Building Hope

“I want to lead young people because someone did the same for me.” 

When we talk to potential volunteers for Summit Students, this is a commonly expressed idea. It’s such a good reason to serve, and I am so thankful for the team that has poured into our student ministry over the years. 

But something that I’ve learned through volunteering and working in student ministry is that the students have help and wisdom to share, too. You lead them, and they lead you right back.

Change is hard. I like to be hopeful. But from the moment I found out that Summit Waterford would merge with Herndon to become Summit Orlando, I was crushed. Waterford was my home. I knew the people, and the people knew me. My kids ran through the door with abandon and their feet knew every turn of the halls. I thought they would grow up in that special place. 

And my students did. As one of my students stated, both poignant and beautiful, they became people there. My favorite Sunday at Waterford was Student Sunday this past year. Our students led in every aspect of the service, including the teaching, where five students shared personal, honest, and moving stories of what the good news of the gospel meant in their lives. Would our students still have those opportunities to lead and serve in the community of Summit Orlando? 

It’s hard to be hopeful when worry moves in. But here’s what gives me hope: 

One of our students spent the last year at Waterford building a worship team for students, and has jumped right into forming a team at the new location. 

One of our students asked right away when we could start mixing up Connect groups and becoming a community with the former Herndon students. They couldn’t wait to get started. 

One of our students said the transition would be tough, but they wanted to meet the new student minister and see how they could serve as a student Connect group leader. 

One of our students spent their own time training on the light and sound board so the program can be the best it can be, and to teach other students how to serve and take ownership in the student ministry. 

That’s what leadership looks like. God has given me hope for Summit Orlando because I know young people who are thoughtful, insightful, passionate leaders, and we get to build this expression with them.

Nicole Zeebis the Student Ministries Connect Groups Coordinator at Summit Church.She is a third-generation left-handed person and loves to travel.