What do we do when God feels 'silent'?
Mess Fest & Connect Group Kickoff

Jayke Youell • Student Pastor
August 17, 2026

4 Minute Read
If you’re waiting on God to speak, you’re not alone.

Middle schoolers, high schoolers, & families– we SEE you. There are many times we don’t know what to do or what to think when we feel like God is ‘Silent’. This weekend we looked at Matthew 1 & Luke 2 and the silence of 400 years being broken with God speaking through His Son Jesus being born into the world. It doesn’t have to be Christmas to celebrate the Christ-Child come into the world. Here’s our BIG IDEA -

‘God’s silence does not mean His absence. When heaven feels silent, God is actively working behind the scenes to prepare His purpose, and we can trust His character even while we wait.’

Here are some questions we might ask:

  1. "Why does God wait so long to answer important prayers?" (We talked about how God prepared the world for 400 years before sending Jesus at the perfect time in Galatians 4:4).
  2. "How do I know if God is silent or if I'm just not listening right?" (We discussed how David cried out "How long, Lord?" in Psalm 13—it’s okay to tell God honestly how you feel).
  3. "What if I wait and pray, but the answer is still 'No' or doesn't go my way?" (We looked at Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3, who trusted God's character even when they didn't know the outcome).

Here are some trends that will hurt our and students’ ability to HEAR from God through prayer and be faithful in the waiting:

  • "On Read" Anxiety & Ghosting: In teenage communication, silence is often used as a tool for rejection or conflict avoidance. Because students experience being "ghosted" by peers, they easily project that same fear onto God when He doesn't answer right away.
  • Distraction Over Reflection: When faced with silence or uncertain waiting periods, the default cultural reflex is to fill the void with digital noise (TikTok, short-form media) rather than leaning into prayer, reflection, or community.

We have to combat this cultural norm of distractibility by intentionally correcting our posture towards God. Do this every day in the morning before trying to tackle the day. Spend 5 minutes in Silence and Solitude listening to God. No phone, no music, no reading, distractions, etc... Just God - Start your time off saying, ‘Speak Lord, your servant is listening’ - Write down all of the verses, pictures, or ideas that He puts in your mind as you listen and hold that up against Scripture, asking: Does this line up with what God’s already said? And is this myself talking or God’s Spirit?

God desires us to be faithful ‘Actively Waiting’ as we are prayerfully pursuing Him and His desires. Don’t give up on those big prayers for our friends and family to come to salvation, hearts and situations to be changed, or answers to our biggest questions. Let’s be faithful in the middle of the waiting!

Here’s a look at Mess Fest 2026:
CLICK HERE FOR MORE MESS FEST PHOTOS
CONNECT GROUPS 26/27 PHOTOS


Parents: We had a great time at Mess Fest this year and are ecstatic with how everything turned out and the buy-in we had from families and students. Thanks for making things like this possible where we can effectively reach and love our community, to give them a safe place on Saturday Nights @5:30! Up above is our Google Photos link that you can add your own photos or download the ones of your kiddos. We can’t wait to share more updates on all the activities and events we have coming up.

One of our parents shared this week that they’ve already seen positive changes in their student after just two weeks of Connect Groups, and their student said:

‘I think I found where I belong.'

This is exactly why we do the things that we do. We hope that more students come to connect in our Ministry, but more importantly Discover and Grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ!

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September 7, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
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Jayke Youell

Student Pastor

Currently Reading
August 17, 2026 • 4 Minute Read
What do we do when God feels 'silent'?
If you’re waiting on God to speak, you’re not alone. Middle schoolers, high schoolers, & families– we SEE you. There are many times we don’t know what to do or what to think when we feel like God is ‘Silent’. This weekend we looked at Matthew 1 & Luke 2 and the silence of 400 years being broken with God speaking through His Son Jesus being born into the world. It doesn’t have to be Christmas to celebrate the Christ-Child come into the world. Here’s our BIG IDEA - ‘God’s silence does not mean His absence. When heaven feels silent, God is actively working behind the scenes to prepare His purpose, and we can trust His character even while we wait.’ Here are some questions we might ask: "Why does God wait so long to answer important prayers?" (We talked about how God prepared the world for 400 years before sending Jesus at the perfect time in Galatians 4:4). "How do I know if God is silent or if I'm just not listening right?" (We discussed how David cried out "How long, Lord?" in Psalm 13—it’s okay to tell God honestly how you feel). "What if I wait and pray, but the answer is still 'No' or doesn't go my way?" (We looked at Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3, who trusted God's character even when they didn't know the outcome). Here are some trends that will hurt our and students’ ability to HEAR from God through prayer and be faithful in the waiting: "On Read" Anxiety & Ghosting: In teenage communication, silence is often used as a tool for rejection or conflict avoidance. Because students experience being "ghosted" by peers, they easily project that same fear onto God when He doesn't answer right away. Distraction Over Reflection: When faced with silence or uncertain waiting periods, the default cultural reflex is to fill the void with digital noise (TikTok, short-form media) rather than leaning into prayer, reflection, or community. We have to combat this cultural norm of distractibility by intentionally correcting our posture towards God. Do this every day in the morning before trying to tackle the day. Spend 5 minutes in Silence and Solitude listening to God. No phone, no music, no reading, distractions, etc... Just God - Start your time off saying, ‘Speak Lord, your servant is listening’ - Write down all of the verses, pictures, or ideas that He puts in your mind as you listen and hold that up against Scripture, asking: Does this line up with what God’s already said? And is this myself talking or God’s Spirit? God desires us to be faithful ‘Actively Waiting’ as we are prayerfully pursuing Him and His desires. Don’t give up on those big prayers for our friends and family to come to salvation, hearts and situations to be changed, or answers to our biggest questions. Let’s be faithful in the middle of the waiting! Here’s a look at Mess Fest 2026:CLICK HERE FOR MORE MESS FEST PHOTOSCONNECT GROUPS 26/27 PHOTOS Parents: We had a great time at Mess Fest this year and are ecstatic with how everything turned out and the buy-in we had from families and students. Thanks for making things like this possible where we can effectively reach and love our community, to give them a safe place on Saturday Nights @5:30! Up above is our Google Photos link that you can add your own photos or download the ones of your kiddos. We can’t wait to share more updates on all the activities and events we have coming up. One of our parents shared this week that they’ve already seen positive changes in their student after just two weeks of Connect Groups, and their student said: ‘I think I found where I belong.' This is exactly why we do the things that we do. We hope that more students come to connect in our Ministry, but more importantly Discover and Grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ!

