Hey Parents:
Follow along with us during the 2025 Student Retreat. See what your kids are learning and how you can be praying along the way!
(Session 1) Friday Night
Next: Where You’re Going Starts Here - Intimacy with Jesus
“And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach. and have authority to cast out demons.” Mark 3:13-15
Main Idea: To embrace what’s NEXT with God, we must first answer the Call from God.
1) Answer the Call to Know Him: Before stepping into what's next, students must respond to God's invitation to know Him personally through salvation in Jesus—recognizing their sin, receiving grace, and beginning a relationship with Christ.
2) Answer the Call to Be with Him: Just like the disciples were first called to spend time with Jesus, students are called to intimacy with Him. Being with Jesus transforms them and prepares them for His mission.
3) Answer the Call to Serve Him: Intimacy with God overflows into action. God places students strategically (like in their schools) to meet needs and share the Gospel, serving others as an outflow of their walk with Christ.
Parent Prayer: Jesus, thank You for calling my child to know You. I pray they respond to You in faith and grow close to You in daily friendship. Help them walk in intimacy with You, and show them the joy of serving others with Your love and truth.
Next: Where You’re Going Starts Here - Intimacy with Jesus
“And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach. and have authority to cast out demons.” Mark 3:13-15
Main Idea: To embrace what’s NEXT with God, we must first answer the Call from God.
1) Answer the Call to Know Him: Before stepping into what's next, students must respond to God's invitation to know Him personally through salvation in Jesus—recognizing their sin, receiving grace, and beginning a relationship with Christ.
2) Answer the Call to Be with Him: Just like the disciples were first called to spend time with Jesus, students are called to intimacy with Him. Being with Jesus transforms them and prepares them for His mission.
3) Answer the Call to Serve Him: Intimacy with God overflows into action. God places students strategically (like in their schools) to meet needs and share the Gospel, serving others as an outflow of their walk with Christ.
Parent Prayer: Jesus, thank You for calling my child to know You. I pray they respond to You in faith and grow close to You in daily friendship. Help them walk in intimacy with You, and show them the joy of serving others with Your love and truth.
(Session 2) Saturday Morning
Next: Where You’re Going Starts Here - Learning from Others
“What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2
Main Idea: To fulfill what’s NEXT with God, learning from others will be essential.
1) Discipleship is Essential for Growth: Like Timothy with Paul, we grow spiritually when we let others further ahead in faith help guide and encourage us. Their examples, wisdom, encouragement, and correction help us deepen our walk with Jesus.
2) Discipleship is Essential for Multiplication: The call to make disciples means we don’t just grow — we help others grow too. Discipleship creates a ripple effect that spreads the Gospel through faithful relationships.
3) Everyone Needs a Paul and a Timothy: We need each other. We are made for community. Your church family, your youth group family, is made up of people who need you to care for them, and who should care for you too. We all need someone to guide us (a Paul) and someone to invest in (a Timothy). By following Jesus in community, we fulfill God’s calling and advance His Kingdom together.
Parent Prayer: Father God, place wise, godly mentors in my child's life who will partner with us in guiding them toward Jesus. Help them be humble learners and bold leaders—receiving truth and passing it on. Teach them the power of spiritual friendships that build Your Kingdom one life at a time. Help them to love others as you love them.
Next: Where You’re Going Starts Here - Learning from Others
“What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:2
Main Idea: To fulfill what’s NEXT with God, learning from others will be essential.
1) Discipleship is Essential for Growth: Like Timothy with Paul, we grow spiritually when we let others further ahead in faith help guide and encourage us. Their examples, wisdom, encouragement, and correction help us deepen our walk with Jesus.
2) Discipleship is Essential for Multiplication: The call to make disciples means we don’t just grow — we help others grow too. Discipleship creates a ripple effect that spreads the Gospel through faithful relationships.
3) Everyone Needs a Paul and a Timothy: We need each other. We are made for community. Your church family, your youth group family, is made up of people who need you to care for them, and who should care for you too. We all need someone to guide us (a Paul) and someone to invest in (a Timothy). By following Jesus in community, we fulfill God’s calling and advance His Kingdom together.
Parent Prayer: Father God, place wise, godly mentors in my child's life who will partner with us in guiding them toward Jesus. Help them be humble learners and bold leaders—receiving truth and passing it on. Teach them the power of spiritual friendships that build Your Kingdom one life at a time. Help them to love others as you love them.
(Session 3) Saturday Night
Next: Where You’re Going Starts Here - Dependence on Jesus (Session 3)
“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him...” Matthew 14:30-31
Main Idea: All of our strength for whatever comes NEXT is found in our dependence on Jesus.
1) Recognize Him: Like the disciples in the storm, we must recognize that Jesus is present and working, even in our most difficult moments. Trust that He has a purpose in every storm and that He is never far from us.
2) Listen to Him: True dependence on Jesus means listening and obeying when He calls. Like Peter stepping out of the boat, we show our faith through action—trusting Jesus enough to follow where He leads.
3) Focus on Him: Peter sank when he focused on the waves instead of Jesus. We face real pressures—fear, anxiety, temptation—but strength comes when we keep our eyes and hearts fixed on Christ, trusting His power over our problems.
Parent Prayer: God, please help my child to recognize Your presence in both calm and stormy seasons. Give them ears to hear Your voice and the courage to step out in obedience. Strengthen their heart to fix their eyes on You alone when the pressures of life feel overwhelming.
