We acknowledge that this ministry is under the leading of the Holy Spirit and that God is the only one that can cause change in a person's life. We also recognize that God has called us to be the overseers of this ministry, (Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. - Acts 20:28) Therefore, the following are key concepts that will guide this ministry:

Christ-Centered Focus: Everything we do must ultimately help to achieve our mission statement, which is: Engaging Youth in an affirming environment in which they feel safe and cared for, and providing Youth an outlet to ask deep questions, experience God in powerful ways, serve others, and evangelize to their friends.

Development of a Long-range Strategy and Plan: We believe that it essential to have a Youth Ministry Plan with goals that are clearly defined. Therefore we will spend time in prayer, visioning, and dreaming to insure generations to come have a meaningful Christian experience at Still Waters.

Foundation of Prayer: We believe that if you make your requests known to the Lord, He will answer in His own time. It is important to surround each Youth and activity with prayer. Therefore, we will always have a time of prayer during each Youth Group Activity.

Safe and Affirming Environment: We believe that in environment where Youth feel safe, cared for, and affirmed they will be more likely to share personal things. Therefore, we will focus on being welcoming, caring, and affirming to all who attend any Youth Group Activity.

Relational v. Entertainment (Activity, program-centered) Ministry: We believe that every event or activity represents an opportunity to develop a relationship with a young person, which could become a bridge to that young person building a relationship with Christ. Therefore, we will focus on building true and genuine relationships between Youth and Adults. 

Team Approach: We believe that everyone has been blessed with different gifts. This gifts should be used to create a well-rounded Youth Ministry. Therefore, we will meet each month for dreaming, planning, and evaluating. 

Student Leadership: We believe that it is vital to have Youth involvement in the planning and executing of activities and events.  Therefore, we will have at least three Youth on the Youth Council and insure that their voice is heard and include them in all decision making.

Parental Involvement: We believe that it is of the utmost important to have strong parental involvement. The more Parents are involved the more the program will succeed. Therefore we will communicate with Parents about upcoming events and activities.

Mentoring/Intergenerational Ministry: We believe that there are amazing benefits for all involved in mentoring relationships. Life experience is a great teaching tool. Therefore we will involve as many Adults as possible in Youth ministry at Still Waters.

Service/Missions: We believe that Service/Mission opportunities are an important part of the overall Christian experience. God calls each of us to give of our time and talents to further His kingdom on earth. Therefore we will offer quarterly service/missions opportunities including a summer Youth Mission Trip.