Jordan Causey joined ECBC as the Middle School Ministry Director in 2019. In his 5 years of ministry with us, he’s grown considerably in his understanding of youth. Because of this, he is committed to developing ministry to best serve the needs of the families and students at East Cooper. One thing he noticed is the pivotal nature of the eighth grade year in the life of a middle schooler. It is quite common for eight graders to question their faith, and they are making decisions as to whether or not to dive into High School Ministry (HSM), which can be an intimidating transition. To try to assuage doubts and to give them confidence in moving forward with HSM, Jordan instituted the Eighth Grade Leadership Team.
As he has discipled students for the last few years, Jordan has learned that middle school is a time when many students are questioning their faith. There are only a few years he can pour into these students and teach them about the gospel. Due to his desire to transition students well into the next stage of life, Jordan created this team as a co-ed space for intentional discipleship. Jordan’s prayer is to lead this team towards deeper community and unity with one another to prepare them to live as faithful disciples of Jesus in high school.
Every Sunday evening, Jordan and Middle School Ministry Associate, Aslyn Pifer, meet with these students for fellowship, study, and discussion. To grow in their knowledge of Scripture, students follow a Bible reading plan in the New Testament from August to June. They also read several books over these months and have time for discussion during their meetings. As they are studying and learning about God, they are also learning practical skills. Each student learns how to share their testimony and the gospel in clear, concise ways. Being in this co-ed small group, where they are praying together and discussing the Scriptures, helps them see what the church is like and how to pursue unity with one another.
The most encouraging part of this group for Jordan and Aslyn is seeing these students translate what they are learning on Sunday evenings to other spaces. Each student has the opportunity to share their testimony with around 50 other students on Wednesday nights or Sunday mornings. As they share, they are articulating the gospel in a clear, God-honoring way and emphasizing what they are learning in God’s Word. “We are seeing that being a part of this team is equipping them to be faithful followers of Christ,” Jordan shared.
In June, this group of students had the opportunity to participate in a mission trip to Clarkston, Georgia. This community outside of Atlanta is home to one of the most diverse populations in America with 110 distinct ethnic groups represented from 60 different countries. During the trip, the students partnered with Clarkston International Bible Church in community outreach, evangelism, and ministry to refugees. In the mornings, students received training on evangelism, missiology, and how to minister to refugees. They hosted a backyard Bible club in the afternoons for children in one of the apartment complexes that houses many refugee families. Reflecting on the week in Clarkston, Aslyn shared, “They worked incredibly hard and were eager to share the gospel and the love of Christ with people within the community. We had about 30 children come to the backyard Bible Club each day, where we were able to share the gospel with them and teach them God’s Word. Many of the children observed other religions and did not know about Jesus, so the seeds of the gospel were definitely planted.”
For several of these students, this trip was their first opportunity to share the gospel with people who had never heard the name of Jesus. As they prepare for high school, these eighth graders are equipped with training and experience to continue sharing the gospel and planting seeds among those they will encounter in this next phase of their lives. Ultimately, Jordan and Aslyn witnessed the Lord work powerfully in the hearts and lives of the eighth graders who participated on this team.