STUDENT MINISTRY

INFO BOOK
FALL 2014
OUR MISSION...
To partner with parents and adult volunteers in leading
students to be and to build reproducing disciples of Christ who
WORSHIP God, CONNECT with others, GROW in His Word,
and GO take the Gospel to our world.
PRIMARY ENVIRONMENTS
The majority of our ministry to students and their families take
place in the following environments...
Church Campus - Main church campus.
Homes - Approved homes of church and community
members.
School Campus - Various school campuses throughout
Central Arkansas.
Local Community - Various locations such as parks,
community ministries, places of business, etc.
National/International - Various locations for periodic
mission trips.
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PHILOSOPHY OF
STUDENT MINISTRY
WELCOME
Welcome to IBC Student Ministry! We hope that your involvement
whether parent, adult volunteer, or student, impacts generations and
generations with the Gospel. This Student Ministry Info Book is a tool
to better introduce you to our philosophy of student ministry, student
ministry staff, and key terminology that we use throughout our church
and student ministry. We are glad you are here!
NON-NEGOTIABLES
The following are some of the foundations...the non-
negotiables...to IBC Student Ministry.
Authority of Scripture - The Bible is the infallible Word of
God. It was written by men divinely inspired and is Gods
revelation of Himself to man. It is of supreme and nal
authority.
Parents are Primary - God has ordained the family as the
foundational institution of human society. It is composed
of persons related to one another by marriage, blood, or
adoption. We value the family as the primary institution for
passing on the love and truth of God from generation to
generation. Parents are to teach their children spiritual and
moral values and to lead them, through consistent lifestyle
example and loving discipline, to make choices based on
biblical truth.
Sound Doctrine - Scripture is the sole authority that denes
truth, our beliefs, and our behaviors. The Baptist Faith and
Message 2000 best reects the doctrinal views of Immanuel
Baptist Church.
Disciple-Making is the Core - Christ commanded that His
people go and make disciples of all nations. Everything
that IBC Student Ministry plans, does, etc. is examined
through the lens of making reproducing disciples.
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PHILOSOPHY CONTINUED...
EQUIP
Equip parents and adult volunteers to effectively disciple students
through the teaching of Gods Word.
CREATE
Create multiple relational environments in which students are
exposed to Christ, connected with other peers, and equipped
to make reproducing disciples of unbelieving and believing
students.
DEVELOP
Develop student leaders who become local missionaries and
ministers NOW--in their families, their schools, their sports
teams, the church, etc.
GO
Provide opportunities for students, parents, and adults to take
the Gospel to the least reached places--locally, nationally, and
internationally.
CELEBRATE
Celebrate what God has done through times of corporate
worship and prayer.
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STRATEGY
IBC Student Ministry strives to be and build reproducing disciples of
Christ through four (4) strategic ministry elements.

PARENT MINISTRY
To see parents who love Christ deeply, in word and deed, and lead
their children to replicate that same love for Christ. Ministry for
parents, grandparents, and guardians of students in grades 6-12. We
partner with the Young Adult and Median Adult Ministries of IBC.
HIGH SCHOOL
To see High School students turn their world upside down by walking
obediently with the Lord, nding their place in the church, and seeking
opportunities to make disciples across hallways, streets, and oceans.
Ministry for those in grades 9-12.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
To see Middle School students worship God, connect with other
believers, grow in Christ, and go to the ends of the earth for the
purpose of making disciples of Jesus. Ministry for those in grades
6-8.
GIRLS MINISTRY
To reach each girl and teach her the desire God has for her and how
beautiful she is to Him and provide a place where she can go to nd
godly wisdom and fellowship. Ministry for girls in grades 6-12.
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ELEMENTS
All students are expected to...
1. Respect and show kindness to other students and their thoughts,
ideas, or opinions.
2. Respect Immanuel Baptist Churchs property and established rules
concerning: personal conduct, facility use, and events.
3. Participate, engage, and contribute during student ministry
activities and events.
In addition to the above, all student
leaders are expected to...
4. Have a personal and visible relationship with Jesus Christ.
5. Be a personal witness for Jesus Christ.
Be able and willing to communicate their testimony and
walk with Christ openly with students and adults/parents.
Be engaged in local, national, and global mission
opportunities.
