Adolescence can be a challenging time of life – both for the parent as well as the child.  Our team of leaders and our group members can help you navigate through those times and not just survive, but actually thrive.  We strive to create an atmosphere in which your teen will feel welcomed, valued and accepted.  We also seek to have our interaction occur in an environment that is open, honest and loving.  Adult to youth and peer to peer friendships are at the core of our ministry.  We believe that growth occurs best in community and through close and Godly relationships.  We love getting to know our students and just walking through the highs and lows of life and having Jesus at the center of it all.  We want to help in whatever way we can.  Biblical knowledge and life application is a core focus as we encourage our teens to deepen their walk with Jesus.

Speaking of leaders, we have a diverse group of men and women that hail from all walks and phases of the life journey.  We’re both young enough to still play games with the teens and mature enough and wise enough to dispense Godly counsel at appropriate times to those needing it.  And all of this is done with the love of Jesus at the core (1 Thessalonians 2:8).  

There are a variety of ways to serve in the youth group.  Within the group, we are always looking for those with technical skills for sound board, audio & video, livestreaming knowledge or even the desire to learn these technical abilities.  People with vocal and/or musical talent are also sought after for helping to lead in worship and outreach.  Sports ministry, prayer teams, social planners and those who just like to be “behind  the scenes” are all welcome to participate as they are led and able.  

It is our plan and desire that our youth take their talents and plug them into the larger church body as often as possible.  The youth are both the church, and part of the church, and we want them to know that we are here to help them find where they can plug- in and serve Jesus as they are called to do.  They are not the church of the future – they are the church here and now.

There are opportunities to serve outside the church as well.  Living Vine has connections to a number of local and worldwide ministries and mission agencies.  We always encourage our youth to be involved in Alliance missions – both short term and long term.  See below for a sample listing of the opportunities:

• Akron Pregnancy Center
• Haven of Rest
• CAMA
• Envision
• Good Neighbors

Because we firmly believe in creating a safe and secure environment for your children, all of our children’s and youth ministry workers are background checked, interviewed, and go through the C&MA Central District’s Safe Place Training in order to volunteer and work with your children.

In the Youth Forms section below, you will also find the medical release and permission slips that are needed for your student to attend the events we either host or attend.  These forms are essential in helping us make sure your kids are cared for well.