STUDENT MINISTRY INFO BOOK

FALL 2014

OUR MISSION...To partner with parents and adult volunteers in leading students to be and to build reproducing disciples of Christ who WORSHIP God, CONNECT with others, GROW in His Word, and GO take the Gospel to our world.

PRIMARY ENVIRONMENTSThe majority of our ministry to students and their families take place in the following environments...

• Church Campus - Main church campus.• Homes - Approved homes of church and community

members.• School Campus - Various school campuses throughout

Central Arkansas.• Local Community - Various locations such as parks,

community ministries, places of business, etc.• National/International - Various locations for periodic

mission trips.

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PHILOSOPHY OF STUDENT MINISTRY

WELCOMEWelcome to IBC Student Ministry! We hope that your involvement whether parent, adult volunteer, or student, impacts generations and generations with the Gospel. This Student Ministry Info Book is a tool to better introduce you to our philosophy of student ministry, student ministry staff, and key terminology that we use throughout our church and student ministry. We are glad you are here!

NON-NEGOTIABLESThe following are some of the foundations...the non-negotiables...to IBC Student Ministry.

• Authority of Scripture - The Bible is the infallible Word of God. It was written by men divinely inspired and is God’s revelation of Himself to man. It is of supreme and final authority.

• Parents are Primary - God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. It is composed of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or adoption. We value the family as the primary institution for passing on the love and truth of God from generation to generation. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle example and loving discipline, to make choices based on biblical truth.

• Sound Doctrine - Scripture is the sole authority that defines truth, our beliefs, and our behaviors. The Baptist Faith and Message 2000 best reflects the doctrinal views of Immanuel Baptist Church.

• Disciple-Making is the Core - Christ commanded that His people “go and make disciples of all nations.” Everything that IBC Student Ministry plans, does, etc. is examined through the lens of making reproducing disciples.

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PHILOSOPHY CONTINUED...

EQUIPEquip parents and adult volunteers to effectively disciple students through the teaching of God’s Word.

CREATECreate multiple relational environments in which students are exposed to Christ, connected with other peers, and equipped to make reproducing disciples of unbelieving and believing students.

DEVELOPDevelop student leaders who become local missionaries and ministers NOW--in their families, their schools, their sports teams, the church, etc.

GOProvide opportunities for students, parents, and adults to take the Gospel to the least reached places--locally, nationally, and internationally.

CELEBRATECelebrate what God has done through times of corporate worship and prayer.

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STRATEGY

IBC Student Ministry strives to be and build reproducing disciples of Christ through four (4) strategic ministry elements.

PARENT MINISTRYTo see parents who love Christ deeply, in word and deed, and lead their children to replicate that same love for Christ. Ministry for parents, grandparents, and guardians of students in grades 6-12. We partner with the Young Adult and Median Adult Ministries of IBC.

HIGH SCHOOLTo see High School students turn their world upside down by walking obediently with the Lord, finding their place in the church, and seeking opportunities to make disciples across hallways, streets, and oceans. Ministry for those in grades 9-12.

MIDDLE SCHOOLTo see Middle School students worship God, connect with other believers, grow in Christ, and go to the ends of the earth for the purpose of making disciples of Jesus. Ministry for those in grades 6-8.

GIRLS MINISTRYTo reach each girl and teach her the desire God has for her and how beautiful she is to Him and provide a place where she can go to find godly wisdom and fellowship. Ministry for girls in grades 6-12.

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ELEMENTS

All students are expected to...

1. Respect and show kindness to other students and their thoughts, ideas, or opinions.

2. Respect Immanuel Baptist Church’s property and established rules concerning: personal conduct, facility use, and events.

3. Participate, engage, and contribute during student ministry activities and events.

In addition to the above, all student leaders are expected to...

4. Have a personal and visible relationship with Jesus Christ. 5. Be a personal witness for Jesus Christ.

• Be able and willing to communicate their testimony and walk with Christ openly with students and adults/parents.

• Be engaged in local, national, and global mission opportunities.

6. Have a positive and respectful spirit toward the leadership and vision of Immanuel Baptist Church. Be prepared to support the vision to other students, adults, volunteers, and visitors to IBC.