6. Have a positive and respectful spirit toward the leadership and
vision of Immanuel Baptist Church. Be prepared to support the
vision to other students, adults, volunteers, and visitors to IBC.
7. Have a lifestyle that is consistent with that of a growing disciple of
Christ (see 1 Corinthians 8:9).
8. Be actively involved in a small group for the purpose of ongoing
personal accountability and spiritual growth.
9. Attend church and student ministry activities regularly with an
eagerness to learn and delve deeper into Gods Word.
10. Consistently invite and encourage other students to be involved
with IBC and IBC Student Ministry.
11. Build relationships with students of all ages for the purpose of
modeling spiritual growth in hopes of spiritually transformed lives.
12. Be respectfully open and honest when giving input to student
ministry staff and adult volunteers regarding activities, events,
curriculum, etc.
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STUDENT EXPECTATIONS
All adult volunteers are expected to...
1. Have a personal and visible relationship with Jesus Christ.
2. Be a personal witness for Christ.
Be able and willing to communicate their testimony and walk with
Christ openly with students and adults/parents.
3. Have a positive and respectful spirit toward the leadership and vision of
Immanuel Baptist Church.
4. Have a lifestyle that is consistent with that of a growing disciple of Christ (see 1
Corinthians 8:9).
5. Actively participate in creating an environment that is welcoming and inclusive
toward all students.
Make an effort to reach out to visitors and connect them with other
Immanuel Students.
Reach out to students who are inactive or isolated from the group.
Actively participate with students.
6. Be prepared on time for responsibilities and/or assignments.
7. Be aware and cognizant of students who display behavior or make comments
that would suggest their safety, personal life, or salvation may be in question.
Communicate those immediately to a student ministry staff member.
8. Adhere to all IBC child protection policies.
In addition to the above, teachers and small group
leaders are expected to...
9. Partner with staf, parents, and other adults in the spiritual development of
students.
10. Faithfully attend and participate in the teaching and development of
students each week in addition to scheduled Leadership and Training
Sessions.
11. Teach doctrine and philosophy that is consistent with Scripture and in line
with Immanuel Baptist Church, honoring 2 Timothy 3:16.
12. Develop positive and afrming relationships with students both in and
beyond the classroom. Beyond-classroom opportunities might include:
school events, sporting
events, social networking, etc.
13. Participate with IBC students beyond Sunday morning through
programming such as weekly student worship, Fall Retreat, DNOW, Student
GO Trips, etc.
14. Actively reach out to inactive, irregular, and potential new members.
Encourage and thank those that regularly attend.
15. Frequently reinforce plan and process of Salvation without assuming
students have made a decision for Christ.
16. Consistently self-evaluate ones efectiveness in leading students
towards spiritual maturity.eagerness to learn and delve deeper into
Gods Word.
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ADULT VOLUNTEERS/
TEACHERS EXPECTATIONS
MATT HUBBARD
LEAD STUDENT PASTOR
MY BIRTHDAY:
January 25
WHEN I JOINED THE IBC STAFF:
February 1, 2012
MY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work directly with High School students
and parents; Provide overall vision/
direction for student ministry; Oversee
student ministry staff.
MY FAMILY:
I have been married to Cassie Hubbard (El Dorado, AR) since June
2003. We were blessed with an amazing boy, Jackson Kyle Hubbard, in
September 2010. Our home is never short of excitement with Jackson and
our spastic dog, Macie.
WHEN I WAS SAVED:
I was saved in April 1992 at Central Baptist Church in Magnolia, AR.
MY EDUCATION:
BA in Business: Marketing from Southern Arkansas University
Master of Arts in Christian Education: Student Ministry from Southwestern
Baptist Theological Seminary
WHEN I STARTED MINISTERING TO STUDENTS:
I started ministering to students and their families in 2000.
THINGS I LIKE TO DO:
Golf, Hunt, Fish, Photography, learn techy things.
MY DREAM VACATION DESTINATION:
Banff Springs, Canada
Most People Dont Know This About Me:
I once had a unintentional fascination with ying off of things like Superman
(ex. Go Cart [1st Grade], 18 slide [3rd Grade], etc.)
