Refuge Student Ministry

For more information, visit the Refuge website by clicking here!

	Refuge Student Ministry, housed in the GAMC (G. A. Mangun Center), is the total youth ministry of the POA.  Refuge consists of four major divisions: JCrew, TheRUSH, TheSpot, and SURGE.  Refuge's mission is to reach every new generation of youth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ while leaving a blueprint for youth leaders to follow.
	JCrew is the POA's Junior High ministry for students in grades 7 and 8.  JCrew has special Wednesday evening services in the JCrew Room, which is located in the GAMC.
	TheRUSH is the POA's High School ministry for students in grades 9 through 12.  TheRUSH meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm in the GAMC Auditorium for RUSH Hour services.
	TheSPOT is the POA's urban ministry designed to reach out to students ages 12-21 who are part of the Bus Route ministry.  Their main service is held on Sunday mornings in the GAMC Auditorium during the Second-Hour Sunday School time slot.
	SURGE is the POA's College ministry, which targets unmarried youth ages 19-24.  SURGE students meet in the JCrew Room each Sunday at 9:45 am for Sunday school.  On Wednesday evenings, they join theRUSH for their RUSH Hour service.  Every other week, SURGE meets in the Choir Room for "Pure SURGE," a special Wednesday night service designed for college students.

Awaken Prayer is held in the Student Prayer Room (Main Sanctuary building) at 5:00 pm on Sundays.

Each division of Refuge has a coordinator and a volunteer staff team specifically assigned to that division.  Their main purpose is to equip young people with a better understanding of God's word and to teach them how to apply it on a day-to-day basis.

In addition to regularly scheduled services, students have the opportunity to participate in special events, such as annual retreats, lock-ins, and other fellowship activities.

JCrew, TheRUSH, TheSPOT, and SURGE each has their own separate staff.  Within each ministry, there are planned monthly staff meetings to bring the ministry together as a group.  The staff is responsible for coordinating retreats and events for the youth, and designated staff members are responsible for events, visitor follow-up, and financial matters.  Each staff member leads a small group of 5-10 youth.

All Refuge workers have several opportunities for training and support, including Pastor's bimonthly Leadership Training seminars, special sessions with the Student Pastor for Student Ministry staff members, annual Youth Ministry staff retreats, personal access to the Student Pastor, continuing education seminars, and reimbursement for approved Youth Ministry expenditures.

For more information, contact the Refuge office at 318.487.8977
or visit them online at www.refugeyouth.net.