Calvary Chapel of Palm Harbor

 YOUTH MINISTRY- Ryan Saul

1.  How long have you been a Christian?
I grew up in a Christian home and was saved very young. 

2.  How long have you been serving at CCPH?
I've been attending CCPH for 9 years, I believe. I've served in Children's ministry for two.

3.  How did you know when God called you to lead in this particular ministry?
I've had a calling on my heart to serve with the youth since I was in high school. I saw first hand the effects of having solid leadership as a youth and it has been on my heart since. 

4.  Did He give you a specific verse to base your ministry around, if so please explain and list the verse?
I think that one of my favorite sections of Scripture is Romans chapter 8. I've heard this chapter referred to as the pinnacle of the Christian faith. My prayer is that we can understand the promises that God has for us that are laid out in this chapter as reality. That not only is there now no condemnation, but there will never be any separation between us and Him. Understanding that nothing can separate us from Him, and that if He is for us that no man can stand against us, makes the insignificant trials that we face in this world seem just that.

5.  Why is this ministry important to you?
As cliche as it sounds to say "as cliche as it sounds", the youth are our future. It is important that our future starts building a solid foundation now so they will be able to prepare themselves for the world. With every generation comes more and more junk that the youth are faced with. It's important that the youth be able to not only stand for what they believe, but more importantly, to be a light to this dark world. It's important that we are bold for Jesus.

6.  What are the biggest needs in your ministry as far as serving?
Besides space, there aren't many physical needs. Does prayer count as a valid answer for this question? We definitely need prayer. Keep praying. 

7. How has God used this ministry in your life as far as your own spiritual growth?
Paul calls us to constantly examine our own lives(2 Corinthians 13:5) as to whether we are in the faith. This is necessary for all believers. I find that the more I become involved in ministry the more this is necessary. I've been teaching a lot from different areas of scripture which has forced me to be in the Word much more. Growth and sanctification come only from being in the Word and through prayer. The burning desire to be more and more like Jesus grows with me everyday, which feels pretty awesome.

8. What is your vision for this ministry in the future, do you see it expanding into more?
I pray everyday for this ministry and for the youth involved now and the youth that will become involved. I definitely see it expanding.

My vision is to work hand in hand with parents to help grow their kids into God fearing men and women. My prayer is that when a kid graduates and moves on from the youth group, that their only goal in life is that God is glorified above all in everything they do. If your goal is for Him to be glorified above all else, then everything else comes into place. If you approach everything that you do with His glory and His will in mind, then you will do your best at everything. And if a tough decision needs to be made, you will make the right choice, always.

MARRIAGE FELLOWSHIP- Valerie Negri

 
Valerie and her husband, Dave, oversee our Marriage Fellowship with monthly get togethers for married couples.

1.  How long have you been a Christian?  
32 years