At New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, we recognize that our youth are the future, and we are deeply committed to nurturing, equipping, and preparing them for the journey of life. Our mission is to support their growth not just through academic and personal development but, most importantly, through a strong foundation in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe that building this spiritual foundation is essential in helping them navigate the challenges they face today.

Pastor Smith, whose passion for youth development was cultivated during his early years as a Youth Minister in Birmingham, AL, is a driving force behind this focus. His love and enthusiasm for empowering young people, combined with his innovative approach to their spiritual, academic, and personal growth, are central to our church’s mission. Under Pastor Smith’s leadership, initiatives such as the creation of New Bethel Academy have been introduced, ensuring that our care and investment in children begin as early as infancy. Programs like the Scholarship Fund are designed to support and guide our youth all the way through their college years. We believe the success and development of our youth are not only critical but essential to the future of our community and church.

Youth Empowered to Serve (Y.E.S.) in a Gospel Approach:
The gospel message is central to everything we do, and our youth ministry reflects this commitment. We aim to empower our young people to serve with the love, compassion, and wisdom of Christ. As the Scripture says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Through both structured programs and personal mentorship, we aim to guide the youth in the truth of the Word and equip them to stand firm in their faith.

Discipleship and Spiritual Growth:
In addition to participation in ministries like the Youth Choir, Youth Ushers, and Youth Praise Team, our youth are encouraged to grow as disciples of Christ. They are invited to engage in Bible studies and small groups specifically designed to address the real issues they face today—peer pressure, identity, and making godly choices in an increasingly secular world. The Word of God is a lamp to their feet and a light to their path (Psalm 119:105), and we aim to help them live by this truth every day.

Prayer and Accountability Groups:
We encourage the formation of youth prayer groups, where young people can come together to pray for one another and share their struggles in a safe, Christ-centered environment. Accountability partners are also emphasized, providing peer support in staying rooted in the faith, following Christ's example, and making choices that honor God. James 5:16 reminds us to "pray for one another" and the youth are taught the power of prayer and fellowship.

Service in the Community:
Just as Jesus came “not to be served but to serve” (Matthew 20:28), we encourage our youth to live out the gospel by serving others. Through local outreach programs, mission projects, and community service opportunities, we teach them to put their faith into action. By serving the homeless, visiting the elderly, and helping those in need, our youth learn the importance of sharing Christ’s love in tangible ways.

Mentorship and Role Models:
The Bible instructs us in Titus 2:7 to “set an example by doing what is good,” and at New Bethel, we are committed to surrounding our youth with godly mentors and role models. Older members of the church who have walked with the Lord for many years partner with the youth to offer guidance, encouragement, and wisdom. This mentorship creates a powerful connection that strengthens the next generation in their faith journey.

Gospel-Centered Academics and Financial Support:
Through programs like New Bethel Academy and the Scholarship Fund, we invest in our youth academically, providing a Christ-centered education that equips them with both knowledge and Biblical values. Our financial support extends through college, reinforcing that their pursuit of education is underpinned by the gospel and a commitment to live for God's glory in every area of their lives.

Living a Christ-Centered Life:
The goal of our youth ministry is to ensure that our young people are equipped to live a life of purpose, grounded in the gospel. As Romans 12:2 reminds us, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." We teach our youth to transform the world around them, rather than be shaped by it, by standing firm in their faith and representing Christ wherever they go.

At New Bethel, we believe that when our youth are empowered by the gospel, they are empowered to change the world for Christ. As Pastor Smith so often says, “Come and work for the Lord,” and we look forward to walking alongside our youth as they serve with humility, authority, and grace, making an eternal impact for the Kingdom.

 "‘See the world, explore new destinations, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.’ While these words may sound like a travel agency slogan, the Youth Ministry at New Bethel is dedicated to turning this vision into reality. We recognize that to expand a young person's perspective, it is sometimes necessary to step outside the familiar surroundings of their community. By introducing them to new environments, cultures, and experiences, we help them grow beyond what they encounter in their everyday lives. To support this, the Youth Ministry organizes an annual week-long trip to diverse destinations such as New York, Washington, D.C., and San Antonio, TX.

We warmly invite you to join us in the excitement, fun, and growth that our Youth Ministry offers. The youth gather regularly on Wednesday evenings during Enrichment Hour to participate in a variety of engaging activities. Additionally, we encourage you to join us on Sunday mornings for Worship Service, where our young members learn essential Biblical principles that will shape their lives in alignment with Christ’s teachings. For more information on upcoming local outings and group activities, please contact the church office or stay updated through our weekly announcements. We look forward to your involvement in this transformative journey!"