Associate Director of Students, Derrick Milner, begins by welcoming middle school students back after some had been on spring break, expressing how much they were missed. A new, two-week sermon series titled "Words from the Cross" is introduced, leading up to and slightly past Easter. This series will focus on some of the seven significant statements Jesus made while on the cross.

To illustrate different reactions to intense situations, Derrick uses the analogy of roller coasters. He shares personal anecdotes, including a story about helping a student named Michael overcome his fear and grow to love roller coasters, contrasting this with videos of people who remain terrified. This leads into the main topic: the crucifixion of Jesus as described in Luke chapter 23. Jesus was crucified between two criminals, a torturous death reserved for the worst offenders. While hanging there, Jesus endured mocking and insults.

The core of the message contrasts the responses of the two criminals crucified alongside Jesus. One criminal joined the mockers, questioning Jesus' identity as the Messiah and demanding salvation for himself and Jesus, effectively reacting to his situation by lashing out and rejecting Jesus. The other criminal, however, rebuked the first. He responded with humility, acknowledging that they were being justly punished for their crimes while affirming Jesus' innocence. He expressed belief in Jesus and asked simply to be remembered when Jesus entered his kingdom. Jesus promised this second criminal that he would be with him in Paradise that very day.

Derrick concludes by highlighting the distinct differences: the first criminal reacted, questioned, and rejected, while the second responded with humility, believed, and trusted God with his dire situation. The message emphasizes that everyone faces a similar choice in how they respond to Jesus – to react negatively and reject him, perhaps out of fear or peer pressure, or to respond positively by believing, trusting, and confessing faith. Derrick encourages the students by responding through actions like public confession, baptism (mentioning upcoming student baptisms), and sharing faith with friends, inviting students to discuss these steps further with him. The session ends with a prayer reflecting on Jesus' grace and the choice to trust God.

Derrick Milner, Associate Director of Students, introduces the final week of a series called "The Room Where it Happened," which focuses on the Holy Spirit, not the musical "Hamilton." He recaps the previous weeks' discussions about the Holy Spirit's arrival, emphasizing that it's a gift from God, not earned through actions. The Holy Spirit is described as God dwelling within believers, received when Jesus is accepted into their lives.

Derrick highlights that the Holy Spirit bestows gifts, including the ability to speak different languages, and emphasizes that these gifts enable believers to reach diverse groups of people with the gospel. He lists various spiritual gifts, such as faith, prophecy, teaching, and encouragement, encouraging the student to discover and use their own.

He recounts Peter's powerful sermon after the Holy Spirit's descent, which led to 3,000 conversions, illustrating how God uses ordinary people to spread His message.

Derrick challenges the audience to reflect on their own faith and whether they are utilizing their spiritual gifts to share Jesus with others, concluding with a prayer for the audience to recognize and use their gifts to glorify God.

In week 2 of, "The Room Where It Happened," Derrick Milner, Associate Director of Students, specifically focuses on the concept of the Holy Spirit and its impact on believers' lives.

Derrick revisits the idea of personal transformative moments, emphasizing that these experiences are unique to each individual. He recounts the biblical story of Pentecost in Acts 2, where the disciples received the Holy Spirit, resulting in a dramatic display of tongues of fire and speaking in different languages. This event is presented as the birth of the church, highlighting how the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples and changed the course of Christianity.

Derrick addresses common misconceptions about the Holy Spirit, clarifying that it's not merely a feeling or a mystical concept, but God's presence dwelling within believers. He stresses that receiving the Holy Spirit is not earned through good deeds but is a gift given at the cost of Jesus's sacrifice. He urges the audience to examine their faith, questioning whether it reflects a genuine transformation by the Holy Spirit or if it's merely a superficial practice. He concludes by emphasizing that true faith leads to a desire for a deeper relationship with God and should manifest in tangible changes in one's life.

Beginning a new series focusing on the Holy Spirit which is built upon a previous series by senior pastor Allen Jackson. The speaker aims to simplify the concept of the Holy Spirit for students, acknowledging that some of Jackson's teachings can be difficult to grasp. The series, titled "The Room Where It Happened," is not related to the musical "Hamilton," despite the speaker's humorous acknowledgment of the potential for song outbreaks.

