More Than Just Fun: Ministry Spotlight on LIFEspot

  • Jonathan Merritt
  • May 8, 2008

 More Than Just Fun: LIFEspot

-Courtesy of Outreach Magazine-

When Brian found LIFEspot ministry, he was a troubled 16-year-old with four alcoholic parents. Two years later, he is a responsible, passionate Christian who is involved in church and works as the LIFEspot sound tech and booking agent. Janice Colliatie, LIFEspot Director, describes Brian as "a success story."

Stories like Brian's are why St. Andrew United Methodist Church started LIFEspot in the first place. Founded to be a post-Columbine safe haven for teens, LIFEspot is a 4,000 square foot storefront located in a Centennial, CO shopping center. Today it functions as a concert venue and activity center where students come to forget about their recent breakup or looming exam and have some fun.

LIFEspot's facility is pretty enticing with a decked-out stage, karaoke machine, foosball, ping-pong, air hockey, several TVs, computer lab for homework and snackbar serving pizza and smoothies. No wonder they advertise by word of mouth, often exceed maximum capacity and become more self-supporting each year! But the secret to their success is not dangling a carrot-on-a-stick, it is ministering with forethought.

LIFEspot has a deliberate location and they deliberately meet teens where they are. Their Southglenn shopping center location is directly across from the local high school. On six to eight nights per month, they host concerts, and, as long as it is PG-13, the music doesn't have to be Christian. "We want to attract kids that might not otherwise be involved in a church setting," says Colliatie. And when these kids come, there is always a team of adult volunteers ready to love and mentor them in Christ.

Maybe your youth ministry provides fun and games with sticky sodas, hot pizza and sugar-filled candy. But bribes will only get you so far. LIFEspot demonstrates that it is only when these things are accompanied by the love of Christ that real transformation is possible.

Copyright (c) 2008 Outreach, Inc. Used by permission.

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Jonathan Merritt is a faith and culture writer and Senior Editor of PastorsEdge.com You can connect with him at www.jonathanmerritt.com.