Youth Pastor’s Name: Aaron Batchelor
Youth Group’s Name: X7
Church’s Name: New Life Pentecostal Church
Where: Bridgeton, MO
Inside Out: How many students are in your youth group?
Aaron Batchelor: 50-60
IO: What is their average age?
AB: 12-21
IO: What is the coolest event that you have put together for your group?
AB: Our staff designs an incredible Youth Retreat every year.
IO: What does your group do for outreach?
AB: Two young men started a Sunday school bus ministry several years ago. It is still in operation today. There are also several HOPE Sundays a year in which our church takes the night service and turns it into a community outreach event. A couple of times we have taken our youth to help out a Home Missions church on a weekend. We also knock on doors and pass out flyers for Sunday events. Several of our youth have also been involved in Foreign Mission trips throughout the years.
IO: What do you do to disciple those that join your group?
AB: Personal Home Bible Studies by an adult and a student. Our church also has an awesome discipleship course designed for students and their families.
IO: What is your group’s claim to fame?
AB: Hmmm….
IO: Is there a “hangout” for your group outside of church?
AB: We have a small youth room, but there are other extra activities every month organized by our staff.
IO: Do you do crowd breakers?
AB: Yes.
IO: When does your group regularly meet?
AB: Wednesdays at 7:30 PM in our gym.
IO: Do you have a youth choir?
AB: Yes.
IO: What kind of music does your group like?
AB: Christian Alternative, Rock and Contemporary
IO: If you could narrow it do to one song, what would be your group’s favorite anthem?
AB: “Crazy” by Deluge
IO: Does your group have a worship band?
AB: Yes. PWB—Pure Worship Band
IO: If so, what style of music do they play?
AB: Christian Contemporary (along the lines of Deluge and Hillsong)
IO: Is the ministry emphasis of your group more evangelistic or discipleship?
AB: Discipleship
IO: Do you have a prayer meeting for youth?
AB: Yes; Monday nights at 7:30 PM.
IO: How many people are on your youth leadership team?
AB: Four youth and ten adults.
IO: What is the vision for your student ministry?
AB: We exist to help students know Jesus Christ and make Him known