Derrick introduces the concept of significant, memorable "rooms" where life-changing events occur, drawing from personal experiences like his grandfather's passing and accepting a job. He then transitions to the biblical context, focusing on the disciples' experience in the "room" where the Holy Spirit was given.

From Acts 1 and 2, Derrick explains the context of Pentecost and Jesus's promise to his disciples about the Holy Spirit. He clarifies the meaning of "baptism" as "to be submerged," using the analogy of pickling to illustrate how something is changed when fully immersed. He emphasizes that Jesus promised the disciples they would be "baptized with the Holy Spirit," which would infiltrate and change their lives.

Derrick addresses common misconceptions about the Holy Spirit, clarifying that it is not just for emotional people, specific groups, or clergy. He highlights that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity and was present at creation, referencing Genesis 1:1. He further explains that the Holy Spirit's presence and work are evident in the Old Testament, citing Exodus 31 where God filled Bezaleel with the Spirit for artistic design, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit's role is not limited to religious activities but encompasses everyday life and abilities.

The central message is that the Holy Spirit is God's way of infiltrating and transforming hearts, not just a temporary helper. Derrick challenges the students to examine whether their faith reflects this transformative work, urging them to consider inviting Jesus into their lives and allowing the Holy Spirit to change them. He concludes by offering opportunities for those who want to accept Jesus or be baptized.

The message centers around the idea that many people struggle with fundamental questions about belonging, purpose, and God's will, and these questions can only be answered through God's Word. The Student Pastor, Brian Smith, uses the analogy of a middle school lunchroom to illustrate how people often try to fit in by changing themselves to match a desired group, a concept he calls "lunchroom logic." He warns against applying this logic to the church, where people should feel welcomed regardless of their background or behavior.

Brian contrasts this with Jesus's approach, as seen in the story of Matthew the tax collector. Instead of requiring people to change before being accepted, Jesus invites them to "follow" him first, emphasizing that belonging comes before behavioral change. He shares a video about a high school club called "We Dine Together," where students ensure no one eats alone, and urges the youth group to similarly invite people to experience Jesus.

The speaker concludes by encouraging the students to invite their friends to church and to encounter Jesus, emphasizing that the church should be a place where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their imperfections. He prays that the students will be fearless in sharing their faith and that many will come to know Jesus through their invitations.

The WKND 2025 Testimonials And Highlights:

Associate Director of Students, Derrick Milner, recounts a successful weekend event filled with activities like manhunt and impactful worship sessions led by Erika and the band. They emphasize Erika's dedication and the band's talent. They announce that students will be leading worship at the upcoming church service and encourage everyone to sit in the reserved front rows to show their support. The speaker stresses the importance of genuine worship, mirroring the enthusiasm of their weekend events, and urges the congregation to participate fully, regardless of the song selection.

Following this, two students share personal experiences: one discusses shifting from an outcome-based to an identity-based relationship with God, and another describes a powerful worship moment involving a visual representation of darkness and light symbolizing the struggle between lies and truth. Derrick then reiterates the weekend's message, emphasizing that everyone has a purpose and belongs, despite the world's darkness and lies. They encourage involvement in Wednesday night gatherings and Sunday morning small groups, highlighting the opportunities for spiritual growth and community.

The speaker concludes by inviting those interested to learn more about their various programs and encourages attendees to invite their friends, emphasizing the importance of helping others find a sense of belonging. They then lead a prayer, expressing gratitude for the weekend's impact and asking for continued guidance and support for those struggling with doubts. Finally, they announce that a video will be shown before they all move to the worship center.

Session 4 of The WKND 2025:

Student Pastor, Brian Smith, begins by highlighting a successful student ministry weekend and expressing gratitude for the church's support. He then transitions to the core message, emphasizing that after physical rebuilding, the Israelites recognized their spiritual need for God's Word.

Brian recounts how the Israelites, led by Ezra, gathered to hear the reading and explanation of the Law of Moses. This event is portrayed as a model for modern worship, including elements of attentive listening, worship, conviction, and communal learning. The sermon underscores that God's Word should lead to worship, conviction, and ultimately, joy through obedience.

