Pursuit Youth in Forest Lake is helping to make a big difference for high school students in the local area, offering a fun and engaging program that is open to youth from all walks of life.
Every Friday night during the school term, Forest Lake Baptist Church (FLBC) associate pastor Seb Henley and 17 volunteers welcome around 45 students from grade 6-12 at the Forest Lake State School Performing Arts Centre.
Some of the fun events that happened in 2024 included a Play Dough Night, a Goose-chase, Lego Masters, Youth Olympics, Death by Chocolate, Bluey-Themed Slumber Party, Cardboard Games, Water Fight, Pancake Night, Ice Skating, a Big Birthday Bash and much more.
Forest Lake Baptist Church associate pastor Seb Henley said 2024 was a great year for the youth.
“One of the highlights of 2024 was our youth camp … it was a great opportunity for our young people to connect with one another, but also connect with our leaders,” Seb said.
“Having caring, supportive adults in their lives who are invested in them—not just in faith-based matters, but in general—is truly valuable.”
Seb said that another highlight for 2024 was how well the younger girls engaged with the program’s discussions on identity, belonging, and beauty.
“They were deeply appreciative of the opportunity to explore these topics, which had been areas of struggle for many, especially regarding their self-worth,” he said.
Seb, who was formerly a school teacher, took on the role of associate pastor at FLBC four years ago so he could help make a positive difference in the lives of young people.
Seb said there were many benefits the youth groups has to offer young people, and encouraged parents to consider sending their kids to experience it for themselves.
“We do a lot of fun activities – the leaders are fantastic at planning stuff that the youth really like,” he said.
“It’s a safe place to explore Christianity, so it’s a non-judgemental way to see what God and the Bible is all about.”
Seb said that over the years, there had been many examples of kids who struggle in social situations finding a sense of belonging and acceptance at youth that they’d never had before.
“We are very invitational to kids who might not generally fit in, and kids who might have some sort of disability,” he said.
“We also have kids who are homeschooled, and it’s a great way for them to connect socially.”
Seb said there would be plenty of new fun activities planned for 2025, with some of the most popular events from 2024 set to make a return in the calendar.
“Every term we do 1-2 away nights … so there’s plenty of opportunities to get out and do different activities,” he said.
A typical night starts with 20 minutes of free time, where youth members enjoy playing basketball, handball, volleyball, and socialising with friends, followed by a stage game in the auditorium.
After announcements and a short message, they break into small groups to talk about life and respond to the message, before participating in the main activity and closing the night with supper.
Pursuit Youth will recommence on January 31 from 7-9 pm at the Forest Lake State School PAC. For more information, visit the FLBC Pursuit Youth page on Facebook or contact Seb on 0434 050 222.
