What Does GRIP Stand For?
Sharing the Life-Changing Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
In partnering with the local church, our paramount and fundamental goal is to lead at-risk teens into a personal relationship with Christ, and help them as they cross over from spiritual death to eternal life (Matthew 28: 18-20)
Building Life-long God-Glorifying Relationships
The development of life-long, consistent relationships based on genuine trust, care, and love between at-risk youth and mature adult Christian role models is a key component for the development of youth – especially where there is no relationship with their natural fathers. Through these caring relationships, the mature Christian adult is able to equip, admonish, and encourage our youth with the wisdom of God’s Word as they “walk life” together. In addition, it is essential for youth to not only hear what the Scriptures teach about how God wants them to live, but also see examples of how the Gospel is being lived out in real lives and families. We believe that the real ministry takes place, not during the programming events, but when our youth are invited into the homes and lives of our adult volunteers. (1 Corinthians 4:15)
Plugging Teens Into Local Churches
Plugging young believers into local churches is another vital component of our ministry. In fact, we feel a responsibility to make sure our kids become vibrant, growing participants within the local church body, where they will be surrounded by solid teaching and supported by many God-honoring men and women. It is within the body that they will be encouraged to grow from the ones being served to the ones serving. (Hebrews 10: 24-25)
Praying as Our First Call of Action
We feel strongly that this ministry is God’s ministry, and as a result, we need to seek His will for it first and foremost. We are also committed to intentional prayer for our youth and staff for their spiritual growth and protection. We also strive to develop formal programming to further empower our youth so that they grow into healthy, Christ-centered contributors to society, their communities, job-sites, churches, and their homes. (Philippians 4: 6-7)