Youth Ministries
So here's the deal - When a church fails to focus on it's youth, it gradually gains speed on the slippery slope of irrelevance.
Too strongly put? - Well, maybe it is overly simplistic and there are many facets and reasons for church growth or decline, but be sure of this; God is timeless and the next generation of leaders in our churches will spring from amoung today's youth.
Like it or not, they will either be running our church, or they'll be running someone else's.
So, what can we do today, that will ensure our young ones, not only see the relevance of God in their lives but, grow to become true leaders and promoters of the faith we hold so dear?
Jesus really did this well - Discipleship. You can call it by whatever name fits today's context: be it 'mentoring', 'coaching', or 'leadership development', the result should be the same. It's a process of taking 'garden-variety' people, one step further in their jouney of faith, from whatever stage you find them in. It's a process of investing in the lives or others to allow God to bring an increase.
Our Vision: To create a sense of cohesion between the various Children's & Youth ministries that ultimately produces, in our kids, real spiritual development and healthy, well-rounded, hearts and lives.
Kids Club
At Rutland Street Church the provision of a children's ministry caters for children from 3 years of age through to year 6 at school. Kidz Club generally leaves the main Sunday morning church service at about 10:30am and returns at the end. We start our morning with a short time of worship followed by a brief message and prayer before children disperse to their individual class for various activities. The aim is to provide an exciting, fun environment in which to encourage our young ones to learn and understand more about God and what He desires for their lives.
Mainly Music
Mainly music is a music and movement group for preschoolers and their parents/caregivers. It's about kids and adults enjoying music, rhyme, dancing, singing and more. Doing this together so they can build great memories and share special times. Two 30 minute sessions on Wednesday mornings during the school term There is also an hour between sessions where kids get to play with other kids, adults have the opportunity to meet other adults, and morning tea is provided for all. Twice a term there are special theme days which give the kids an opportunity to dress up and have even more fun. Christmas, Easter, Birthdays and Mothers/Fathers days are celebrated throughout the year. We also have additional events such as family days, fish ´n chip nights, pamper nights for mums, etc...
Rally
The Rally movement started in 1931 in New Market, Auckland and has developed into a club for boys and girls. Rally has spread throughout New Zealand and other parts of the world. Rally aims include building strong Christian character, increasing knowledge and understanding while developing physical fitness, confidence and team co-operation. Rally is aged for boys and girls aged 7 to 12 years. A Rally night includes a mix of parade, games, hobbies, badges, Bible lessons and supper. There is a uniform and it is expected children to wear each night. Rally is held during the school term on Monday nights 6:30pm-8:30pm
Stand
Caters for both boys and girls in school years 7,8 & 9. Held during each term on Friday evening between 7-8:30pm in the Rutland Street Youth Hall. STAND exists to provide an environment that demonstrates God's love and advocates the ongoing journey of a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
YROC
Meets weekly to chat about what it looks like to be a Christian and still be you. We hang out together and discuss God's Word in ways the can be applied to everytday life at school, on the sports field, with mastes and at home with family. Saturday nights we also get together to either hang out or go out. The leaders desire to see youth growing in Christ and living their faith out, seeing Christianity as an exciting journey.