A Journey I Never Expected: Youth Project Day

I never imagined myself in youth or children's ministry. In fact, I often avoided it because I genuinely had no idea how to relate to or minister to young people. But when God placed a burden in my heart to lead the Youth Fellowship in our church, I couldn't ignore it. I had no strategy, no curriculum, and no experience — but I had a conviction that if God was calling me, He would also equip me.

On the first Sunday, we simply gathered and prayed. I honestly told the youth, "I don't know what we're going to do, but let's ask God to guide us." That week, in search of direction, I reached out to Rev. Samuel Abraham — just to see if there was any resource or training that could help. To my surprise, he told me that the Rooted in Faith course was starting that very Thursday!

God had prepared exactly what I needed, at the exact time I needed it.

Week 1: Growing in Faith & Walking in Responsibility

Key Verse: Ecclesiastes 12:1 — "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth."

We helped youth understand that growing in faith means taking spiritual responsibility. Through icebreakers on life choices, small group discussions on faith habits, and the "Seed Challenge," we visualized spiritual growth. Youth took personal responsibility to grow seeds, tracked their progress, and visibly engaged throughout the week. Some brought actual growing seeds back on Sunday!

Week 2: You Are Created in God's Image

Key Verse: Genesis 1:27

We helped youth recognize their worth and identity in Christ through the "Identity Mirror" activity — replacing lies with biblical truth. Many youth openly acknowledged the false labels they had carried and began to speak God's truth over themselves daily.

Week 3: You Are Loved & Valued by God

Key Verse: Jeremiah 1:5 — "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you."

Through icebreakers on communication, writing a "Love Letter from God," and the "Heart Tracker" activity, youth expressed a deeper emotional connection to God's love. They became more open in group discussions.

Week 4: Your Gender Does Not Limit You

Key Verse: Galatians 3:28 — "There is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Through Bible character quiz games and discussions on the pressures of gender roles, many youth — especially girls — felt affirmed in their God-given purpose. Youth started owning their identity in Christ over cultural stereotypes.

Week 5: Obedience to Parents & Authority

Key Verses: Ephesians 6:1-3; Acts 5:29

The focus of this session was on blended families, adoptive parents, and complicated family structures. We had honest discussions about how some youth live with step-parents, adoptive guardians, or extended family — and how that impacts their view of obedience. We emphasized that regardless of the type of family we come from, our parents are not our choice — they are a gift and placement from God. This week was deeply touching. The Holy Spirit worked wonders, bringing comfort, clarity, and conviction to many.

The Fruit

Palm Sunday became a defining moment. It was the fruit of five weeks of obedience, learning, and transformation. Through the Rooted in Faith course by Shepherd's Academy, the Youth Fellowship I once feared to lead became a space where God's Word took root in the lives of young people — and in mine as well.

"They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor." — Isaiah 61:3

None of these things happened before the training. The course gave vision, tools, and biblical conviction to lead youth with purpose. These five weeks brought transformation not only to our youth, but to me personally as a leader and follower of Christ.