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STUDENT MINISTRY STAFF
ROSS SPIGNER
MIDDLE SCHOOL PASTOR
MY BIRTHDAY:
January 1
WHEN I JOINED THE IBC STAFF:
November 1, 2012
MY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Lead all aspects of the middle school
ministry. I coordinate events, work with a
team of volunteers, and join with parents to
develop a biblical approach of discipleship
for middle schoolers.
MY FAMILY:
I grew up in a Christian home with truly godly parents and an older brother.
In college, I met and started dating my wife Caroline. We got married in
2007. I am so thankful that God has blessed me with a wife who walks with
the Lord and invests in others.
WHEN I WAS SAVED:
I became a Christian when I was 12. At 12 yrs old, I surrendered my life to
Jesus and trusted in him for the forgiveness of my sins.
MY EDUCATION:
BA in Christian Studies from Ouachita Baptist University in 2006.
MDIV from Mid America Baptist Theological Seminary in 2009.
WHEN I STARTED MINISTERING TO STUDENTS:
I started ministering to students and their families in 2006.
THINGS I LIKE TO DO:
Any sport/game, basketball, ping pong, board games, etc.
MY DREAM VACATION DESTINATION:
I love to go snow skiiing!
Most People Dont Know This About Me:
Every night before bed, I play a game that I call The phone toss.
The object is to toss my phone trying to land it as close to the
edge of my bed without it falling it off.
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STUDENT MINISTRY STAFF
MELISSA SPONER
GIRLS MINISTRY ASSOCIATE
MY BIRTHDAY:
June 2
WHEN I JOINED THE IBC STAFF:
March 1, 2009
MY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work with girls in both Middle and High
School and their parents; plan ministry
opportunities for girls to be exposed,
equipped, and engaged with the Gospel. I
have a passion for growing girls into godly young women through one-on-
one discipleship and equipping them in Gods word.
MY FAMILY:
Im the only child of two loving parents (Bob and Diana Sponer) and the
proud owner of an adorable tabby cat, Miss Maggie Claire.
WHEN I WAS SAVED:
I was saved in August 1987 in Morrilton, AR at First Baptist Church.
MY EDUCATION:
BA in Broadcast Journalism from Arkansas Tech University
Master of Arts in Multi-Media Journalism from Arkansas Tech University
WHEN I STARTED MINISTERING TO STUDENTS:
I started ministering to students during college in 2002.
THINGS I LIKE TO DO:
Photography, travel, meeting new people, trying out new restaurants
MY DREAM VACATION DESTINATION:
Venice, Italy
Most People Dont Know This About Me:
I used to be a semi-pro bowler, absolutely HATE feet.
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STUDENT MINISTRY STAFF
AMANDA BEACH
STUDENT MINISTRY ASSISTANT
MY BIRTHDAY:
December 24
WHEN I JOINED THE IBC STAFF:
June 11, 2012
MY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work with Matt, Ross and Melissa to
ensure that the student ministry runs
smoothly. Take care of behind the scenes
things like food ordering, preparing role
sheets, and event registration.
MY FAMILY:
God has blessed me with 3 of the most beautiful, charming, funny and
kindhearted children ever. Nick is 15 and he is my practical and logical
one. Owen is 13 and he is my thoughtful comedian. AnnE. is 9 and she is
my creative, playful one.
WHEN I WAS SAVED:
I was saved December 23, 1984, at FBC-Gravel Ridge, Jacksonville, AR.
MY EDUCATION:
I attended Union University in Jackson, TN. I majored in art.
WHEN I STARTED MINISTERING TO STUDENTS:
I started ministering to these students when many of them were still
preschoolers in 2005.
THINGS I LIKE TO DO:
I enjoy reading, painting, building things, shing, four wheeling, practical
jokes, wrestling with my kids and beating them in an arm bruising game of
slug bug!
MY DREAM VACATION DESTINATION:
Anywhere tropical
Most People Dont Know This About Me:
I ALWAYS want to wear socks. If I take off my ip ops, the
socks go on. I always carry a clean pair of socks in my purse.
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STUDENT MINISTRY STAFF
COMMUNICATION TOOLS
Email
Social Networking (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram)
Text Messages
Phone Calls
Mailouts
DNOW
DNOW (also known as Disciple Now) is one of the largest events that
our student ministry does. This event typically happens in January.
