The Big Event Youth Activity is a Big Success
By Sharon Mager
ARBUTUS, Md. – The Arundel Baptist Association‘s annual youth fellowship, this year, dubbed “The Big Event,” held at Wonderfly Arena in Arbutus, lived up to its name according to enthusiastic youth leaders. About 150 students and church leaders from seven churches in the association participated.
Pastor Marty Bennett and his wife, Demetra, take a moment to relax during the “Big Event.” (Photo submitted)
“This was a tremendous fellowship and outreach event with several ABA churches,” said Dave Brown, senior pastor of Severna Park Baptist Church.
Elvaton Baptist Church, Lake Shore Baptist Church, Pasadena, Life Connection Church, Odenton, The Church at Severn Run, South Shore Church, Herald Harbor, and Weems Creek Church, Annapolis, were all represented at The Big Event. Students from various churches quickly connected, sharing laughter and excitement as they jumped into the high-energy activities and worshipped together.
“It was powerful seeing students from different churches and cultures worship together, begin some friendships, and overall be encouraged that God’s kingdom is bigger than our own churches,” Brown said.
During the worship time, students raised their hands and sang along in worship as the young adult band from The Church at Severn Run led praise songs. Alex Streitmater, student pastor at Weems Creek Church, shared a message about the salvation Jesus offers and His resurrection power, as found in 1 Corinthians 15. He also utilized NAMB’s 3 Circles evangelism tool, encouraging students to reflect on who Jesus is and the grace and forgiveness He offers. He encouraged students to not only accept this grace but to share it with a lost and dying world around them.
The youth had fun with giant hamster ball races, neon glow dodgeball, basketball, 9-square, corn hole, a giant Jenga game, ping pong, and video games. Winners took home gift cards and candy as prizes. Students fueled up for their high-energy games with snacks and pizza (a staple at every youth activity).
Marty Bennett, the pastor of Life Connection Church, called the event a surprise success. “We thought this would be a success if we could get 80-90. This place maxed out at 150, and we had a waiting list two weeks before,” Bennett said.
Alex Streitmater, student pastor at Weems Creek Church, shares a gospel presentation using NAMB’s 3-Circle plan. (Photo submitted)
The Church at Severn Run Next Gen Pastor Matt Gardner noted that The Big Event was a success due to both the spiritual growth and fellowship that took place. “The Big Event was a big blessing,” Gardner said. “Our students loved the opportunity to worship and connect with other churches. Some students said that beating the adults in glow dodgeball was their highlight.”
Gardner also highlighted the collaboration behind the event. “We began praying and planning for this event in the fall of 2024. Collaborating with an amazing group of churches and seeing it all come together was a major highlight,” he said. “The Big Event was an encouraging step for future partnerships and opportunities to share the gospel in our community.”
Brown shared, “We hope this event is the beginning of more significant partnerships among our churches and outreach to our communities, which are filled with students who need to know the love and life offered in Jesus Christ.”
Youth leaders have already met to begin making plans! They’re hoping to have a mission-focused gathering this fall, and potentially a young adult event.
Youth leaders (l-r) Alex Streitmater, Marty Bennett, Matt Gardner, and Dave Brown have a “Big Debrief” lunch to plan for more upcoming youth events. (Photo by Dave Brown)
The Big Event was supported by participating churches through grants by the Arundel Baptist Association and the North American Mission Board.
If your church needs ideas or help with your youth or children’s ministry, email BCM/D Children’s & Youth Ministry Missionary Kris Buckman.
Sharon Mager serves as BCM/D Communications Specialist/News Editor. Freelance Writer Shelley Mahoney contributed to this article.
Feature photo by Dave Brown.