7. Have a lifestyle that is consistent with that of a growing disciple of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 8:9).

8. Be actively involved in a small group for the purpose of ongoing personal accountability and spiritual growth.

9. Attend church and student ministry activities regularly with an eagerness to learn and delve deeper into God’s Word.

10. Consistently invite and encourage other students to be involved with IBC and IBC Student Ministry.

11. Build relationships with students of all ages for the purpose of modeling spiritual growth in hopes of spiritually transformed lives.

12. Be respectfully open and honest when giving input to student ministry staff and adult volunteers regarding activities, events, curriculum, etc.

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STUDENT EXPECTATIONS

All adult volunteers are expected to...1. Have a personal and visible relationship with Jesus Christ.2. Be a personal witness for Christ.

• Be able and willing to communicate their testimony and walk with Christ openly with students and adults/parents.

3. Have a positive and respectful spirit toward the leadership and vision of Immanuel Baptist Church.

4. Have a lifestyle that is consistent with that of a growing disciple of Christ (see 1 Corinthians 8:9).

5. Actively participate in creating an environment that is welcoming and inclusive toward all students.

• Make an effort to reach out to visitors and connect them with other Immanuel Students.

• Reach out to students who are inactive or isolated from the group.• Actively participate with students.

6. Be prepared on time for responsibilities and/or assignments. 7. Be aware and cognizant of students who display behavior or make comments

that would suggest their safety, personal life, or salvation may be in question. Communicate those immediately to a student ministry staff member.

8. Adhere to all IBC child protection policies.

In addition to the above, teachers and small group

leaders are expected to...

9. Partner with staff, parents, and other adults in the spiritual development of students.

10. Faithfully attend and participate in the teaching and development of students each week in addition to scheduled Leadership and Training Sessions.

11. Teach doctrine and philosophy that is consistent with Scripture and in line with Immanuel Baptist Church, honoring 2 Timothy 3:16.

12. Develop positive and affirming relationships with students both in and beyond the classroom. Beyond-classroom opportunities might include: school events, sporting events, social networking, etc.

13. Participate with IBC students beyond Sunday morning through programming such as weekly student worship, Fall Retreat, DNOW, Student GO Trips, etc.

14. Actively reach out to inactive, irregular, and potential new members. Encourage and thank those that regularly attend.

15. Frequently reinforce plan and process of Salvation without assuming students have made a decision for Christ.

16. Consistently self-evaluate one’s effectiveness in leading students towards spiritual maturity.eagerness to learn and delve deeper into

God’s Word. 7

ADULT VOLUNTEERS/TEACHERS EXPECTATIONS

MATT HUBBARDLEAD STUDENT PASTOR

MY BIRTHDAY:January 25

WHEN I JOINED THE IBC STAFF:February 1, 2012

MY RESPONSIBILITIES:Work directly with High School students and parents; Provide overall vision/direction for student ministry; Oversee student ministry staff.

MY FAMILY:I have been married to Cassie Hubbard (El Dorado, AR) since June 2003. We were blessed with an amazing boy, Jackson Kyle Hubbard, in September 2010. Our home is never short of excitement with Jackson and our spastic dog, Macie.

WHEN I WAS SAVED:I was saved in April 1992 at Central Baptist Church in Magnolia, AR.

MY EDUCATION:BA in Business: Marketing from Southern Arkansas UniversityMaster of Arts in Christian Education: Student Ministry from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

WHEN I STARTED MINISTERING TO STUDENTS:I started ministering to students and their families in 2000.

THINGS I LIKE TO DO:Golf, Hunt, Fish, Photography, learn techy things.

MY DREAM VACATION DESTINATION:Banff Springs, Canada

Most People Don’t Know This About Me:I once had a unintentional fascination with flying off of things like Superman (ex. Go Cart [1st Grade], 18’ slide [3rd Grade], etc.)

