For Parents

WHO WE ARE

God loves young people.  His heart is focused and committed on bringing them to Himself.  And at BranchCreek Community Church we long to reflect this same passion.  This is the heart of Exit 31, a ministry designed to strategically reach the young people of our community by providing a safe environment, relevant teaching and worship, strong adults mentors, and permission for teens to be authentic in their search for the truth of Jesus Christ.  At Exit 31 we aspire to provide a variety of connection points that meet young people in their areas of interests whether they be traditional or extreme sports, video games, or music.  We strive to break down any barriers that keep our young people from experiencing the love of Jesus Christ. 

OUR GOALS

To provide a safe place for young people to MEET Jesus & experience Him as Savior.

To create an environment where our young people can go beyond simply attending church to being the church, as they grow to KNOW Jesus more daily.

To foster a culture where young people SERVE Jesus and each other daily in practical manners.

OUR VISION

We believe that God wants to do immeasurably more than we could ever ask of Him in Exit 31.  And he is calling us to join Him in His work at Exit 31.  God has always carried out His plan to reach people with is love through His faithful followers.  At BranchCreek we see our young people as the church of today.  We desire to stand behind them through encouragement, equipping, mentoring and strong teaching as they fulfill God’s calling on their lives to serve Him by loving each other and sharing Jesus Christ with their seeker friends. We want to help them remove any barriers that would hinder their friends from experiencing Jesus. 

We strive to partner with the parents of our young people to equip them with practical skills that will help them follow Jesus for a life time.  And as a Staff we are intentionally creating an environment for our young people to connect relationally with their peers in order to help each other in the journey of growing in their walks with Jesus.

VALUES

• The best person to reach a teen is another teen connected to a mature adult mentor. Lk. 6:40; Jn. 20:21
• Young people are searching for meaning and significance.
• We should strive to do everything in excellence for Christ. Col. 3:17
• Spirit led Bible teaching is God’s primary instrument for causing life transformation. II Tim. 3:16,17;  Heb. 4:12

YOUTH FAQ

-What do you offer for teens on Sundays?

During the 2nd service on Sunday mornings we offer various electives for the youth to choose from including 3 for HS in Rooms 111, 113, 115, and several for MS in the Exit 31 Community Center.  During the 1st and 3rd service the youth gather together in one class in room 111 for a Bible teaching.

-What do you offer for teens Saturdays?

At this point we have no electives for teens on Saturday evenings.

-Do you have any evening events for teens?

On Sunday nights during the school year we have Middle School Youth Group, and on Wednesday evenings is the High School Midweek.  Both evenings begin at 6pm, with snacks and a social time in the café area.  Then we go into worship, teaching, and small group interaction.  This is a great night for teens to bring their friends to hear what it means to have a relationship with Jesus.  It’s also a time to strengthen friendships, build trust with their small group leader and have a safe place to talk about life challenges they may be facing.

-What is the best way for me to get my teen involved?

The number one choice would be to get them to come out to our evening youth gatherings.  The Sunday morning electives also provide good places for teens to get connected.

-Is it okay if we visit your youth events as parents?

We would encourage you to not only visit but become involved with your teens in the Youth Ministry.  We have many opportunities for parental involvement.  What better way to know what your teens are learning and doing then to be a part of their church lives.  This will enable more intelligent conversations and follow-up at home.

-What specials events do you offer such as retreats, camps…?

We have a Winter Retreat in January, with Middle and High School combined.  And we have a Paintball Trip in April.  Additionally in the summer we offer camps for each ministry.  Our summer camps include: HS OBX Camp/Hi-Jacked, MS Wilderness/Coaster Camp, HS Go Global (Romania mission trip), MS Thirsty-Work Week for our Middle School teens.  There are also other activities throughout the summer such as amusement parks and hikes.

-Is there a cost for your youth activities?

Most of our trips and retreats do incur a cost.  But we try to keep it as affordable as possible. We offer scholarships for those who need the financial help by application.

-Do you ever have parents help out?  How would I get involved?

You can email one of our staff to discuss ways to can get involved.  We encourage parental involvement where they and their teens feel it is appropriate.

-Where can I get more info on the youth ministry?

You will always be able to find printed material in the kiosk in the main church lobby, and from time to time on the Youth table in the lobby.  Also, you can contact any of the staff listed below.

-Who is your staff and what kind of experience and philosophy do they have?

MIKE HARDER

Mike is our Youth Pastor.  He graduated from Messiah College with a degree in Biblical Studies and Religion, and also did Master’s degree work at Evangelical School of Theology and Graduate School of Christian Ministries.  Mike has been a youth pastor for 25 years.  His wife Teresa and their 3 children are also involved in the Youth Ministry at BCC.  Mike & Teresa have a real heart to see kids come to Christ, grow in Him and be used by Him to reach others.  Mike began at BCC in 2004.  Mike had involvement in authoring a book titled The Inside Out Youth Worker and is currently working on a second book about Mentoring.  He speaks throughout the US to youth pastors and teens.

NATHAN SCHULTZ

Nathan is the Middle School Director.  He has been working at BCC since 2007 when he and his wife left NC to answer God’s call to work with youth at BCC.

Nathan is a graduate of Cedarville University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work and a minor in Bible.  Nathan’s background includes work in Child Protection, Hospice, as well as youth groups.  Nathan and his wife Beth are both the children of missionaries.  They grew up on the move in Portugal, Alaska, Lancaster, and Western NC giving them a love for the world and traveling.  They have one son, Landon, who was born in October of 2009.

JULIE ZBYSZINSKI

Julie is the Youth Administrator.  She has been involved with the youth ministry at BranchCreek since she was a teenager.  She is married to Jason and enjoys the outdoors and great games with friends.

-How can I get in contact with the youth pastor or other paid staff?

Please call the church office at 215-256-0100 and the following extensions:

Mike Harder X 260

Nathan Schultz X 263

Julie Zbyszinski X 261

Or you can email them at the following addresses:

Mike.harder@branchcreek.org

nathan.schultz@branchcreek.org

Juliez@branchcreek.org