And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15

Hello, My name is Ande Zimmerman and I am the youth minister for the Logan Martin church of Christ. First of all I guess I should say that I am a little biased about our youth group, the Logan Martin youth group is my first experience serving as a youth minister. I love what I do!!! And if you want to know about our youth program just ask!!! Our youth program exist to edify our young folks while teaching them and others about God's word, and the importance of serving Him.

A little history of our youth program (It all started at six flags)
I don't mean that our youth program started at six flags, I mean I started with the youth program at six flags!!! I don't know much about the history of the program before I started, but I do know that the program was started by Jeff Madaris, who still serves our congregation as the Deacon of Education, and still teaches several of our youth classes. So what happened?? Well I don't really know, except that I went on a trip to Six Flags in September 2003, and somehow got talked into taking responsibility as a youth minister for our church. Talk about a turn of events, And I am still confused by it. One day I will have to sit down with Jeff and see exactly how it happened. But nevertheless it did happen, and I have never had anything better happen in my lifetime then the work that goes on at the Logan Martin church of Christ, and the work that is accomplished in our youth program.

Our Youth program could not have gotten off to the direction it has gone in without a firm foundation set by all those who served in working with our young folks prior to myself!!! With much prayer, and much work by the members of our youth group, our deacons, our members, and the generous support and oversight from the Elders of Logan Martin, we have built a youth program that is second to none. Our youth program has a distinct role in the Logan Martin church of Christ to serve the church, and to help bring in a new generation of people to our youth program through the faithful teaching of the Gospel.

Is all this really necessary?

Well, you may be right, I have never heard a scripture that shows a youth program is a necessity. I have even heard people say that youth programs are over rated and un-necessary. I beg to differ. I believe that the youth program is an edification program, an evangelism program, an education program, and a benevolence program all in one. The foresight of the Elders of Logan Martin to establish and maintain a high caliber youth program is helping not only to build up our kids so they will be strong in the Word of God, but also to ensure that the work which was started at Logan Martin will be carried out by many faithful men and women to others. In a way the youth program is working with many other programs to ensure the success of the Logan Martin church. How? By equipping our kids to talk to their friends and neighbors about Jesus and the great sacrifice that was made so that we ALL have the hope of going to Heaven. Some of our kids will likely remain at Logan Martin when they are older, and they will help to maintain and progress the work of the church there, While some will move on to other places, and help start new works, But no matter what, the foundation that has been laid down for them will help them to remain strong in the various works of the church. As those who have faithfully served the church throughout their lives begin to retire, God's Kingdom rest in the hands of a new generation. And we are prepared to do everything possible to continue the works of the church wherever we may go.

I want to personally encourage anyone who reads this, and is not a member of our youth group. If you are in high school or below, come be with us. I promise we will make you feel right at home, and we want you to see why we are the greatest youth group ever!!!

Ande Zimmerman
Youth Minister
Logan Martin church of Christ