Youth ‘thrive’ at Gilroy church

It may be a cliché, but that makes it no less true: Every religion is only a generation away from extinction. One local church that is not about to let that happen is Gilroy’s Foothills Church (8335 Church St.).
“Thrive” is the youth ministry of The Foothills Church, led by brothers, Pastor Eric Ratliff (high school) and Pastor Kevin Ratliff (junior high). This youth ministry offers many combined activities, as well as separate services for students in sixth through 12th grades.
Wednesday the doors open at 6 p.m., and students start arriving to hang out and socialize. The church features game and music rooms, plus a snack bar and lounge, all available for students to entertain themselves and socialize.
At 7 p.m. they move to the worship space, a large room with moveable chairs and a raised platform at one end covered with band instruments. The service often begins with an introductory video, something amusing but relevant to the evening’s message.
This is followed by worship with contemporary Christian music and some interactive games. Pastor Kevin says games are an important part of the evening.
“Some of the kids are broken, with defensive walls that need to come down,” he said. “Fun and laughter help them see this as a comfortable, safe place where they can meet God without being judged.”
Youth then break off into their own age groups for a short message based on the Bible and applicable to the lives of all in attendance. The emphasis is on practicality: What do they need to hear tonight?
The service ends at 8 or 8:15 p.m., but students are encouraged to stay longer to continue their socializing.
There are other opportunities for spiritual growth and education as well:
• Separate Bible studies for boys and girls are held during the week in private homes.
• “Encounter”, a casual worship service with contemporary Christian music each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. is a chance to see a video, discuss Scripture and share personal life stories.
All are welcomed to participate in a wide range of recreational activities:
• An annual Thanksgiving Feed where around 300 youth are fed a Thanksgiving meal furnished by the congregation
• A New Year’s Eve party
• Trips to local parks
• Snow trips with sledding, rather than skiing, to help keep expenses low for participants
• Summer trips and barbecues.
The highest compliment pastors Eric and Kevin receive for their ministry is when parents say, “I don’t know what you’ve been doing at this church, but I hope you keep on doing it.”
Call (408) 848-3100 or visit thefoothillschurch.org/ for more information.