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STUDENT MINISTRY STAFF

ROSS SPIGNERMIDDLE SCHOOL PASTOR

MY BIRTHDAY:January 1

WHEN I JOINED THE IBC STAFF:November 1, 2012

MY RESPONSIBILITIES:Lead all aspects of the middle school ministry. I coordinate events, work with a team of volunteers, and join with parents to develop a biblical approach of discipleship for middle schoolers.

MY FAMILY:I grew up in a Christian home with truly godly parents and an older brother. In college, I met and started dating my wife Caroline. We got married in 2007. I am so thankful that God has blessed me with a wife who walks with the Lord and invests in others.

WHEN I WAS SAVED:I became a Christian when I was 12. At 12 yrs old, I surrendered my life to Jesus and trusted in him for the forgiveness of my sins.

MY EDUCATION:BA in Christian Studies from Ouachita Baptist University in 2006.MDIV from Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary in 2009.

WHEN I STARTED MINISTERING TO STUDENTS:I started ministering to students and their families in 2006.

THINGS I LIKE TO DO:Any sport/game, basketball, ping pong, board games, etc.

MY DREAM VACATION DESTINATION:I love to go snow skiiing!

Most People Don’t Know This About Me:Every night before bed, I play a game that I call “The phone toss.” The object is to toss my phone trying to land it as close to the edge of my bed without it falling it off.

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STUDENT MINISTRY STAFF

MELISSA SPONERGIRLS MINISTRY ASSOCIATE

MY BIRTHDAY:June 2

WHEN I JOINED THE IBC STAFF:March 1, 2009

MY RESPONSIBILITIES:Work with girls in both Middle and High School and their parents; plan ministry opportunities for girls to be exposed, equipped, and engaged with the Gospel. I

have a passion for growing girls into godly young women through one-on-one discipleship and equipping them in God’s word.

MY FAMILY:I’m the only child of two loving parents (Bob and Diana Sponer) and the proud owner of an adorable tabby cat, Miss Maggie Claire.

WHEN I WAS SAVED:I was saved in August 1987 in Morrilton, AR at First Baptist Church.

MY EDUCATION:BA in Broadcast Journalism from Arkansas Tech UniversityMaster of Arts in Multi-Media Journalism from Arkansas Tech University

WHEN I STARTED MINISTERING TO STUDENTS:I started ministering to students during college in 2002.

THINGS I LIKE TO DO:Photography, travel, meeting new people, trying out new restaurants

MY DREAM VACATION DESTINATION:Venice, Italy

Most People Don’t Know This About Me:I used to be a semi-pro bowler, absolutely HATE feet.

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STUDENT MINISTRY STAFF

AMANDA BEACHSTUDENT MINISTRY ASSISTANT

MY BIRTHDAY:December 24

WHEN I JOINED THE IBC STAFF:June 11, 2012

MY RESPONSIBILITIES:Work with Matt, Ross and Melissa to ensure that the student ministry runs smoothly. Take care of behind the scenes things like food ordering, preparing role sheets, and event registration.

MY FAMILY:God has blessed me with 3 of the most beautiful, charming, funny and kindhearted children ever. Nick is 15 and he is my practical and logical one. Owen is 13 and he is my thoughtful comedian. AnnE. is 9 and she is my creative, playful one.

WHEN I WAS SAVED:I was saved December 23, 1984, at FBC-Gravel Ridge, Jacksonville, AR.

MY EDUCATION:I attended Union University in Jackson, TN. I majored in art.

WHEN I STARTED MINISTERING TO STUDENTS:I started ministering to these students when many of them were still preschoolers in 2005.

THINGS I LIKE TO DO:I enjoy reading, painting, building things, fishing, four wheeling, practical jokes, wrestling with my kids and beating them in an arm bruising game of slug bug!

MY DREAM VACATION DESTINATION:Anywhere tropical

Most People Don’t Know This About Me:I ALWAYS want to wear socks. If I take off my flip flops, the socks go on. I always carry a clean pair of socks in my purse.

