Building Faith and Community Through AWANA and New Arbor Teens
Ypsilanti, United States – October 8, 2025 / New Arbor Bible Church /
Faith That Grows From Childhood Through the Teen Years
At New Arbor Bible Church, there is a clear commitment to helping children and students grow in their relationship with Christ. From the youngest preschoolers to high school students preparing for the future, the church provides opportunities for young people to learn God’s Word, develop lasting friendships, and experience the joy of belonging to a community of faith. Two of the central ministries that reflect this vision are AWANA for kids and the New Arbor Teens for students. Together, these programs nurture faith at every stage of childhood and adolescence while also strengthening families and enriching the life of the church.
AWANA: A Place Where Kids Learn and Belong
AWANA Matters for Young Children
AWANA, which stands for “Approved Workers Are Not Ashamed,” is rooted in 2 Timothy 2:15. This program is designed to help children know, love, and serve Christ from an early age. At New Arbor, AWANA has become a beloved part of Wednesday nights, welcoming preschoolers through sixth graders into a setting where faith and fun come together. Each age group has its own club, from Cubbies for preschoolers to Sparks for early elementary and Truth & Training for older children, so every child has a place where they can grow in ways that match their stage of life.
AWANA Brings Learning and Fun Together
Every Wednesday evening during the school year, the church is filled with the excitement of AWANA. This program combines engaging activities with intentional teaching so children naturally grow in both faith and community. Game time creates energy and laughter while teaching teamwork and respect. Handbook time provides space for children to learn and recite Scripture, guided by leaders who encourage them every step of the way. The evening closes with council time, when the group gathers for a message from the Bible and recognition for their progress. Together, these moments create a time that children anticipate week after week.
The Lasting Impact of AWANA on Kids and Families
The value of AWANA reaches far beyond the weekly schedule. Children build confidence as they learn God’s Word and discover how it applies to their lives. They grow in character through perseverance and discipline, and they form friendships that help them feel part of something bigger than themselves. For families, AWANA offers encouragement and support. Parents see their children cared for by leaders who reinforce the truths they want to instill at home. The consistency of weekly gatherings also provides stability, weaving faith naturally into the rhythm of family life.
New Arbor Teens: Helping Students Grow in Faith and Friendship
Creating Space for Teens to Belong
As children grow older, New Arbor’s Teen Ministry provides the next step in their journey of faith. Designed for middle school and high school students, this ministry is built around the call of 2 Peter 3:18 to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Every Wednesday evening during the school year, teens gather in the church’s teen room to learn God’s Word, connect with other students, and spend time in a community that encourages them in their faith
Weekly Gatherings Bring Truth and Connection
Each Wednesday night begins with a message from Scripture, grounding students in biblical truth. Afterward, small groups give teens the opportunity to talk more personally about what they are learning and how it connects to everyday life. These conversations often become safe spaces for students to ask questions, share struggles, and encourage one another. Alongside teaching and discussion, the evening includes games and activities that bring laughter, build friendships, and create a sense of belonging.
Memories and Milestones Teens Carry With Them
New Arbor Teens extends beyond the weekly gatherings to include special experiences that often become milestones in a student’s faith journey. Seasonal events like bonfires and corn mazes give teens chances to relax and connect outside the church walls. Each winter, the Freeze Out retreat at Lake Ann Camp provides a focused time of worship, learning, and fellowship. During the summer, mission trips offer opportunities for evangelism training and gospel outreach in new communities. These experiences not only strengthen students’ faith but also help them grow as leaders and as followers of Christ.
AWANA and New Arbor Teens Impact the Whole Church
Making a Difference in Children and Teens
AWANA and the Teen Ministry give kids and students a steady rhythm of discipleship. Through Scripture memory, teaching, and community, they learn what it means to live out their faith in practical ways. Both programs also help shape character, teaching values like responsibility, respect, and perseverance that influence every part of life.
Families Are Encouraged Through These Ministries
For parents, these ministries offer reassurance and hope. Families see their children being cared for in a setting that mirrors the truths they want to teach at home. Special events and weekly gatherings give parents peace of mind as their children build solid friendships and continue growing in their faith.
How the Entire Church Grows Through These Programs
The benefits extend beyond individual families to the church as a whole. AWANA and New Arbor Teens are vital to New Arbor’s mission of making disciples. They prepare the next generation of leaders and servants while providing opportunities for church members to serve in meaningful ways. These ministries also connect New Arbor with families in the wider community, expanding the church’s reach and impact.
A Community Growing Together
At New Arbor Bible Church, AWANA and New Arbor Teens are more than just programs on the calendar. They are places where children and students encounter God’s Word, where families are supported, and where the church grows stronger in its mission to follow Christ. Week after week, these ministries build faith, encourage relationships, and point kids, students, and ultimately families toward Jesus. In doing so, the entire church community walks forward together in faith.
There’s a Place for Your Family Here
New Arbor Bible Church is a community where kids, students, and parents can find encouragement and belonging. To discover more about New Arbor Bible Church and its ministries, such as AWANA, New Arbor Teens, or Small Groups, please call the church office at 734-434-4044 or visit the church website.
Service Times
Sunday – Worship 10 a.m.
Wednesday – 6:30 p.m.
CBC Teens – 7th – 12th grade (During the school year)
Awana – Ages 3 years – 6th grade (Mid-September through mid-May)
Location
New Arbor Bible Church is located in Ypsilanti, MI, within 10 miles of:
– Eastern Michigan University
– Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum
– Briarwood Mall
– Prospect Park
– Michigan Firehouse Museum and Education Center
– Highland Cemetery
Contact Information:
New Arbor Bible Church
8318 Carpenter Rd.
Ypsilanti, MI 49197
United States
Brian Jones
(734) 434-4044
https://newarbor.com/
