Oxford Bible Fellowship
Doing everything we can by faith through the living Word of God and in the power of the Spirit to equip this next generation in the love of Christ for a lifetime of service throughout all the world.
800 Maple Avenue, Oxford Ohio 45056 (513) 523-5300 Pastor: Jeremy Carr
Tuesday
July 8 2008

Fireside: The Youth Ministry of OBF

The purpose of Fireside is to:

1. Worship
2. Nurture
3. Provide

At Fireside, we desire to create a community that Worships God, Nurtures Christ’s followers, and Provides the gospel and mercy to the world around us.

This is the model found in the New Testament for how the Church is to Function or Minister to God, to each other, and to the world. The Goal of Fireside is to TRAIN young people to fervently live out this model with direction and purpose to the glory of God.

A. Never be Lacking in Zeal:

The imagery of Fireside is that of glowing hot, like the embers beneath roaring flames. “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord (Romans 12:11)” The word, fervor, in the Greek can be used to describe something that is boiling hot, or glowing as hot metal. The author of Romans, Paul, commands us to be spiritually “fervent” or “on fire, boiling hot, or glowing.” Further, this verse adds balance to the Christian life… we are not just to be people exhibiting emotional highs, but that works (serving the Lord) should accompany our lifestyle. Spiritual zeal is passion combined with service.

B. Relationships are Necessary:

Because of the immense amount of energy given off from a fire, heat is passed to objects and individuals. It is observable that objects can even catch fire without touching the flame, but from simply being close to it. Often, a marshmallow will catch fire unexpectedly because it was too close to the campfire for too long. It is the ambition of this ministry to place our students at the “fireside” of passionate and well-balanced Christian leaders and friends so that they may absorb the heat and catch fire. Spiritual fervor is contagious. Therefore, strong tight-knit relationships are promoted in this ministry through Embers, small groups, to encourage spiritual growth.

C. Teach the Word of God:

Because the goal is to train young people, teaching the Word of God is vital. 2 Timothy 3:16 says “All scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and training in righteousness.”  God’s truth is exposited with excellence and enthusiasm because the Word of God is living and active (Hebrews 4:12).