A Quick Overview of the Program

• Sunday Mornings: 10:10-11:00am
• Tuesday nights: High School Fellowship, 6:30-8:30pm in Rooms 202/204
• Thursday nights: Middle School Fellowship, 6:30-8:30pm in Rooms 202/204
• Becoming a Volunteer

 

What is the "L" Train?

The "L" Train is the melding of a couple things. The inspiration began with Doug Field's book, "Purpose Driven Youth Ministry," which suggests that a healthy youth ministry should not focus on any one thing, such as fellowship, or Bible study. Rather, a healthy youth ministry should include worship, discipleship, fellowship, service, and evangelism. These principles are found in Jesus' Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39) and Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). The inspiration to illustrate these principles came from a trip my wife and I took to Chicago and our travels aboard the elevated transit system, referred to by locals as the "L" train. I thought 'The "L" Train' would make a good name for our youth ministry and decided to summarize each of the five principles with a word beginning with the letter "L": Lift up, Lap up, La Familia (Spanish for family), Live out, and Lead. It is only coincidental that my last name begins with the letter "L"!

 

1. "Lift up" God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in worship.
2. Provide an atmosphere for youth to "Lap up" God's Word and mature in their faith.
3. Foster a sense of belonging to "La Familia" of Christ at the Chapel, by encouraging active and respectful participation.
4. Encourage each youth to identify their gifts and "Live out" their faith in service to others.
5. "Lead" others to the truth and love of Jesus Christ thru outreach to all youth.

 

Of the five principles, I am most passionate about providing an atmosphere for youth to "Lap up" the Word of God, as a thirsty dog laps up water. I am committed to the responsible teaching of God's Word. That said, I realize that study and proclamation of the Word is not ALL we're to be about. That's why I'm a big believer in creating well-rounded leadership teams that help us pursue all five principles of the "L" Train.

 

The green line and the blue line found on the walls leading up to the youth rooms represent different routes of the rail system. In our case, the green line will take you to the middle school room (202), and the blue line will take you to the high school room (204).

 

Description written by Toby Lockhart, retired Youth Director, CBTL