Jayke Youell

Student Pastor

August 17, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
Is Baptism really Necesssary?
It’s time to stop letting your past dictate your future. In a culture that loves to hold onto mistakes, Jesus offers something radical: a complete, permanent clean slate. This week in our Connect Group series CERTAIN, we asked a big question: What does it really mean to be baptized? Whether your student is curious about taking that first step of obedience or is already baptized and wondering how to walk in that freedom daily, here is a quick look at what we discussed, practical takeaways for home, and how you can support them this week. What We Talked About (Quick Snippet) We opened up asking students if they’ve ever completely ruined a project, a relationship, or a reputation and wished they could hit a literal "factory reset" button. We talked about how baptism is God's prescribed response to the Gospel—a spiritual fresh start where we are born of water and the Spirit to be cleansed of sin. This isn’t just a symbolic process - This is where God does a total Heart and Life transformation, where we’re made completely NEW! (Romans 6:3–4) The Big Idea: Baptism is God's prescribed response to the Gospel, where we are born of water and the Spirit to be cleansed of sin. For those already baptized, it isn't a finish line—it's the doorway to walking daily in His righteousness and unlocking life in God's Kingdom! Real, Practical Takeaways (In Teen Language) - How to receive this ‘New Life’ ‘Factory Reset’: Repentance isn't just feeling bad about a bad decision—it's choosing to turn away from sin in how you handle relationships, your behavior, thoughts, and what's on your phone. We recognize the sin that separates us, God opens our minds toward Him, and we turn from sin and toward our Savior. (Acts 2:37-38) Follow the Leader: Even though Jesus was completely sinless, He insisted on being baptized to "fulfill all righteousness". If Jesus prioritized obeying the Father, we should take that same step of obedience. Not just a baptism of Repentance that John the Baptist preaches, but a baptism of the ‘forgiveness of sins’ and the ‘Holy Spirit’. In our Surrender to the Lordship of Jesus, we recognize His Saving Work on the Cross and Resurrection, and identify with Him in this. (John 3:5; Mark 16:16; 1 Corinthians 15) Stop Acting Like Your Old Self: If you’ve already been baptized, Paul says you are a "new creation". You don't have to stay tied to old habits, bad attitudes, or toxic friend groups from your past. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Share Your Story: Remember, at the end of the day, we’re a bunch of sinners- NOBODIES- who live to tell EVERYBODY about the SOMEBODY who has saved our souls. Every one of us has a responsibility because of this news - to Share the Story. Encourage your student to share their baptism story with others, invite questions, and bring others to church to learn more about this Jesus! Questions Your Student Might Ask You This Week Want to keep the conversation going at home? Here are a few honest questions your student might be processing after this week’s lesson: "Do I need to be baptized to be saved, or is it just symbolic?" (We looked at John 3:3–5 and Acts 2:37–38 to discuss why God chose baptism as His prescribed response to the Gospel rather than an optional suggestion). "Why was Jesus baptized if He never did anything wrong?" (We discussed Matthew 3:13–15, where Jesus aligned Himself with God's righteousness and set the pattern for us to follow). "If I’ve already been baptized, why do I still mess up and feel guilty?" (We talked about Romans 6:3–4 and how baptism isn't the finish line—it's the start of learning to walk daily in 'newness of life'). Cultural Trends & Why This Matters Right Now Here is some helpful context on where your teenager’s mindset might be regarding this topic: The Desire for "Cancel" or "Reset" Buttons: High school culture can be unforgiving; one mistake online or in a social circle can stick with a student for years. The message that God offers a genuine, permanent "clean slate" through repentance and baptism addresses a deep need for forgiveness and a fresh start. Treating Spiritual Steps as "Optional": Modern culture often encourages a customized approach to faith, leading students to view spiritual practices (like baptism or church community) as personal preferences rather than commitments. Re-anchoring baptism as God's clear step of obedience helps counter this trend. Identity vs. Past Mistakes: Teenagers frequently tie their identity to their past failures or the labels their peers give them. Remind students that through Christ, their old life is buried and they are given a brand-new identity. Next Steps: If your student wants to be baptized: Have a conversation with them tonight! Reach out to their Connect Group leader or our ministry team so we can talk through their questions and help schedule a baptism date. Also, we’ve made a resource for you to walk through baptism start to finish as their adult; check it out below:START HERE: BAPTISM GUIDE If your student is already baptized: Ask them this week: "What is one area—like your speech, phone habits, or how you treat family—where you want your choices to reflect your new life in Christ?" Continue to encourage your family to continue to learn and live like Jesus. WE want to help your family to do this!

Jayke Youell

Student Pastor