What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? This is an important question and it is one that drives our Youth Ministry here at Vernon United Methodist Church. It has often been said that "the youth are the future of the church." Yet, that statement couldn't be further from the truth. It puts off for "the future" the very struggle of what it means to PRESENTLY be a disciple of Jesus Christ. The truth of the matter is this:

THE YOUTH ARE THE CHURCH! They are here and they are now!

This shift in understanding is crucial if the church is going to move forward in ministry together rather than devaluing each other over age or other differences. Such depreciation counteracts the call that God has put on all of the youth. Such counteraction can be detrimental to the spritual growth of Christ's young disciples, and the sin is ours if they stumble (Matt. 18:6).

The Youth Ministry at Vernon United Methodist Church is one that is built upon five Biblical purposes:

Evangelism (REACH OUT)

Fellowship (UNITE)

Discipleship (GROW)

Ministry (SERVICE)

Worship (COMMIT)

Everything that we do in our youth ministry, all classes (e.g., Sunday School, Jr. High Bible Study, Sr. High Bible Study), meetings and events, fulfill these purposes as listed in our Purpose Statement. Each youth group meeting has worship built into it. Our youth ministers have been intentional on providing a safe, worshipful environment for our youth; they have been intentional on providing regular opportunities for growing in discipleship, serving those in need, committment to Jesus Christ, reaching out and uniting with others in Christian love.

In working toward the fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20), our youth ministry is working toward the spirit of love that Christ modeled for us over 2,000 years ago!