Vertical Student Ministry

Vertical Student Ministries exists to equip Middle and High School students to answer the “upward call” of Christ (Phil. 3:14). All the while, challenging their friends and family to take the journey, as well.
 

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.” (Philippians 3:13-15)

The term “vertical” is best defined as being “situated towards the highest point, which is directly above.” And, it is our desire to see our students growing, and worshipping in this direction – only towards God!
 
 

“Vertical” also implies that we focus on daily spiritual growth and disciplines! We can see this type of growth by looking at the bald cypress tree, which grows in four different ways:

  • Downwards – As their roots stretch and anchor themselves deep in the marsh; wrapping themselves around rocks and other trees’ roots… which teaches us to be “rooted in Christ,” and reliant on the fellowship of other believers].
  • Upwards – To heights of around 150 feet… which teaches us to stretch and grow towards Christ, daily.
  • Outwards – Achieving an incredibly wide, far-reaching expanse in the swamp… which teaches us to reach out, and share the Gospel with others.
  • Onwards – As some bald cypress tress in NC are over 2,000 years old… which teaches us that it’s a life-long commitment to follow Christ!

OUR LOGO
If you look closely, our logo has some hidden meanings!  Not only does it form the first letter of our name — “vertical” — but, the two lines running up the center of the “V” represent the branches of a cypress tree; reaching out towards others, and growing up towards Christ. Next, if you look closely, you’ll see a big checkmark. This conveys our goal of graduating our students into the next phase of their spiritual life at Rocky Hock Baptist Church, college, etc. Lastly, using your imagination, you can also see a rocket ship blasting off, and heading into the skies! This conveys our desire to “launch” our students into a deeper place of faith and study.

 
WHERE WE MEET
 

We meet in the “Upper Room” on Sunday and Wednesday nights! On Sunday’s, we begin at 6 PM. Pastor Trey teaches the Word, and our Youth Ministry Team, which consists mostly of parents, lead Breakout Sessions, which helps take our students even deeper! On Wednesday’s, students typically arrive early to hang out in the gym, or in the “Upper Room” game area. We begin with meal at 6:45 PM, and, then, proceed with activities, a time of worship, and a message from Pastor Trey!  Also, last but not least, we meet for Sunday School at 9:45 AM in the youth ministry room on the second floor of the multi-purpose building.