We exist to reach and disciple
youth in Christ, who will impact
their world through witness.

Check out our core commitments
to see what underlies all of our ministry decisions.

2 Corinthians 5:17:

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
he is a new creation;
the old has gone, the new has come!"

We want to equip every teen with the following “new creation” tools and concepts:

A solid understanding and love for the Bible, which is the written Word of God, and the ability to study it on their own.

An accurate view both of their sin and of the mercy of God in removing that sin: Jesus died in their place. The ability to continually preach that good news to themselves.

An understanding of the importance of loving others well, and the practical skills to do it.

The ability to share the truth about Christ with others, and a sense of urgency to do so.

The ability to make wise decisions based upon the Bible's teaching.

To that end, we offer the following opportunities for teens to grow:

Sunday School:  For both Jr. and Sr. High, Sunday mornings mean intense time together in the Bible (called Scripture), where we dig deep to understand and apply God’s Word to our lives. This takes place at 9:00, during CEFC's first service. Think "Sunday School" sounds like it's for little kids? Think again--this is for the minds and hearts of today's young men and women. These classes meet only during the school year. Summer can be a break, or there are classes for adults that youth can attend.

Sunday Evenings:  Jr. High youth group and Sr. High 180 are designed to be lighter in nature, and more fun--with the purpose of drawing in teens who are not part of our youth group or are not yet ready for intense Bible study. Teaching times are still Scripture-centered and relevant, but shorter, to leave time for fellowship. During the school year we meet at the Twin Valley Elementary Center's gym. During the summer, we're at the church.

Special Events: 
Retreats, game nights, cookouts and bake-offs, backpacking trips, sleepovers, bonfires and (semi-formal) progressive dinners all create opportunities to build community, tear down walls, and reach teens.  For up-to-the-minute details on Sr. High events, check out our calendar. Click on an event on the calendar and receive detailed information about what’s going on (updated regularly and as information is available.)

Hothouse:  Sr. High teens are encouraged to participate in a Hothouse group.  These groups (made up of 4-6 teens and a leader) follow a structured curriculum and focus on creating good quiet time, Scripture memory and ways to tell others what Christ has done in their lives. These groups also focus heavily on learning solid leadership skills. Locations and times vary and are arranged within the group.

Wednesday Evening Forum:  Most Wednesdays from 7-9 pm, we meet at the church for our discussion forum. Our talks are topically-based on contemporary issues: our goal is to develop biblically-informed crtitical-thinking skills. Check the schedule; there are some Wednesdays when Forum does not meet.

Service Projects: Whether it’s washing cars for mothers of disabled children, cleaning up the grounds at Camp at Old Mill or working with children at VBS, our teens are encouraged to put feet to what they are learning.  We strongly encourage teens to be connected intergenerationally within the congregation.  A large percentage of our teens also participate in short-term missions trips during the summer.

Parental and family connection: Our staff, both volunteer and vocational, are available and pleased to meet with parents to discuss how we might best serve, encourage and equip your teens. You can contact Youth Director Matt Carter to set up an appointment at 610-286-6790, ext. 102.  We're always glad for your input and suggestions. Also, if you’d like to volunteer your home to host an upcoming event, feel free to contact Matt.