Youth
“Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Mark 10:14
The Youth Ministry of The Abyssinian Baptist Church seeks to cultivate young disciples for Christ. To this end, we engage in regular worship services, Christian education classes, and weekly spiritual and cultural activities. We aim to support youth and young adults in their Christian journey by providing a ministry that is both relevant and transformative.
Junior Church is a Sunday Morning worship service for our youth and young adults. During this time, the children worship and praise God in a setting where their experience is privileged and they are given the freedom to express themselves in a rhythm and style all their own. Through our Youth Choir and the preached word, we aim to win more souls for Christ. Meets Sundays at 11 am.
“In the Word” Teen Bible Study provides the opportunity for Abyssinian youth to think about important matters and questions of faith. Abyssinian youth are invited to explore these questions by reading the bible through a lens that is culturally sensitive, socially relevant, and age-appropriate. Meets every Friday at 6:30 pm.
2nd Hour programming seeks to engage children and youth through cultural discussions and enrichment projects. During the 2nd Hour of Sunday morning worship, Abyssinian youth are given the opportunity to explore and critique the influence of art & culture, in its various forms, on issues of gender, race, and class. Meets every Sunday following Junior Church service at 12 pm.
HYPE (Helping Young People Excel) is a non-evangelical meeting space for teens in our church and wider community. During our weekly sessions, young adults are invited to discuss a range of topics from spirituality to gang violence. HYPE teens are inspired to wrestle with contemporary issues that challenge their self-worth. HYPE promotes thoughtful transformation, and inevitably empowers Abyssinian youth to live changed lives. Meets Fridays at 7:30 pm.
SOS (Saving Our Sons) is a weekly male-centered development program for adolescent boys ages 12 and up. SOS is designed to address the unique struggles and challenges of growing up Black and male in America. SOS offers a platform for young men to share their concerns and perspectives on issues they encounter in their daily lives. Group sessions are guided by Christian men who are concerned with the future of African American boys. It is the goal of SOS to cultivate the spiritual, moral, and emotional sensibilities of a future generation of African American Christian men. Meets Tuesdays at 6 pm.
Liturgical Dance is a ministry that praises God through dance. This ministry is open to youth ages 12 and up. Young people are encouraged to worship and praise God through the movement of their bodies. While encouraging Abyssinian youth to acknowledge their bodies as temples “holy and acceptable unto God,” Youth Liturgical Dance also seeks to enhance self-esteem and foster positive body images amongst our young people. All Teens are welcome to participate. Children under 12 may participate with permission from the ministry leader. No prior dance training is required. Meets Mondays at 6 pm.
Youth Council The mission of the Youth Council is to assist teenagers in their development as young adults and to expose them to various cultural events and experiences in New York City. The Youth Council seeks to prepare youth for youth public speaking by their building confidence and self-esteem through participation in worship services, the Abyssinian Docent program, and a host of other leadership activities. Meets every 1st and 3rd Saturday at 12:30 pm.
Ministry Leader
Intern Minister for Youth
- Rev. Joshua Bartholmew
