What is A.I.M.? Here's How Parkway is Preparing Our Youth
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity. ”
Did you ever wonder how dinosaurs fit into the Bible? Or whether Jesus is really coming back? These are just two of the topics discussed during Parkway’s AIM classes for youth this year. AIM means “Arming Individuals for Ministry.” To help us understand what AIM is all about, we decided to reach out to AIMs lead teacher, Matt Andruscavage.
Matt explained that AIM is a tool for our youth and it enables students to “thrive in their faith, challenges them to pursue a deeper relationship with God, and teaches that Christianity is more than an experience—there is evidence to support it.”
Why was AIM Started?
Studies show that young adults have left their faith at an alarming rate. Author Reggie McNeal explains that 90% of youth who have been active in church programs will leave their church by the second year of college. Some return after a year or two, but too many never return.
Also, studies show that many young adults can’t explain the basis for their Christian beliefs. And we know that most people get challenged about their Christianity at least once in their lives. This includes students!
If the questions we have about our faith or Scripture aren’t answered or we don’t understand the Scriptural basis for our beliefs, these challenges can weaken our faith or lead us astray.
This is one of the reasons AIM was formed—to provide answers to difficult questions about Christianity and to help students develop a biblical worldview. AIM also encourages and teaches students to learn about their faith and share it with others.
In addition, students learn about church ministries and get opportunities to join a ministry and serve at Parkway.
What’s a Typical AIM Class Like?
Every AIM class begins with prayer, followed by announcements.
Next, during the Ministry Spotlight, a volunteer from a ministry — such as music, sound, social media, etc. — tells the students about their ministry and how to join. This has provided some great opportunities, and we recently found that an impressive 88% of all AIM students were involved in a ministry!
In the next portion of AIM, there is an impactful lesson on a biblical topic. The topics are driven by the students and are based on student surveys completed in January and October.
At the end of class, the students participate in an activity or game to promote relationships and team-building. This is also a great opportunity for younger students to hang out with the juniors and seniors.
And, of course, there’s always food! 🙂
About 30 to 45 students typically attend every month. The four teachers — Matt and Amanda Andruscavage and Matt and Dana Engibous — are all committed to AIM and are very passionate about working with these students.
When and Where does AIM Meet?
AIM classes are held on the fourth Sunday of every month from January through October. They are in the large group area, which is on the lower level of the church building beneath Kid’s Concessions.
Classes begin after the students are dismissed from church, usually around the time of the offering. There is no registration—just show up for class!
October’s class will be tomorrow, October 22nd, and the last one for 2023. The Ministry Spotlight will feature Dan Miller representing the Video Department. The class will then discuss gratitude and share what God has done in their lives over the past year. In this closing session, students will do most of the speaking and teaching!
What’s on the Horizon for AIM?
This month, students will be taking the end-of-year survey to determine the 2024 topics. So if there’s a spiritual topic a student wants discussed, it’s important for them to attend this meeting!
Covering the Basics
In addition to the student-driven topics, the group will discuss several other essential subjects to help them grow closer to God and develop solid spiritual behaviors:
Why you can trust the Bible
How to be born again
How to develop prayer and Bible reading habits
Finding a place to serve
Sharing your faith
Hyphen is Joining AIM Staff!
The AIM staff is also very excited to add additional teachers from Hyphen — Parkway’s ministry group of young adults — in 2024. These teachers could be in college or the military or could be working at their first job. This means they are exactly where the AIM students are heading next in their lives!
AIM students will easily relate to the Hyphen teachers because they are also navigating the unique problems facing today’s youth.
Plus these teachers will be close to the AIM age group. They will provide valuable insight, as well as new creative ideas.
What is the Impact of AIM?
Since AIM began in 2020, there has been an outpouring of gratitude and support from parents and grandparents. They often share with the instructors what the class has meant to their families.
Real-World Results
This year, an AIM student put his training into action and started a P7 Christian group in their school. P7 clubs are student-led, student-driven opportunities for students to participate in spiritually inspired, relationship-oriented, community-serving projects in their school.
What Are AIM Students Saying?
The best way to understand the impact, however, is to listen to what AIM students are saying about this program. Here are a few incredible testimonials:
“AIM has helped provide a different real world lens to the things that I read about in the Bible and has helped me get a more in-depth understanding and strong base for why we believe what we do.”
“It has given me the urgency to reach my world and others around me and to have the passion to stand up for my faith—no matter the consequences and the aftermath. I will and shall stand tall in my faith; and in doing so, I am starting a P7 this year!”
“One lesson that stands out to me is ‘Why do we believe what we believe?’ That lesson gave me a further understanding of why we believe in Jesus and the Bible and how to answer questions people may ask. This class has answered so many of my questions and given me a better understanding of the Bible. I’m so thankful for the leaders who help us learn more about the love of God and His Word.”
Arming Parkway’s Youth for Firm Faith in Jesus
“If we don’t teach our children to follow Christ, the world will teach them not to.”
In today’s very confusing culture, our youth are skillfully targeted by groups pushing ungodly lifestyles and ideologies. AIM helps students sort through their questions and doubts — without judgment. If any students want to learn how to stand firm in their faith, get their questions answered, and develop a deeper relationship with Jesus that will last a lifetime, they should join AIM this Sunday!