Youth Ministry Spotlight - Prince of Peace Church
This month our youth ministry spotlight turns on Prince of Peace Church in Melbourne, Florida. This is a church that Bo Bartlett knows well. He should—he's the youth missioner! A spotlight on the youth ministry of Prince of Peace
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Bo Bartlett has been in youth ministry for 6 years as both a volunteer and paid staff. He is currently full time at Prince of Peace Church in Viera, Florida. He is happily married to Michelle (Children's Ministry Director) and has two incredible boys, JT (10) and Tyler (7). He resides in Palm Bay, Florida. |
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We are located in East Central Florida in Brevard County, Florida. Our county stretches 71 miles long along the Atlantic Ocean. We were birthed from an Episcopal church in 2003 and have been blessed by the Lord in so many ways. The Youth ministry at Prince of Peace meets on Sunday mornings for Sunday School, (Jr high and Sr High) and then again on Sunday evenings for youth group. I have been involved with Prince of Peace over the last 7 years as a volunteer, part-time youth minister, and now full-time. It has been quite a journey. We have a close group of kids who value each other and the gifts that each offers. It is wonderful to see how quickly they embrace a guest to our group and immediately absorb them into the community.
We are beginning a praise and worship ministry on June 1st. It is with prayer and hope that it develops into a 3rd service intended to bring those who do not have a relationship with our Lord and Savior into one.
We will be attending our annual summer camp in August in Mentone, Alabama. It is something that we have done as a church with other churches in the area for over 20 years. I have seen more youth transformed at this event into an understanding of who Jesus Christ is and how important this relationship is for us. Last year alone I saw, several youth who had not been attending our church, and had never opened a bible, sit in quiet on a mountainside and spend time with God. I now see them on a regular basis and their devotional time has changed their lives. I can honestly say that if you lead your youth in doing, not telling, they will follow. The willingness of their testimonies and participation in worship, small groups, "quite time," etc. is something that has to be modeled.
My desire is that I see our youth community grow in an understanding that the most important thing in life is to "Love God first, and foremost," and allow him to lead their lives. As we move into the future it is essential to the vitality of the church that this generation of youth maintains this relationship, desire, and eagerness to learn, grow and develop into living out the Gospel, not just talking about it.