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STUDENT MINISTRY STAFF

COMMUNICATION TOOLSEmailSocial Networking (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram)Text MessagesPhone CallsMailouts

DNOWDNOW (also known as Disciple Now) is one of the largest events that our student ministry does. This event typically happens in January. The purpose of DNOW is to provide students an opportunity to engage their lost peers while also growing deeper in God’s Word and with other believers. Students will be lodged in trusted church members homes who have passed a background check. Students will participate in small group Bible studies led by guest leaders, corporate worship services, recreation, and mission projects around the city. DNOW also requires a massive amount of adult volunteers. Parents and adults can volunteer in many different ways from hosting a group in your home, providing transportation, helping organize mission projects, registration, and many more.

DGROUPSDGroups is the ongoing discipleship arm of the student ministry for high schoolers. The goal of DGroups is to connect students to other significant adult relationships for the purpose of in-depth discipleship and fellowship. Research has shown that in order to effect lasting spiritual change on the life of a teenager, a teenager needs 7 significant adult relationships in addition to their parents. These groups will be smaller than Sunday School classes and will typically be more closed to guests than Sunday School. These DGroups, unlike Sunday School, will likely remain the same throughout a student’s years in the student ministry and beyond.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING Leadership training is in intentional time where middle schoolers are trained and challenged to use their God given leadership abilities to advance God’s Kingdom. Students will learn what how God might have equipped them to lead and provide opportunities for them to lead throughout the church and the world.

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COMMON TERMS

THE SPOTThe Spot is the large worship room through the double-doors at the far end of the student ministry area. Student worship services and other large group gatherings will also take place in this room.

STUDENT WORSHIP SERVICESEach week during the school year, the student ministry offers student worship services for both Middle School and High School students. The purpose of these services include: discipleship, evangelism, worship, fellowship, and leadership development. Adults are encouraged to attend and participate as often as one can. The current schedule for these services are as follows:

Wednesday Nights5:00-5:45 PM Middle School Hangout (Students can hangout and participate in organized gym games determined by staff.)5:45-6:45 PM Middle School Worship6:15-6:55 PM High School Dinner--TOPS Cafe ($2.00)6:45-7:00 PM Middle School Small Groups--Student Area7:00-7:15 PM Middle School Dinner--TOPS Cafe ($2.00)6:55-8:00 PM High School Worship

TOPS CAFETOPS Café is located on the right side of the main hallway in the student ministry area. The café is easily distinguishable by its’ checkered flooring. This is the hangout spot where students can get their grub on or just hangout! Dinner is served on Wednesday nights from 6:15pm-7:15pm in TOPS Café. This is also where students have a chance to hangout and grab donuts and juice Sunday mornings between Sunday School classes.

SUNDAY SCHOOLSunday School is both an evangelism and discipleship ministry of the student ministry. Sunday School is a great way to link up with other students and dive further into God’s Word. Middle School students will be in age/gender specific classes while High School will be in age/coed classes. Classes are offered during both hours, 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Sunday School is a non-threatening environment that gives students the chance to dive deeper into faith and friendships. Each group is led by 2-3 caring adults that create an inviting atmosphere of Bible-teaching, community and connection. 13

COMMON TERMS

GIRLS MINISTRYThrough our Girls Ministry, girls in 6-12 grades have the opportunity to grow in their relationship with God and their peers. Girls will learn to look beyond themselves and become involved in missions and ministry. IBC Girls Ministry does hands on missions as well as being actively involved in learn about missions, praying for and giving to missions.

GO TRIP(S)IBC Student Ministry partners with the GO Ministry of IBC to provide multiple opportunties for students and families to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. 6-8th graders will typically travel by bus/van somewhere outside of Arkansas (approx. 5-7 hours away) during the summer. 9-10th graders will likely travel to a very international locale that is still in North America, also during the summer. 11-12th graders will travel internationally either over Spring Break or during the summer. These projects will often include backyard bible clubs, social ministry, and needs-based ministry coordinated by our ministry partner. A number of adults is needed to volunteer as chaperones for student GO Trip(s). Students and families may also attend other non-student ministry GO Trips offered by the GO Ministry of the church.

SUMMER PROGRAMMINGThe summer programming of IBC Student Ministry is unique to the school months and varies from year to year. In year’s past, the student ministry has done summer camps, family camps, float trips, weeklong lock-ins, etc. All summer programming is available to churched and unchurched students. A great number of adults is necessary to effective summer programming with students.