The purpose of DNOW is to provide students an opportunity to engage
their lost peers while also growing deeper in Gods Word and with other
believers. Students will be lodged in trusted church members homes
who have passed a background check. Students will participate in
small group Bible studies led by guest leaders, corporate worship
services, recreation, and mission projects around the city. DNOW also
requires a massive amount of adult volunteers. Parents and adults can
volunteer in many diferent ways from hosting a group in your home,
providing transportation, helping organize mission projects, registration,
and many more.
DGROUPS
DGroups is the ongoing discipleship arm of the student ministry for
high schoolers. The goal of DGroups is to connect students to other
signifcant adult relationships for the purpose of in-depth discipleship
and fellowship. Research has shown that in order to efect lasting
spiritual change on the life of a teenager, a teenager needs 7 signifcant
adult relationships in addition to their parents. These groups will be
smaller than Sunday School classes and will typically be more closed
to guests than Sunday School. These DGroups, unlike Sunday School,
will likely remain the same throughout a students years in the student
ministry and beyond.
LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Leadership training is in intentional time where middle schoolers are
trained and challenged to use their God given leadership abilities to
advance Gods Kingdom. Students will learn what how God might
have equipped them to lead and provide opportunities for them to lead
throughout the church and the world.
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COMMON TERMS
THE SPOT
The Spot is the large worship room through the double-doors at the far end
of the student ministry area. Student worship services and other large group
gatherings will also take place in this room.
STUDENT WORSHIP SERVICES
Each week during the school year, the student ministry offers student worship
services for both Middle School and High School students. The purpose of
these services include: discipleship, evangelism, worship, fellowship, and
leadership development. Adults are encouraged to attend and participate
as often as one can. The current schedule for these services are as follows:
Wednesday Nights
5:00-5:45 PM Middle School Hangout (Students can hangout and
participate in organized gym games determined by staff.)
5:45-6:45 PM Middle School Worship
6:15-6:55 PM High School Dinner--TOPS Cafe ($2.00)
6:45-7:00 PM Middle School Small Groups--Student Area
7:00-7:15 PM Middle School Dinner--TOPS Cafe ($2.00)
6:55-8:00 PM High School Worship
TOPS CAFE
TOPS Caf is located on the right side of the main hallway in the student
ministry area. The caf is easily distinguishable by its checkered ooring.
This is the hangout spot where students can get their grub on or just hangout!
Dinner is served on Wednesday nights from 6:15pm-7:15pm in TOPS Caf.
This is also where students have a chance to hangout and grab donuts and
juice Sunday mornings between Sunday School classes.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School is both an evangelism and discipleship ministry of the student
ministry. Sunday School is a great way to link up with other students and
dive further into Gods Word. Middle School students will be in age/
gender specic classes while High School will be in age/coed classes.
Classes are offered during both hours, 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Sunday
School is a non-threatening environment that gives students the chance to
dive deeper into faith and friendships. Each group is led by 2-3 caring
adults that create an inviting atmosphere of Bible-teaching,
community and connection. 13
COMMON TERMS
GIRLS MINISTRY
Through our Girls Ministry, girls in 6-12 grades have the opportunity to grow in their
relationship with God and their peers. Girls will learn to look beyond themselves
and become involved in missions and ministry. IBC Girls Ministry does hands on
missions as well as being actively involved in learn about missions, praying for and
giving to missions.
GO TRIP(S)
IBC Student Ministry partners with the GO Ministry of IBC to provide multiple
opportunties for students and families to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
6-8th graders will typically travel by bus/van somewhere outside of Arkansas
(approx. 5-7 hours away) during the summer. 9-10th graders will likely travel to
a very international locale that is still in North America, also during the summer.
11-12th graders will travel internationally either over Spring Break or during the
summer. These projects will often include backyard bible clubs, social ministry, and
needs-based ministry coordinated by our ministry partner. A number of adults is
needed to volunteer as chaperones for student GO Trip(s). Students and families
may also attend other non-student ministry GO Trips offered by the GO Ministry of
the church.
SUMMER PROGRAMMING
The summer programming of IBC Student Ministry is unique to the school months
and varies from year to year. In years past, the student ministry has done summer
camps, family camps, oat trips, weeklong lock-ins, etc. All summer programming
is available to churched and unchurched students. A great number of adults is
necessary to effective summer programming with students.
