Fast Times at Junior High

The nostalgic memories of Junior High School usually bring a smile to our faces followed by the thought, "Those were the good ol' days," or, "I have blocked that out of my memory and have no knowledge of what you write about," depending of course on your personal experience.

When we realize how fast time has gone by since then, most think, "It seems like just yesterday I was in Junior High," or, "I have blocked that out of my memory and have no knowledge of what you write about." Either way, whether you're in Junior High or feel called to help out in the ministry, be encouraged to check it out. I gave it a whirl myself to see what all the hype was about.

Youth Group: Rock Style

Two awesome junior high girls with really big smiles

After being assigned to an article about the Junior High Ministry at the Rock, I felt the same fears as I entered the Junior High service as I once had entering the hallways on the first day of school. I knew no one, had no friends, and feared I wouldn't fit in…especially because I was 2 feet taller than everyone, 10 years older, and knew what it meant to have a professional career, bills to pay, and struggle in the corporate world, but I digress.

Surprisingly though, when I walked in, it was literally the happiest place on earth. I then realized I was at Disneyland and pulled a quick "U-ey." When I finally got to the Rock, the Youth meeting had just begun. All the kids were interacting and I was welcomed in as if we all had been childhood chums for years.

There was an array of activities going on and no one seemed to be left out. I made a few new friends and played some games, which were a blast, and then we sang worship. After a few spirit filled hymns we played some more games and then heard the message, given by one of the ministry leaders. The message was short enough to keep everyone attentive and even though the message was meant for the Junior High aged group, I was actually able to learn from it, something that rarely happened in my school days.

Popularity 101

Trish and some of the junior high girls at retreat

Regardless of the Junior High School you attended or will attend, it usually seems like the students emphasize popularity even more than grades. Students as well as adults strive to be liked by people and easily forget TRUE priorities. The Bible says, Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. 1 Samuel 16:7

Instead of trying to please God, people go to extremes to be noticed by their peers, and miss out on what God has planned for their lives. There was once a kid I remember from school that blew up the science lab and, boy, did he get attention! What was his name again? Oh yeah…Urkel! Even Steve Urkel never cared about popularity and he's one of the coolest guys I've ever known.

The Breakdown

Pastor Dru praying during a fun bonfire night at the bay

The Junior High Youth Group meets downstairs during the 11:00 AM and 5:30 PM services underneath the Rock's main service. So if you're in Junior High and want to have a good time and meet lots of cool people while learning God's word, this is the place to be.

If you're interested in helping out or need some more information, contact Pastor Dru Teves at the Rock offices. I encourage you all to look into it and pray about being involved. "When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I only had two things on my mind: the Rock and the Junior High Youth Group."