Furthermore, Brian stresses the importance of spiritual hunger, comparing it to physical hunger. He references Jesus's temptation in the wilderness, where Jesus prioritized God's Word over physical needs. The sermon concludes with a call to self-reflection, urging the congregation to examine what they are building their lives upon, and to ensure that it is grounded in God's presence, promises, community, and most importantly, His Word.

Session 3 of The WKND 2025:

Associate Director of Students, Derrick Milner, begins by acknowledging the emotional impact of the week, highlighting stories of transformation and emphasizing that God's work is ongoing.

He then transitions to a personal anecdote about his changing perception of thunderstorms, using it as a metaphor for life's challenges. He recounts a childhood experience of fear during a storm, contrasting it with his current appreciation for their power and beauty. This leads into a discussion of a biblical story from John 4, where Jesus encounters a Samaritan woman at a well. 

The speaker emphasizes the social context of the story, highlighting the woman's status as an outcast due to her gender, ethnicity, and past marital history. He stresses that Jesus's willingness to engage with her, despite societal norms, demonstrates his radical love and acceptance. Jesus offers her "living water," symbolizing spiritual fulfillment, and reveals his knowledge of her past, offering salvation before she confesses her sins.

The speaker draws parallels between the woman's experience and the struggles of the audience, addressing feelings of isolation, unworthiness, and shame. He contrasts the negative self-talk fueled by the "enemy" with the positive affirmations of God's love and acceptance, quoting biblical passages that affirm their identity as chosen, forgiven, and beloved.

He encourages the audience to reject the lies that lead to darkness and embrace the light of God's truth, reminding them that they are called to be beacons of hope to others. He concludes by urging those who feel lost or burdened to seek guidance from leaders, make a decision to follow Jesus, and embrace their identity as children of God.

Session 2 of The WKND 2025:

Associate Director of Students, Derrick Milner, opens by acknowledging the students' tiredness and encourages them to stay awake, emphasizing the importance of seizing every opportunity to connect with God. He prays for God to speak to the students' hearts, especially those new to the church or the event.

Derrick then transitions to the core message: the feeling of inadequacy. He shares personal anecdotes about feeling unworthy, both in serious and lighthearted situations, illustrating how those feelings can take root. He then introduces the Parable of the Prodigal Son from Luke 15, recounting the story of a son who demands his inheritance, squanders it, and ultimately returns home in desperation.

Derrick draws parallels between the son's feelings of unworthiness and the students' own experiences, highlighting how societal pressures and personal failures can lead to feelings of hopelessness. He emphasizes the father's (representing God's) unconditional love and willingness to forgive, even when the son feels undeserving.

The sermon culminates in an invitation for students to examine their hearts and acknowledge their need for God's forgiveness. Stressing that God offers a seat at His table, not as servants, but as sons and daughters, regardless of past mistakes. He encourages students who feel lost or empty to seek a relationship with Jesus, offering guidance and support from church leaders. Closing with a call to worship, reinforcing the message that God's love and acceptance are available to all who seek Him.

Session 1 of The WKND 2025:

Student Pastor, Brian Smith, emphasizes that the fundamental questions people have about their purpose and value can only be answered through a relationship with God. He highlights the concept of sin as a barrier between humans and God, explaining that it's an inherited condition that separates people from their true purpose and identity.

The central message is that God offers a solution to this problem through Jesus Christ. The speaker stresses that Jesus's sacrifice on the cross is a gift of grace, allowing people to be forgiven and restored to a relationship with God. Once this gift is accepted, individuals can find their true identity and purpose.

The sermon focuses heavily on the idea of adoption, comparing it to the speaker's own experience adopting his daughter. He explains that through Jesus, believers are adopted into God's family, becoming his children. This adoption signifies a deep, permanent, and loving relationship with God as their "Abba," or father.

Brian reinforces that God sees believers as his "masterpieces," created with a specific purpose. He encourages students to reject the negative voices that tell them they are worthless or mistakes, and instead embrace their identity as children of God.

Brian concludes by urging students to reflect on whether they have truly accepted God's gift of grace. He encourages those who have to deepen their faith, and those who haven't to seek a relationship with God. He ends with a prayer and a song, reinforcing the message of God's love and the importance of belonging to his family.

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