Chelbi has grown up at Citychurch. He thrives at school and has recently joined the ROTC

(from right) Deondre, Dalvin and Bruce play video games before the teaching session begins. Later that evening, Dalvin and Deondre' received Christ as their personal Savior.

It’s a strange ritual here at Citychurch.  Every Wednesday afternoon, around dozens of Amarillo schoolyards, high school and junior high students gather together to be picked up by a van from Citychurch.  Their destination is the weekly student Bible study at Citychurch known as the “the Way”.  It is the front door to Heaven for many young people struggling to find a way to live.  For the many young people who live in the San Jacinto, North Heights, Hamlet, Forest Hill, or Eastridge neighborhoods, finding that “life pattern” to follow is becoming increasingly difficult.  Most students live under the legacy of incarcerated parents, generational poverty, drug abuse, and sexual promiscuity; a proven recipe for failure in any generation.

By offering a mid-week Bible study, Citychurch is attempting to accomplish a number of things.  First of all, provide a respite for those young people who are hanging desperately to the hope that they can live better than the world around them.  Hopefully it provides enough encouragement to get them through the rest of the week.  By the time Wednesday night comes, they seem extremely grateful to have somewhere other than the neighborhood to spend their afternoon.

Secondly, we are introducing ourselves to the “newbies” that tag-along with a friend.  Many times, these young people don’t even know their friends are carrying them to church.  However, with some good food, a little Christian hip-hop and some good teaching, we are able to reach them as well.  In fact, it’s great to see that “ah ha!” moment in the eyes of a newbie that realizes for the first time that God is willing to forgive their sin and relieve them of their guilt.

This type of effort would not be possible if there were not a church that carried within it’s very DNA the means to relate to the unchurched individual.  Citychurch is just that.  We may not be many things but we are relating to a tough culture.  I would shudder to think of what this end of town would look like without Citychurch.

I learned that our city is very segregated.  I learned that while most of the world considers Amarillo to be in the middle of rural America, there are those in our city that do not relate at all to a rural mindset.  Many of these citizens were not born in Amarillo, but rather, moved here from urban areas all over the country to live next to their family members who are incarcerated in one of our nearby prisons.

I learned that I did not relate in any way to the young people I was trying to reach.  I am grateful that God has helped us bridge the cultural gap between they heart of the urban young person and the presentation of an obviously white youth pastor.  We have also come to appreciate the innovative teaching techniques that are available to us through the latest menu of digital video and audio tools.

We have also learned to rely on the Word of God to soften, reach and change the heart of the young people we minister to.  Ultimately, we realize that it is the Holy Spirit who makes our efforts effective.  We rely on Him every day.

We would love for you to come and join us.  Please visit our blog at citychurchyouth.wordpress.com to find the latest info on what we’re up to or to find out where you could fit into our team.  We appreciate your interest.