Our Mission:  EXPERIENCING  GOD . . . EXPANDING HIS KINGDOM

As Jesus changes people's lives, we purpose that ACAC Student Ministries will create an environment where students are empowered to experience God and expand His kingdom.

Our Values

Missional..."A life where 'the way of Jesus' informs and radically transforms our existence to one wholly focused on sacrificially living for him and others and where we adopt a missionary stance in relation to our culture. It speaks of the very nature of the Jesus follower."-Rick Meigs

We believe that throughout history, God has been working through his people to bring the world back to himself - first through Israel, and now through the church. We understand we are called to reflect the heart of the God who loves the world, by being the kind of people who will stand up for what is right, raise a standard for righteousness, and come against the injustices of the corrupt world we live in. With this principle in mind we are calling students to allow themselves to be stretched and look BEYOND themselves and encourage them to see the various needs around them. In doing this, we will help students to recognize their role as missionaries in their own communities, serving others as the hands and feet of Jesus wherever they go. They will bring the good news of the gospel through sharing God's word and just simply being Christ to those who they may encounter. (Isaiah 49:6, John 20:19-22, Matt. 28:18-20).

Story....We embrace God's entire Biblical narrative as essential to the calling on our lives. We believe that the gospel is an invitation into a better story than our culture offers, and that the path to reality and freedom is found in a reconciled relationship with God. We believe this is good news, and that inviting others into the story is the only natural response to the work God has done in our lives. We are committed to discipling students to become followers of Jesus who are fully equipped to share God's story with others. We want to provide students with an understanding of the depth of God's thrilling story and offer them many opportunities to tell that story!

Celebration... We take great joy in partnering with God to change the world, embracing the truth that all life is sacred, hope is real, and tomorrow is better than today. We would like to give students an outlet where they can experience infectious fun, filled with gut bursting laughter while they are pursuing lives of hope, gratitude, and worship. God invites everyone everywhere into this way of life, and we believe it is the best possible way to live. At the end of the day we do not take ourselves too seriously.

Authentic... We engage in loving, authentic relationship with God and others. It is vital for us to provide a safe place where the students feel a real sense of belonging amongst their peers. A place where they don't feel like they have to put up a false front in order to be loved and accepted by others around them. We believe that people are thirsty for relationships. Therefore, we will engage relationally with one another, our neighboring community, and the world in order that God's truth and love be revealed.

Formation...We will provide passageways that help us become like Christ both inwardly and outwardly, incorporating mind, body, and spirit. We refer to this process as "formation" (John 17:13:21, Eph. 1:3-14). Through formation we want to call students to a deeper walk with God. As formation is a process for all of us, we want to walk alongside of our students and love on them as they give God access to their hearts and allow life-changing transformation to occur. As Chris Folmsbee indicates, we want to "increase the frequency and duration of the holy moments in both our own lives as well as our student's."

Diversity...We embrace the differences in culture, race, and different points of view, as we seek to find common ground to continue to fulfill God's call as a community. The gospel not only reconciles men to God, but to one another. The body of Christ was meant to include people from all races and cultures, living and serving in love, unity and respect. We choose to celebrate how we are each alike, as human beings created by God.

Bridges...We believe it is essential to be intentional about building bridges with families, our community, and the church. Our desire is to not work alone, but rather to take on the care of our students as a team. As we partner, a greater sense of community will be developed, and so much more can be accomplished to advance God's kingdom.