DOXA — Youth & Parent Ministry
GRADES 6-12th
The student ministry of Cross of Grace Church is aimed at glorifying God through Jesus in all things. We call it “youth and parent ministry” because, as we examine biblical principles, we see that God has designed the primary influence and responsibility in a teenager’s life to be the parent (Deut 6:4-7, Deut 11:19, Eph 6:4). We encourage parents to be the primary spiritual mentors in their child’s life, and we ask parents to participate as much as possible.
Though culture often characterizes these years as full of rebellion and cynicism, we believe they do not have to be this way. Our hope is to cultivate the benefits of discipleship opportunities within the family itself, opportunities that present themselves everyday. The goal is to see the godly influence flourish in the parent and teen’s relationship and the Gospel applied to the lives of our teenagers.
So in this aim, we offer teaching, fellowship, and social events that minister to parents and teens. This is done in monthly meetings where we gather together for worshiping in song, prayer, and teaching with great discussion times on important topics. We have studies prior to Sunday service. We also feature regular social-fun events and service activities.
DOXA: What’s up with the name?
Scripture tells us that we were created for God’s glory, to honor and worship him (Isaiah 43:6-7, Rev 4:11). 1 Corinthians 10:31 says—”whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do to the glory of God”—all of life should animate toward that goal.
The greatest display of God’s glory is his Son Jesus Christ. Jesus embodies the glory of God and is called the “Lord of glory” (1 Cor 2:8). We see the “glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corin 4:6), and Jesus himself “is the radiance of the glory of God” (1:3 Heb).
So to keep this at the center and as our purpose, our name—DOXA—reminds us of this. The word doxa (dox-ah) is the Greek word for “glory”, and can have a range of meanings (“dignity, praise”), but in scripture primarily in reference to the glory of God. It is also found in words like “orthodoxy” (straight/right thinking) and “doxology” (glory+word = a psalm, small hymn).
So that is our goal—to glorify God. Therefore the gospel is central. We are continually at odds in our souls to remove our attention and glory from Jesus and place it on ourselves. Because we have fallen horribly distant from giving him the glory he deserves, we need a Savior to restore us to our created purpose. The good news of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection enables us to be able to give God the glory he deserves. So it is through Jesus we aim to glorify God in our lives, in our relationships with our parents & friends, in studies, pursuits, fun, sports, music…To HIM be glory!