According to Bill Wood, Atlantic Union Conference Youth Director, “youth ministry exists to reach out to both churched and unchurched young people so they might know Christ and the church.” There are several avenues and agencies that help to accomplish this intent. Like the wider Seventh-day Adventist community, Mount Gilead Youth Ministries engage and offer ministry to youth (ages 12-19), young adults, (20-35). Additionally, the Pathfinders Club (a uniformed group) caters to the shaping, nurturing and mentoring of young people ages 10-15. Along with this is the Master Guide Club (another uniformed group ages 16 upward) that offer leadership and mentorship to the Pathfinders. The Children’s Ministries and the Adventurers Club (third uniformed group) focus their ministry on children 0-11 years old, and the leaders of Adventurers Club are mostly parents.
Some intents of youth ministries include the following :
- – Foster spiritual and personal growth
- – Engage youth in healthy social activities
- – Train youth to minister to other youth
- – Develop and build leadership skills
- – Provide outlet for youth development
- – Promote youth programs on college and university campuses
- – Facilitate youth planned ministries and mentorship
