1) Christ Over Cause

In the midst of an active student ministry, we emphasize that the ultimate goal is not the cause (a successful/effective ministry evangelizing and discipling students), but rather to know and love Christ. Ephesians 6:8, Psalm 145:1-6, 1st Peter 1:13-15, James 1:22-25, Matthew 25:40, John 13:34-35, Galatians 6:10, Matthew 28:19, Romans 10:9-15.

2) People Over Programs

Our motto is "We are brothers and sisters first." Programs only exist to facilitate the love and development of people. Romans 12:10, Hebrews 10:24-25.

3) The Family

We teach students to honor and obey parents, spend time at home, fulfill responsibilities with a good attitude, be peace makers, be encouragers, be contributors, be initiators, handle conflict appropriately, and bring joy to the family. Colossians 3:20.

4) Small Groups

Small Groups are the best way to help students gain insight into their walk with God, get help with life hurts, accountability, discipleship, relationships, etc.

5) Team Ministry

Student ministry should be built on the team principle, not on the gifts of one or a few individuals. It is imperative that youth ministry be built on the multiplicity of gifts of people on the ministry team, not on the personality and gifts of the youth pastor. As a group increases in size, it is not possible for the youth pastor to personally develop each individual student. Key leaders for the students are the Campus Directors and Small Groups leaders (adults and students). Campus Directors and Small Groups leaders have the potential of becoming the most influential people in a student's life. Luke 10:1, Romans 12:10, & 15:7, 1st Corinthians 12:25, Galations 6:2, Ephesians 4:32, 1st Thesalonions 5:11, Hebrews 10:24, James 5:16, 1st Peter 4:10, 1st John 4:11.

6) Students Involved in Ministry

Every student, once they become a Christian, is capable of and should be involved in ministry. This includes, but is not limited to, sharing Christ with others, being a Small Groups assistant leader, discipling new Christians, the band, care team, greeting team, promotion team, Jr. High team, tech team, pre-teen team, campus team, drama team, prayer team, follow up team, children's ministries, Mexico, etc. Matthew 28:19, Romans 12:5-8.

7) Relationship Evangelism

Effective student ministry is done through the development of relationships between believers and non-churched individuals. Students who are willing to reach out and build relationships with non-churched individuals show the authenticity of Christ through their own lives and opens up avenues of communication that may not be available through casual contact with a non-churched student. Matthew 28:19.

8) Spiritual Commitment-oriented Programming

There are various levels of spiritual interest and commitment among students. Obviously, students are at many different levels spiritually. Some students are totally committed to following Jesus Christ. Others are committed to Christ, but not as far along on the road to maturity. Still others are not even in the ballpark. In our programming, there is a sensitivity to students being at all of these different levels.

9) Programming with Cultural Relevance

Biblical principles must be presented in a way that are relevant to the high school students. It is imperative that the message expressed to high school students communicates the relevancy of the gospel of Jesus Christ to experiences that they encounter daily on their school campus. While the message of the gospel must never be compromised, the methods used to communicate this truth may vary in order to increase the effectiveness of the message. We desire to present the gospel in such a way that is applicable to the student's world in order to incite spiritual interest. 1st Chronicles 12:32, 1st Corinthians 9:19-23.

10) Programming with Excellence

Student ministry done with excellence reflects God and attracts students. High school students often view youth ministries as churchy. A student ministry that is committed to excellence and cultural relevance is apt to intrigue students, drawing them back again and again. Colossians 3:17, 23, 24.

11) Traditional Values (Christ-like)

• Strong work ethic (commitment to excellence)
• Submission to authority
• Respect for elders
• Respect for others
• Being responsible
• Good manners
• Modesty
• Good old-fashioned chivalry
• Integrity