Back Station Hill Student Ministry takes off in area "full of potential"
August 16th, 2010
Formerly a Brentwood Baptist Student Ministry intern, Brian Coates has returned to join the Station Hill team after a recent two-year adventure and subsequent graduation from Southeastern Seminary. As of June, he's assumed the role of Station Hill Student Minister.
The message he wants to get across to Station Hill members: "There are so many unconnected people in this area. The student ministry is full of potential to grow—and the students want to connect their friends to Christ."
With some 30 students who regularly attend, they still team up for big events with Brentwood Baptist's main campus, but are also planning their own schedule for the fall. Brian said, "We have a big crop of sixth graders coming up. Since it's a younger congregation anyway, having that many in middle school is great."
This Wednesday, August 18, the ministry will host an "End of Summer/Fall Kick-Off Party" for junior high and high school students from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the home of David and Diane Carpenter. The cookout and pool party will celebrate a great summer and the start of a new fall semester.
So far, he's spent the last two months getting to know the parents and students and developing a tight-knit community. "We have a lot of students at Station Hill who are coming to worship, but they haven't realized there's a place for them to connect on Sunday mornings," Brian said.
Because of this, he's already implementing changes and adding options for the good of those in this budding ministry. Just this last Sunday he launched an 11:00 a.m. Bible study for high schoolers to match the junior high Bible study at the same time.
And, when "Big Wednesdays" roll around on September 1, all students in grades 6-12 will have a place to also connect in LifeGroups. Five LifeGroup options will be offered: 1) sixth grade girls; 2) seventh and eighth grade girls; 3) middle school guys; 4) high school girls; and 5) high school guys.
"It's been really encouraging to see this many committed students and leaders to start off with," Brian said. "With the students we already have coming, we also have 10 leaders who will be there. There are some really good churches in this area, but most of them aren't doing small groups like we are. This is where students can invite their friends. We have a lot of potential to reach people here."
To sign up for the End of Summer Party or LifeGroups each Wednesday, contact Brian Coates at 324.6287 or click here to e-mail him.