Greater Life Church San Diego hosts bonfire

The young people at Greater Life Church attended the church's bonfire-themed fellowship. (Photo taken from Greater Life Church’s Facebook page)

Greater Life Church San Diego hosted a weekend fellowship for young adults called "Young Adult Bon Fire" on Saturday, Sept. 24, at De Anza Cove, Mission Bay Drive.

The church’s Facebook page posted that the participants joined in the burning ceremony where they could burn everything that captivated them. Besides, they said that their Sunday Service was also extraordinary.

In another post, the church noted the bonfire event is for the youth to be motivated and have fun.

Youth Ministry

The church’s Youth section explained that the Great Life Church calls its youth program “No limit” Student Ministry. This ministry is intended for students from grade six to twelve, as added on the website.

The student ministry is rooted in the scripture from Philippians 4:13, which says they could do anything because Jesus gives them strength. As further explained, the church aims to build a foundation for creating Christian characters and behaviors for students.

According to the website, the student ministry desires to create a good foundation for the young people’s morals and values. The church is using a creative and new approach to excite and inspire the students, as noted on the website.

They added that they want to see them have an intimate relationship with Jesus. The website stated they want to help these students understand and acknowledge Jesus’ identity.

As further explained, the ministry seeks to help them realize that there is no limitation in anything they want to achieve with Jesus.

Youth Ministry Activities

The same webpage announced that grade six to twelve students gather every first, second, and third Sunday in the Sanctuary. They added that they have a family worship every fourth Sunday.

The church posted that they offer Sunday small groups for the students. They are teaching them how to become a man and daughters of God by studying “Becoming A Man & Daughter of Destiny,” as mentioned on the website.

Moreover, they said they meet every Wednesday night for their small groups.

Struggles of Teenagers in Growing Spiritually

The Youth Ministry 360 website revealed some factors why teenagers struggle to develop in their spiritual walk. Andy Blanks noted that the first reason is about time.

She explained that students in this generation have a lot of responsibilities. They have numerous extra-curricular activities and assignments, as added on the website. Blanks emphasized that children nowadays do not have time to pray or read the Bible.

Another challenge Blanks discussed on the website is that students have difficulty understanding and applying the words in the scripture. She said that leaders need to assist teenagers in knowing how to understand and live out God’s words.

Moreover, she emphasized that spiritual practices conflict with teenagers’ culture. Some of these disciplines are praying, studying the Bible, and evangelizing, as mentioned on the website. Blanks said they need some help developing these habits to mature in their faith.

Lastly, Blanks stressed that parents play a vital role in helping young people grow spiritually. But she revealed that many parents do not feel qualified to shepherd their children.