Student Ministry will allow the students to rise to the standards the Ministers set forth.

So, for all you students out there, we love you and are committed to seeing you become a devoted follower of Christ. For all you Youth/College Pastors out there, commit to raising the bar in your ministry. It's more than pizza blasts and games, it's about real life and real people who are following a Real God.