GLOCAL
Glocal is the combination of two words--GO and Local. GLOCAL is IBC Student
Ministrys local mission initiative. IBC Student Ministry has adopted a local city
park, partners consistently Terry Elementary, and helps with a new church plant in
the area called City of Refuge. All students are encouraged to be involved.
THE GATHERING
The Gathering is a special worship service that happens roughly every 6-10 weeks
in place of our normal Wednesday night student worship. At this special service,
all middle school students, high school students, parents, and adult volunteers are
invited to join us in the student area for a meal starting at 5:45 PM in TOPS Cafe. At
6:15 PM, all students and adults will join together in The Spot for a unique worship
experience. These periodic Gathering experiences have really made signicant
impacts in some of the families involved.
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COMMON TERMS
Matt Hubbard Melissa Sponer
501-944-8879 501-658-4204
Email: matt@ibclr.org Email: melissa.sponer@ibclr.org
Twitter: @mattkhubbard Twitter: @MelissaSponer
Facebook.com/mattkhubbard Facebook.com/melissa.sponer
Ross Spigner Amanda Beach
501-246-1532 501-412-3111
Email: ross@ibclr.org Email: amanda@ibclr.org
Twitter: @RossSpigner Twitter: @1glowinggirl
Facebook.com/ross.spigner Facebook.com/asbeach
Student Ministry Ofce
Address: 501 N. Shackleford Rd.
Little Rock, Arkansas 72211
Phone: 501-376-3071
On Campus Location: [From South Entrance]
Take stairs to the left up to the Mezzanine level,
our ofces will be on the left. Look for
the student ministry logo.
[From North Entrance]
Take stairs/elevator to the Mezzanine level,
our ofces across the gym, around the
track. Look for the student ministry logo.
Websites and Social Networks
www.ibclrstudents.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/IBCLRStudents
Twitter: @IBCLRStudents
Instagram: @ibclrstudents
Vimeo: www.vimeo.com/ibclrstudents
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STAFF CONTACT INFO
TOP 10 MYTHS ABOUT THE PERFECT
ADULT VOLUNTEER
1. You must be young, single, and have no children.
2. You must have adequate Bible training.
3. You must be perfect.
4. You must be a captivating communicator.
5. You must be able to act like one of the kids.
6. You must have plenty of free time.
7. You must know everything about the latest youth culture.
8. You must be wild, crazy, and dynamic
9. You must be liked by all the kids and parents.
10. You must own a 15-passenger van.
THE KEY INGREDIENT
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that
they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they
recognized that they had been with Jesus.
(Acts 4:13, ESV)
THE 6 ES FOR ADULT VOLUNTEERS
1. ENLIST with intentionality and purpose.
2. EQUIP leaders well.
3. ENABLE volunteers with the right tools.
4. EMPOWER volunteers with the right resources.
5. ENCOURAGE volunteers to lead well.
6. EXPECT great things from volunteers.
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THE ADULT VOLUNTEER
Parents are the primary Christian educators in the church, and the
family is the God-ordained institution for building faith in young people
and for passing faith on from one generation to the next.
(The Family-Friendly Church, Ben Freudenburg and Rick Lawrence)
Young people say their number one source of spiritual truth is Mom
and Dad--not the church, not the youth pastor, nor anyone else!
(Its Almost Too Late: New Man Magazine, Josh McDowell)
A major study revealed that while youth go to each other frst for
advice, they tend not to trust the advice they receive. The youth
suveyed said overwhelmingly that they would prefer to go to their
parents or other adults frst, but they do not believe they have a
relationship with them that allows them to talk openly about their
problems.
(Reclaiming Our Prodigal Sons and Daughters, Scott Larson and Larry Brendtro)
Religious practices in the home virtually double the probability of a
congregations youth entering into the life and mission of Christs church.
(Reclaiming Our Prodigal Sons and Daughters, Scott Larson and Larry Brendtro)
THE SHEMA...
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You
shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when
you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie
down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand,
and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them
on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
(Deuteronomy 6:6-9, ESV)
Where we think that two out of three arent bad results in child rearing,
those in the Hebrew culture knew that two out of three meant that
generations would be left without a spiritual heritage.
(ReThink, Steve Wright)
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PARENTS--PEARLS OF
GREAT PRICE