GLOCALGlocal is the combination of two words--GO and Local. GLOCAL is IBC Student Ministry’s local mission initiative. IBC Student Ministry has adopted a local city park, partners consistently Terry Elementary, and helps with a new church plant in the area called City of Refuge. All students are encouraged to be involved.

THE GATHERINGThe Gathering is a special worship service that happens roughly every 6-10 weeks in place of our normal Wednesday night student worship. At this special service, all middle school students, high school students, parents, and adult volunteers are invited to join us in the student area for a meal starting at 5:45 PM in TOPS Cafe. At 6:15 PM, all students and adults will join together in The Spot for a unique worship experience. These periodic Gathering experiences have really made significant impacts in some of the families involved. 14

COMMON TERMS

Matt Hubbard Melissa Sponer501-944-8879 501-658-4204Email: matt@ibclr.org Email: melissa.sponer@ibclr.orgTwitter: @mattkhubbard Twitter: @MelissaSponerFacebook.com/mattkhubbard Facebook.com/melissa.sponer

Ross Spigner Amanda Beach501-246-1532 501-412-3111Email: ross@ibclr.org Email: amanda@ibclr.orgTwitter: @RossSpigner Twitter: @1glowinggirlFacebook.com/ross.spigner Facebook.com/asbeach

Student Ministry OfficeAddress: 501 N. Shackleford Rd. Little Rock, Arkansas 72211Phone: 501-376-3071On Campus Location: [From South Entrance] Take stairs to the left up to the Mezzanine level, our offices will be on the left. Look for the student ministry logo. [From North Entrance] Take stairs/elevator to the Mezzanine level, our offices across the gym, around the track. Look for the student ministry logo.

Websites and Social Networkswww.ibclrstudents.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/IBCLRStudentsTwitter: @IBCLRStudentsInstagram: @ibclrstudentsVimeo: www.vimeo.com/ibclrstudents

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STAFF CONTACT INFO

TOP 10 MYTHS ABOUT THE PERFECT ADULT VOLUNTEER1. You must be young, single, and have no children.2. You must have adequate Bible training.3. You must be perfect. 4. You must be a captivating communicator.5. You must be able to act like one of the kids. 6. You must have plenty of free time.7. You must know everything about the latest youth culture.8. You must be wild, crazy, and dynamic9. You must be liked by all the kids and parents.10. You must own a 15-passenger van.

THE KEY INGREDIENT“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13, ESV)

THE 6 E’S FOR ADULT VOLUNTEERS1. ENLIST with intentionality and purpose.2. EQUIP leaders well.3. ENABLE volunteers with the right tools. 4. EMPOWER volunteers with the right resources. 5. ENCOURAGE volunteers to lead well.6. EXPECT great things from volunteers.

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THE ADULT VOLUNTEER

“Parents are the primary Christian educators in the church, and the family is the God-ordained institution for building faith in young people and for passing faith on from one generation to the next.” (The Family-Friendly Church, Ben Freudenburg and Rick Lawrence)

“Young people say their number one source of spiritual truth is Mom and Dad--not the church, not the youth pastor, nor anyone else!”

(“It’s Almost Too Late”: New Man Magazine, Josh McDowell)

“A major study revealed that while youth go to each other first for advice, they tend not to trust the advice they receive. The youth suveyed said overwhelmingly that they would prefer to go to their parents or other adults first, but they do not believe they have a

relationship with them that allows them to talk openly about their problems.”

(Reclaiming Our Prodigal Sons and Daughters, Scott Larson and Larry Brendtro)

“Religious practices in the home virtually double the probability of a congregation’s youth entering into the life and mission of Christ’s church.”(Reclaiming Our Prodigal Sons and Daughters, Scott Larson and Larry Brendtro)

THE SHEMA...“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-9, ESV)

“Where we think that two out of three aren’t bad results in child rearing, those in the Hebrew culture knew that two out of three meant that generations would be left without a spiritual heritage.” (ReThink, Steve Wright)

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PARENTS--PEARLS OF GREAT PRICE