Youth
Destiny1212 Youth Ministry
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
The Youth Ministry of the Apostolic Church of God exists to equip a generation of spiritually strong thinkers and leaders who are fearless in faith, fervent in service, and focused to walk in the authority of God. Youth ministry is broken into the following groups:
B.I.G.2 —Big in God (ages newborn – 8)
C.R.E.W.—Christian Reflecting Effective Witness (ages 9 – 13)
20/20 Vision (ages 14 -18)
Education and Career
Sports
Worship
To learn more about Youth Ministry at ACOG, contact Rev. William Hall at williamh@acog-chicago.net or Stephanie Lee at stephaniel@acog-chicago.net
Programs
Baseball
The Youth Baseball Ministry provides an opportunity for all eligible participants to engage in an organized program where everyone plays with no regard to skill, talent, or level of ability. An important feature of the ministry is the continuous teaching of fundamentals, even in competitive situations. Youths learn the importance of sound physical and mental habits, as well as sportsmanship and the meaning of teamwork.
Meets spring and summer, Saturdays at 2 p.m.
Basketball Teams
The basketball recreational program provides an opportunity for all eligible participants to engage in an organized program where everyone plays with no regard to skill, talent, or level of ability. Youths learn the importance of sound physical and mental habits, as well as sportsmanship and the meaning of teamwork. Meets October through March.
Bible Study (High School & Middle School)
Engaging, illustrative study of the Bible focused on arming youth with ways to use the Word of God to assist them in their day-to-day living. Meets Wednesdays, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. (girls 13 through high school)
B.R.I.D.G.E.S. (Building Relationships of Integrity, Delivering God's Encouragement to Sisters) provides a meaningful opportunity for young ladies to strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ as they develop godly relationships with others.
The core values that serve as its guiding principles are LOVE—Lift Jesus, Offer Hope, Value the Word, and Encourage others. Through the core values of LOVE, B.R.I.D.G.E.S. offers intentional, creative engagement with a focus on embracing Truth in a transparent environment where young ladies are equipped as they face the unique challenges of adolescence. Young ladies gather in both large and small groups to dig into God’s Word. B.R.I.D.G.E.S. Meets: First, Third & Fifth Fridays, 6:45 – 9:30 p.m.
Career Exploration
Career Exploration is designed to provide job-readiness skills to youth 15-year-old and older. CE also looks at college choice and works with our college prep team. Meets one Saturday a month, 9 - 11 a.m.
Children’s Church
The Children’s Church serves to provide children with a meaningful awareness of the holiness of God through the teaching and preaching of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Children’s Church provides several worship opportunities to the children ages 4 – 7 in classroom settings and to children ages 8 and older in the children’s worship center. Ministers Sundays during first and second services (except fifth Sundays)
Children’s Choir
The Children’s Choir brings glory to God Almighty through worship and praise songs in the Children’s Church.
Children’s Drama
A program for children designed to spread God's Word and win souls to Christ through dramatic presentations. (Seasonal, during Children’s Church)
Chosen Champions 4 Christ
CC4C is our hands-on, fee-based summer camp track. It’s a seven-week program for youth ages 4 through 15. Meets weekdays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
College Prep Parents
This is a college-readiness program from a parent’s perspective that guides parents of 6th graders through seniors in high school with grade specific and appropriate resources, materials, and documents to assist them in preparing their children for college success. Meets Thursdays, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
College Prep Youth
A college-readiness program that provides 6th graders in elementary school up to seniors in high school with grade specific and appropriate resources, materials, and documents necessary to assist them in preparing their children for college success. Meets Thursdays, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Drill Team
The Drill Team seeks to cultivate Christian character, the heart of a servant, and self-discipline in boys and girls. Youths learn leadership skills and model these skills while in the community, church, school, and home. Meets Thursdays at 6:00 p.m.
Ecclesia of Praise
The children’s performance choir sings from September through June. Meets Fridays, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Family Reading Day
An engaging monthly reading ministry for children ages 2 – 8 that covers age-appropriate biblical lessons. Concepts are delivered in a way that also help to support beginning reading, fluency, word recognition, and comprehension skills, WE also feature periodic 30-minute workshops for parents to help them support the spiritual and reading development of their children. Meets quarterly on Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
G.R.A.C.E. (ages 13 to 18)
The overall mission of G.R.A.C.E. (Godly Young Women Reaching After Charm and Elegance) is to transform teenage girls, ages 13-18, into godly young women. Grace is a mentoring program that focuses on nurturing the femininity restoration within teenage girls, instilling a positive self-image, while stressing the importance of developing a personal relationship with God. In addition, each of the girls participates in The Silver Ring Thing Abstinence Program. Meets first Saturdays, 8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
HOLLA Back (Elementary & High School)
This summer program is designed to engage our young people in interactive biblical study, sports, and cultural exposure. Meets during the summer, Monday-Friday, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Homework Lab
The Homework Lab provides a safe, caring structured Christian, environment for kids to complete their homework assignments, study, get-on-the-spot tutoring and have the ability to prepare for the next day’s class. Working in partnership with parents, we provide homework routine that can lead to youth being successful in their school. Grade progression is encouraged to be submitted every five weeks.
Junior Baptismal
Once the altar call is extended, the Junior Baptismal altar workers receive the baptismal candidates and escort them to the dressing room to be baptized. Serves during first, third, and fourth Sundays at 11:40 a.m., and second Sundays at 4 p.m. during Un4gettable Encounters.
Junior Usher Board
Designed to teach youth to serve others, develop people skills and patience. Serves first and second services, 2nd Sundays at 4:00 p.m. Un4gettable Encounters service, and 5th Sundays at 4:00 p.m. ushers service.