Next: Where You’re Going Starts Here - Dependence on Jesus (Session 3)
“But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, 'Lord, save me.' Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him...” Matthew 14:30-31
Main Idea: All of our strength for whatever comes NEXT is found in our dependence on Jesus.
1) Recognize Him: Like the disciples in the storm, we must recognize that Jesus is present and working, even in our most difficult moments. Trust that He has a purpose in every storm and that He is never far from us.
2) Listen to Him: True dependence on Jesus means listening and obeying when He calls. Like Peter stepping out of the boat, we show our faith through action—trusting Jesus enough to follow where He leads.
3) Focus on Him: Peter sank when he focused on the waves instead of Jesus. We face real pressures—fear, anxiety, temptation—but strength comes when we keep our eyes and hearts fixed on Christ, trusting His power over our problems.
Parent Prayer: God, please help my child to recognize Your presence in both calm and stormy seasons. Give them ears to hear Your voice and the courage to step out in obedience. Strengthen their heart to fix their eyes on You alone when the pressures of life feel overwhelming.
(Session 4) Sunday Morning
Next: Where You're Going Starts Here – Redemption in Jesus
“They only were hearing it said, ‘He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they glorified God because of me.” Galatians 1:23–24
Main Idea: Your past does not define your future when you choose Jesus
1) God Redeems Your Past: Like Paul, you may carry guilt, shame, or fear about what you’ve done or who you’ve been. But Jesus sees it all and still offers forgiveness. No sin is too big for God’s grace. In Christ, our past no longer defines us.
2) God Transforms Your Now: Salvation isn’t just about going to heaven later—it’s about being changed right now. When you trust Jesus, you have become new creations. Your desires, choices, and identity are transformed as you walk with Him.
3) God is Glorified in Your Future: Paul’s story didn’t just impact him—it inspired others to glorify God. The same is true for you today. When you live out your faith boldly and walk in freedom, others will see the change and be drawn to Jesus.
Parent Prayer: Jesus, thank You that my child’s past doesn’t determine their future. I pray they would know the power of Your forgiveness and walk confidently in who You’ve called them to be. Use their life to bring You glory and show others Your goodness.
Next: Where You're Going Starts Here – Redemption in Jesus
“They only were hearing it said, ‘He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they glorified God because of me.” Galatians 1:23–24
Main Idea: Your past does not define your future when you choose Jesus
1) God Redeems Your Past: Like Paul, you may carry guilt, shame, or fear about what you’ve done or who you’ve been. But Jesus sees it all and still offers forgiveness. No sin is too big for God’s grace. In Christ, our past no longer defines us.
2) God Transforms Your Now: Salvation isn’t just about going to heaven later—it’s about being changed right now. When you trust Jesus, you have become new creations. Your desires, choices, and identity are transformed as you walk with Him.
3) God is Glorified in Your Future: Paul’s story didn’t just impact him—it inspired others to glorify God. The same is true for you today. When you live out your faith boldly and walk in freedom, others will see the change and be drawn to Jesus.
Parent Prayer: Jesus, thank You that my child’s past doesn’t determine their future. I pray they would know the power of Your forgiveness and walk confidently in who You’ve called them to be. Use their life to bring You glory and show others Your goodness.
(Session 5) Sunday Night
Next: Where You’re Going Starts Here - His Mission
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations... And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
Main Idea: I am Called By God to carry out His Mission EVERYWHERE I go.
1) Jesus is Alive and in Charge: The authority to live on mission comes from the risen Christ. Because Jesus conquered death and sin, He has all authority—and our lives should reflect belief in His power and reign. Will you let Him be the Lord of your life?
2) Jesus Gave Us a Mission to Carry Out: We are not saved to sit still. Jesus commands us to make disciples, baptize, and teach—actively sharing the Gospel in our homes, schools, and communities. Will you move forward on the mission with Jesus?
3) Jesus Gave Us a Promise to Hold Onto: Jesus doesn’t send us out alone. He promises to be with us always through the Holy Spirit, empowering us to fulfill His mission with boldness and faithfulness, no matter the cost. Will you trust in the promises of God?
Parent Prayer: Lord Jesus, remind my child every day that You are alive and in control. Help them embrace Your mission boldly—sharing Your love and truth wherever they go. Strengthen them with the promise that You are always with them, guiding and empowering their steps, as they follow you.
Next: Where You’re Going Starts Here - His Mission
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations... And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
Main Idea: I am Called By God to carry out His Mission EVERYWHERE I go.
1) Jesus is Alive and in Charge: The authority to live on mission comes from the risen Christ. Because Jesus conquered death and sin, He has all authority—and our lives should reflect belief in His power and reign. Will you let Him be the Lord of your life?
2) Jesus Gave Us a Mission to Carry Out: We are not saved to sit still. Jesus commands us to make disciples, baptize, and teach—actively sharing the Gospel in our homes, schools, and communities. Will you move forward on the mission with Jesus?
3) Jesus Gave Us a Promise to Hold Onto: Jesus doesn’t send us out alone. He promises to be with us always through the Holy Spirit, empowering us to fulfill His mission with boldness and faithfulness, no matter the cost. Will you trust in the promises of God?
Parent Prayer: Lord Jesus, remind my child every day that You are alive and in control. Help them embrace Your mission boldly—sharing Your love and truth wherever they go. Strengthen them with the promise that You are always with them, guiding and empowering their steps, as they follow you.
