Reach: Starting from Scratch and Building a Solid Foundation for Teens”

At the conclusion of Saturday Night Redefined in May 2009, the former youth service of the Dream Center, planning went underway for what would soon be the new youth ministry. After several months of reordering the youth department, it was decided that starting from scratch was the best way to build a solid foundation. Youth services were temporarily halted as a new approach was attempted to pick up where SNR left off. From this came a fresh vision for the Dream Center’s youth ministry.

On January 12, 2010, the new decade brought with it a new church service for teens called Reach. About 60 teenagers showed up for the first service in the Dream Center gym, and were warmly welcomed by students in The Movement. “The youth in this room have the potential to change the world,” said Aaron Bradley, Director of The Movement and Youth Pastor for Reach. The service opened up with prayer, followed by the praise team leading the young people into worship. After a raffle and pudding competition, Aaron shared the vision for Reach.

“I believe God is wanting to do a work in the hearts of young people,” he said. More than just a service that teenagers can attend on Tuesday nights, Reach. will give them the opportunity to participate in community outreaches, build relationships with peers, use their creativity with the dance team, drama team and worship team, make comedic videos, and overall let them realize that they are not on earth by accident because God does not create accidents.

The main goals of Reach. are to be a place where teenagers can reach God right where they are at, allow staff to reach the teens who show up at the services, and give people the chance to reach their full potential. Aaron Bradley envisions Reach. becoming one of the premier youth ministries, not only in the Rampart area of Los Angeles, but in the world. After an encounter with God, teenagers should be able to say, “I’m not perfect, but I have a heart to do something right.” Teens are in desperate need of an environment where they are not tempted to fall prey to what the world has to offer. Instead of being identified by what they consume, teens can become part of a cause-driven youth ministry, and develop servant hearts.

In the meantime, the word is going out about Reach. as flyers are being passed out, and youth leaders are canvassing each week near the local high schools. Recently, teenagers were polled to find out what they want to do, and the majority of them have said that they want to help people through acts of service and humanitarian work. With your continued support of the new Dream Center youth ministry, these teens can continue to be reached, and in turn reach those in need.