Norwich church launches new youth group

Paul FarmerA Norwich church gets ready to start its first academic year running a Rock Solid youth group.

 

Norwich Central Baptist Church (NCBC) in Norwich city centre hopes to increase the number of young people coming to their weekly youth group by using the structured Rock Solid model and materials provided by Youth For Christ (YFC)

 

Paul Farmer, youth worker for NCBC (pictured right) explains how it works, “Every week there is a theme - it could be a really good social theme such as how to use the internet safely - or Christian-based issues such as forgiveness or justice. We always start off by playing some games, then we have a discussion around the theme and finish off with a final game.”

 

The aim of Rock Solid groups are to share the good news of Jesus in a way that is relevant and exciting to 11-14 year olds. They involve high energy games and a variety of activities and illustrations to encourage group discussion. The “thought” sections each week provide a biblical perspective. YFC provides training, resources and support to churches running the groups.

 

YFC also provides RS2 materials which are aimed as the next step on from Rock Solid for young people to deepen their relationship with Christ. They have also devised Mettle materials which is aimed at 14-18 year olds.

 

It is crucial that the church can communicate the Christian message to this age group in a relevant way so that the young people stay involved in church. Paul says, “We want to stop losing the younger ones when they reach their teens. We want the young people to get involved from year 6 and keep them learning about God.”

 

NCBC has four volunteers working alongside Paul to run the Rock Solid group. Paul says, "Having worked for YFC a few years ago I have seen how Rock Solid has helped churches reach the communities around them and I hope to see this at NCBC."

  

Rock Solid runs at NCBC every Tuesday from 7-8.30pm.

 

Other churches in Norfolk running Rock Solid youth groups:

Reepham Benefice, Ipswich Road URC, New Costessey Methodist, Cromer, St Peter Mancroft, Fakenham Baptist, Wroxham Road Methodist, Chet Valley Benefice, New Wine Sheringham, Hellesdon PCC, Poringland

 

For more information contact YFC on office@norwichyfc.co.uk or call (01603) 620678 www.norwichyfc.co.uk

., 13/09/2009