eFrequently asked questions…

 

Q: Where Can my student plug into the student ministry?

A: It may depend on where your student is spiritually.  All of our programs are designed to work together to grow students spiritually.  A searching or spiritually immature student may best step in on one of our trips or come to a Sunday Night Live.  Students who are more comfortable in a church setting who want to connect with friends will love our Sunday School and The Pulse Bible studies that allow for students to have fun and become more like Christ together.  Our goal is to meet students where they are and encourage them to be more Christ like leaders in the world around them.

 

Q: Where can I find resources to help me as a parent?

A: We have a special page on our site just for you!  Being a parent is not easy and we all need all the help we can get.  So, there are several web-based resources out there that we have linked on our web-site 1bcstudents.org.  These range from Focus on the Family movie and music reviews to free Bible websites that allow you to look up passages and topics in almost any translation.  Mark also has a number of priceless resources to help parents connect with their students and understand the student culture.  All of these are just a phone call or visit to the church office away!

 

Q: What resources are available for my student?

A: This is a fun one to answer!  Mark has a number of resources just for them!  In addition to several books written for teens on subjects like dating and defending their faith, we also have a CD library where they can sample the best Christian music has to offer.  Regardless of their musical taste there is a CD that will entertain them as well as encourage their spiritual growth.  Students are welcome to come by the office anytime during church office hours (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm) to see what's available just for them!

 

Q: When is money due for the trips that you take?

A: Honestly, it depends.  Each event has a different deadline according to the requirements of where we are going.  As a rule, most trips require sign-up and payment no later than one week from the day of the trip.  Trips like summer and winter camp require deposits and payments weeks ahead.  We try and maintain a first-paid first-served policy.  Students often sign up for events they never intend to attend, or assume that there will be space without ever telling anyone.  So, spots are reserved according to who pays first.  This can be hard on families depending on individual circumstances, and we know this.  Therefore, we have a scholarship fund for any student to attend these events.  If your student needs one of these simply contact Mark and we'll make sure that your student has a spot.  NO STUDENT SHOULD EVER MISS AN EVENT BECAUSE OF MONEY!  We have an amply funded scholarship fund that we want to use.  However, spaces may fill before a deadline passes, so make sure you pay ASAP!

 

Q: How can I as a parent help?

A: We love this question!  Parents are welcome to any of our programs or events given that space is still available.  You are always welcome to sit in at a Sunday Night Live, help at a cookout, or simply just come and hangout with the students.  The best way to know what is coming is to keep an eye on the student calendar and announcements, and never miss a parent meeting!  If it is a specific trip that you are interested call Mark to let him know you'd like to help, we'd love to have you whenever possible!  Never miss a parent meeting!  If it is a specific trip that you are interested call Mark to let him know you'd like to help, we'd love to have you whenever possible!

 

Q: Why does God send “good” people to Hell?

A: This is the most frequently asked question we get from students.  We want everyone to understand that God does not want anyone to go to Hell (see John 3:16 and II Peter 3:9).  However, God does not tolerate sin (Romans 6:23).  Rather than the current cultural trend of thinking which says "Christianity depicts a mean and uncaring God," we believe that God cannot let evil actions go unchecked (How could God be "good" if He allowed things like rape to go unpunished?).  Thus, God will ultimately judge all sin (wrongful actions) including that of Christians.  The catch is that Christians have accepted the forgiveness and Lordship of Jesus Christ through His death on the cross.  So, the punishment for our sin has already been dealt out and suffered through on our behalf.  When we accept Christ as Lord and Savior we are asking for the forgiveness of our sins, and surrendering our lives to the leadership of God.  "What about those who never hear about Jesus?"  "Does God just not care about them?"  God does care.  The Bible clearly states that God loved the whole world, so He died for all of our sins.  God has done everything He needs to do to make payment for their sin and to communicate that truth to them.  Here is the punch line though...the way that God planned to share this good news is through us.  So, if someone dies never having heard the good news of Christ it is not His fault, but those of us who know the truth and never communicate it!