Junior Hospitality (Greeters)
The Junior Hospitality Ministry will greet the congregation, guests, and visitors of the service and program. We serve as needed for internal and external special events. We welcome anyone 13 years and older. Serves Sundays first and second services, second Sundays at 4:00 p.m. Un4gettable Encounters.
Lions of Judah
A weekly Bible study and fellowship program for teenage boys that combines the wonder of God’s Word with the thrill of basketball. Meets first, second, and third Fridays, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
Little Blessings
Little Blessings is a cozy, parent-and-child sitting area equipped with toy props, music, and other curriculum-based activities and materials designed to teach even the youngest child about the Lord! The nursery features sanitary diapering stations, a private nursing station, and a flat-screen monitor for viewing the worship service in the main sanctuary. Ministers Sundays at 9:10 a.m. and 11:40 a.m.
Liturgical Dance
This is a program that teaches children to spread God’s Word and to win souls for Christ through the gift and ministry of dance. Meets Sundays after second service.
Martial Arts
You are exposed to the Japanese form of Karate known as Sho-Rin-Ru. This style deals with hands and solid underlying footwork movements. Students learn to understand and apply movements to neutralize situations as Christian warriors. Students who participate in this class receive a full body workout as they learn how to become focused, well-disciplined individuals who exhibit self-control in every aspect of their lives. Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
MIME (High School & Elementary)
MIME shows expressions of love for God and the delivery of His Word through movement—silent in mouth but vocal in movement. Meets Tuesdays, 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
New Members Youth Ministry
New Members Youth Ministry is designed to welcome and to orientate youth (ages 4-18) into the body of Christ. We educate the new members by providing the history of ACOG, information regarding the pastor, DR. Byron T. Brazier, and his father, the late Bishop Arthur M. Brazier. We provide an orientation that includes an intro to the core beliefs of the church, God’s Word concerning prayer, stewardship (good mangers), tithing (giving), and serving: as well as the Destiny1212 ministries available for them. Participants also receive a tour of the church campus.
Orchestra, Youth
The orchestra training program is designed to build musical skills and instill Christian performance practices in young people ages 4 – 17. Constructed to mirror the typical academic school year, participants will progress through three areas of graduated development study: private lessons, group classes, culminating in participation in full orchestra ensembles. If the child does not have access to an instrument of choice, parents must arrange instrument rental through an approved service. Meets Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Parent Ministry
The mission of the Parenting Ministry is to educate, equip, and encourage parents and guardians as they raise children based upon the Word of God. Our goal is to assist parents in building a strong biblical foundation for parenting; assist parents in bringing their children to spiritual maturity, academic excellence, and social responsibility; teach effective parenting skills through education and workshops; and nurture parents in the process of rearing children.
PIVOT
PIVOT invites youth ages 9 – 13 to activity engage in activities teaching and examining God’s Word, His plan for their lives, and His desire for them to receive Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Youths have opportunities to participate in community service activities, engaging discussions, and fun citywide outings. Meets second, third, and fourth Tuesdays, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Sunday Morning Bible Study Youth Department
The Sunday Morning Bible Study ministry offers a systematic and age-appropriate study of God’s Word in an interactive and creative instructional setting that focuses on helping children and teens apply God's Word in their lives. Ministers Sundays, 8:00 - 8:45 a.m.
Tennis
Tennis lessons give the opportunity for the tennis player to develop hand-eye coordination and endurance. Skills levels are encouraged to participate. Focus is places on sportsmanship, commitment, dedication, and responsibility. Meets Thursdays, from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. (ages 7 – 11) and 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. (ages 12 -17).
Toddler Town Nursery (ages 2 – 3 years)
Toddler Town is an early Christian learning program that engages children 15 months through 3 years during first and second service in fun, hands-on biblically based learning experiences that cultivate children’s love for God, while also supporting parents in developing their children’s Christian learning foundation.
Tutoring
The interactive language arts, math, science, and social studies/sciences sessions engaged our coaches and youth in concept-gaining activities that target areas of concert, maintain grade excellence, or achieve grade excellence. It’s encouraged that a copy of grades be provided every five weeks for monitoring progress. Meets Monday through Thursday, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Un4gettable Encounters
This monthly service is designed to bring young people of all ages together in a worship service. Young people have an opportunity to grow in grace through their participation in a service designed by and for young people. Meets second Sundays at 4 p.m.
Worship on the Wall
Worship on the Wall (WOW) is a service in which teens receive age-relevant ministry that addresses the issues they are confronting. It emphasizes a Christ-centered worship life by applying biblical principles to their daily living. It is also a place where teens develop their spiritual gifts by leading and participating in worship service. Ministers every Sunday at noon.
Young Brothers for Christ
This program combines sports activities with biblical truths to cultivate Christian character in boys, by age specific groups, that can be practiced at school, in the home, and the community. Meets second, third, and fourth Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Young Sisters for Christ/Girl Scouts:
A two-fold program for girls designed to develop Godly young women through educational, spiritual and recreational activities. In addition, the girls, in cooperation with the Girl Scouts of the USA, perform community services, build relationships, and achieve leadership roles. Meets second and fourth Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Youth Concert Choir
Young men and ladies sing to the glory God, ministering to God’s people and carrying the Gospel of Jesus to the lost. Young people learn the fundamentals of singing and reading music, which prepares them to be a welcome addition to the various adult choirs at the church. We strive to develop in our youth Christian character that will carry them through the remainder of their lives. Meets Wednesdays, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Youth Drama
The Youth Drama Club is a ministry strictly for children ages 6-18 who are interested in drama and/or the ability to read at a second-grade level. This group will assist in spiritual growth as we use drama to help develop skills in oral presentation, building memorization, leadership skills and self-esteem. New participants should be prepared to present a one-minute monologue. Meets Tuesdays, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
