Forward in Faith | Spring 2025
In February, middle school students gathered with their parents and small group leaders for a Concert of Prayer to pray for their families, small groups, schools, and our church’s mission. The students experienced connection and unity as they lifted up their requests to God.
Much like Rush, our summer student-led conference, every element of the night was student-led. Students wrote and read prayer prompts. Others set up chairs, baked cookies, decorated, or welcomed parents. “It was wonderful to see our middle school students lead,” said one ministry leader. “Every student had a part to play.”
Parents and leaders were invited to not only observe the students in prayer but to quietly participate with them. Parents were impressed and encouraged to see their children praying for kingdom needs.
“The evening wasn’t about just dropping kids off,” said one parent. “It was about entering into their spiritual lives in a meaningful way.”
The Concert of Prayer also helped the students establish the idea of regular rhythms of faith—like singing, praying and celebrating God together—that happen in Christian community.
“We want to help students love the Church and not just be recipients of ministry but participants of what God is doing through His people,” said Student Ministry’s Ryan Carson. “We are so encouraged to see that God is at work in these young people.”
