Youth with Purpose

As far back as Nicolas can remember, attending church has always been a consistent event for his family. He also recalls hanging out in the kids’ Sunday school classroom while waiting for his parents, who were part of Worship Team practices. It wasn’t until he began junior high and joined Cluster of Students — Saddleback’s worship ministry for junior high and high school students — that he realized his faith was not just something that’s handed down to him from his parents or grandparents, but something he needed to grasp for himself and call his own.

When he first started with Cluster of Students, Nicolas was overwhelmed by the opportunity to be a part of something new, fun, and exciting. He was getting to play music he loved in a band with his friends. Years of childhood music lessons and practice seemed to finally be paying off. 

As he got more involved and started playing for worship services regularly, he began to see the impact this ministry was having on his own faith and the students he led in worship.

When Nicolas was first asked to be part of the worship teams for Summer and Winter Camp, he couldn’t refuse.  Volunteering and leading students in worship at camp resulted in some of Nicolas’ most memorable and meaningful experiences. 

At camp, students set aside time to be away from their everyday lives, switching off all social media to be fully present with peers and staff who are devoted to knowing Jesus better. When he first stood up on stage to lead worship and watched students lift their hands, singing at the top of their lungs to praise God, Nicolas felt like he was getting a glimpse of heaven. 

These precious moments are forever etched on Nicolas’ heart and mind. Hours of practice, physical exhaustion, and the visible blisters on his fingers from the guitar strings all faded to the background when he would watch a student stand or raise a hand to receive or recommit their life to Christ.

His involvement with the worship ministry also gives Nicolas the chance to get to know visitors and newcomers at church. Worship Team members often greet students as they walk into the service. Nicolas remembers a college student who had recently moved from Oregon and was visiting Saddleback Church for the first time. Nicolas welcomed him and helped him get connected. As a result, this student made several new friends that night, joined a Life Group, and began attending Saddleback’s College Ministry.

On a personal level, serving with his musical gifts helps Nicolas see that his faith is alive and real. As he plays different instruments to usher others into the presence of God, it’s no longer just expressing a talent for academic credit or for his own personal gain. He sees God using these gifts to bless others, and in turn he is personally drawn closer to God. The message of Jesus’ saving grace is what motivates him to play out loud and let the whole world know he is committed to following Christ.

Nicolas’ leadership didn’t stop with Cluster of Students. Nicolas has also been a Life Group leader for a group of sophomore guys since they were in Grade 7. In addition, this summer he completed an internship with Saddleback PEACE, helping with the Orphan Care Initiative. As he served in all these areas, he saw an important responsibility to walk the talk and practice what he preaches. He gained a new focus to embrace his faith and show it in these ministries.

Without a doubt, Nicolas is thankful that his parents and grandparents set an example for his faith. Choosing Jesus is the best choice he’ll ever make in life. But with strong convictions, he has nevertheless made this faith his own. 

“I can’t imagine my life right now if I didn’t have these past eight years of involvement at Saddleback Student Ministries,” Nicolas said. “I wouldn’t be as connected, wouldn’t be maximizing my gifts to serve, wouldn’t have met all the friends or community to go through life with. Being a part of these life-changing events, such as Summer Camp, helped me see so much of what God created me to do and understand my purpose in life.”

Learn more about getting involved with Saddleback Worship atsaddlebackworship.com

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