Over 75% of Christians make their personal commitment to Christ in their teenage years.  For this and other reasons, Southside has long emphasized the importance of youth and family ministry.  The youth program at Southside ministers to children from 6th to 12th grade and their families.

It is the goal of the youth ministry to equip our kids to make a deeper impact for the kingdom than we will make.  Our hope and prayer is that each teen will exit the youth ministry with a strong and developed personal relationship with God.  A parent committee, teen council, and immense group of student and congregational volunteers work alongside a full-time youth minister, Michael Fann, to help accomplish Gods' work in this ministry.  We hope that you will consider involvement in this very busy, exciting, and uplifting ministry.  Whether you can teach, chaperone retreats and other activities, provide transportation, host devotionals, coach, prepare meals, provide a mentor relationship, or become a prayer warrior on behalf of one of our teens - your service and talent is greatly needed.  There is room for all ages.

Some of the activities that are used to help accomplish the goal are listed below.  However, please feel free to talk to Michael or check the Youth bulletin board in the downstairs Youth Room for a more detailed description of the ministry.

Youth Days:  An annual youth rally hosted by Southside in March.  This rally is unique in that the teens are in charge of the event.  Over 400 teens from around the region regularly attend this uplifting event. 

Retreats:  Up to four retreats are held annually in locations form Gatlinburg to Lake Cumberland to recharge teens on their spiritual journey.

Teen Times/Escapes:  Members of our youth group attend over 10 different schools.  These are fellowship times that are provided every month after Sunday night services in the homes of members.

Service Opportunities:  Mission trips, Work camp, Children's Hospital Ministry, volunteer work, and appreciation dinners are a few of the examples of opportunities that are provided to encourage teens to put their faith into practice.

Other Activities:  Trek experiences, summer camp, home churches, camp outs, and many other fun social activities are used to build unity and maturity in the youth group.

Michael Fann, Youth Development Minisster;  michael@southsidechurchofchrist.org