"Welcome!" Mark Elliott works as the Youth Director of "SNL Student Ministries" at Christ Presbyterian Church.  Mark graduated from Kenmore High School (in Akron, Ohio) Class of 1992 before going to Southeastern College (now Southeastern University) and graduating from there in 1997.  He worked as interim in Urban ministries in the projects of Lakeland, FL and also with youth and children's pastor at Shepherd Road Presbyterian Church.  Mark joined the CPC team in 2003 to head up the youth and continues on today.

Click [here] to go to our MAIN Youth Website

We have a variety of Youth Leaders that serve in the many different areas of ministry.  Listed below are our amazing volunteer Youth Staff:

Our Current Youth Leaders are:

Ross Russo (Assistant to Youth Director)

Loves the Florida Gators and is an avid fan but he loves his wife Lori even MORE than that.  Ross have many years experience as a contractor and is an awesome father to his two boys.  Ross is a Florida Boy born and bred and enjoys salt and fresh water fishing and will go whenever he gets the chance.  Ross is also the longest standing youth leader at CPC. 

Kristin Elliott  (Minister to College Students)

Kristin helps to teach and lead the college students of our church.  She leads an off-site class that dives deep into the truths of scripture that stems from her passion to know God more and to see his Word to come alive in the hearts and lives of these students during this difficult and challenging stage. Kristin has her MASTERS in counseling and works at North River Care Pregnancy Center in Palmetto helping girls in crisis whether they are pregnant or not.  She is Married to Mark Elliott, bless her heart.

Greg Lindman (Youth Band and events coordinator)
Greg grew up through the ministry at Christ Pres and just never grew up, which is what makes him effective with the youth.  He fills in for Mark with the preaching and does an awesome job at that.  He also manages and heads up the youth worship team and plays a mean electric guitar...I mean it bit him once!

Walt Folds (JAM!)

No, don't let the grey hair fool you!  He's one of the biggest kids you'll meet! Walt loves his wife Beverly but the second thing Walt loves is to let God use him to reach those around him. Walt's a pretty good fisherman too. 

Bethany Moorehead (JAM!)

Bethany is a student a Clearwater Christian School but makes the LOOONNNGGG commute to help out at JAM! each week and to help out with special events as well. Bethany also participates in Triathlons!  She is game for new experiences and isn't afraid to get her hands dirty which is what makes her a great youth leader!

Jared Monahan (High School Boys)  Miranda Monahan (High School Girls)

 Jared and Miranda are incredibly gifted youth leaders who come with a lot of experience with people.  They lead our High School Classes which are separated by gender.  Jared ,ay or may not work in the state attorney's office as an assistant and Miranda works to help our environment by buying bulk computer equipment to help keep it out of landfills, etc. They have two adorable daughters!

Elham Ketchum (High School GIrls) 

Elham (pronouced, El'-him) has been working with youth for many years through Young Life, with CPC and even in her home hosting the girl's Varsity Basketball team for dinner or just a safe place to hang out. She helps to drive and chaperone youth events.  She is pictured here with her husband "Ed."

Mark Bandstra (Middle School boys) Jill Bandstra (Middle School girls) Our Amazing Middle School Students are led by Mark and Jill Bandstra who bring maturity and experience as well as a fun mix of games, lessons, and video clips to their teaching style!  Mark and Jill are also a part of "CMA" or the Christian Motorcycle Association.  They have three grown kids of their own who have grown up in the Student Ministries at CPC and are a vital asset to us!

Michelle Metcalf (Middle School girls)

Michelle and her husband Wayne are also a part of the CMA group and have a passion for working with youth that extends from their love of Christ and to see the Kingdom of God lifted up! Michelle is also an important part of GEMS leading the Middle School girls there.

Linda Peters (Youth Chaperone)

Linda is a BIG KID in a grown ups body.  This is what makes her a fun and relevant part of the youth ministry.  She has a love for God that overflows from her heart when she is ministering to the youth! AND she drives a JEEP! Linda also sings on the Sunday Morning Praise Team.

Tim Walsh (Youth Chaperone)

Toy inventor Tim Walsh IS as fun as he sounds. His passion to create and to enjoy life comes out in the way that he serves and loves people.  His greatest statement is by his life and the way he lives it out.  Use the gifts that God has given you to glorify the Creator. He is also one of the creators behind "TriBond" and "Blurt" and their affiliates.  He and his wife Sarah have two sweet girls who also love Christ the way their parents have modeled.

 
Mark Martin (Youth Chaperone) Mark taught the boy's Sunday school for almost 4 years!! He is also mainstay of the Student Ministries and also served for many years on the Youth Advisory Board and as a deacon.  Mark is one of the most laid back guys you will ever meet but there is nothing laid back about his life for wife, Susan, and his two boys!  Mark is a computer guy for WEB MD.

 

CPC Student Ministries focuses on students 6th-12th grade in the Lakewood Ranch area.  Though we also have students from Palmetto, West Bradenton, Myakka, and surrounding areas who join us as well!   Our student ministries program is called:  "Salt-N-Light Student Ministries" or "SNL".

We have several different aspects of ministry.  Click on the following programs for more information:

• Youth Programs

  • JAM

  • I-Groups

  • Upper Room

  • GEMs and Cadets

  • Life Classes

• Youth Special Events

• A Word To Our Parents

JAM!

As part of our student ministries, our youth meet every Wednesday at CPC from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for JAM!  A weekly service in which students are challenged to live out their faith in real ways and also encouraged through the practical messages given, and hard hitting contemporary worship by our worship band.  Click [here] for location and more information. 
 

I-GROUPS   

We also have "I-Groups", for High School Students every Wednesday Evening from 7:00p.m. - 8:30 p.m.  The I-Groups meet in homes and the major emphasis is on  Fellowship, students making Connections with other students. It is also another opportunity we provide for your teen to grow to maturity in their trusting in Christ. I-Groups are led by various members of the Youth Staff throughout the year.  Click [here] for location and more information. 

Upper Room

On Sunday Nights we have Upper Room for High School students who are interested in growing in their walk with Christ.  We have intimate worship followed by relevant discipleship issues such as how to study the Bible, how to prepare and give a Bible study lesson, developing a Christian Worldview, etc.   We also give students a chance to "put feet to their faith" by giving them ministry opportunities in our community.  Upper Room meets at CPC from 6 p.m. to 7:30.  Click [here] for location and more information. 

Gems And Cadets

For middle school students we have GEMs and Cadets.  This is a great program geared towards helping our younger students to grow socially, spiritually, and emotionally.  They have a variety of events planned throughout the semester. GEMs and Cadets meet every other week from 6-7:30 p.m.  For more information you can go to our [online calendar]. 

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Every special event we host or promote embodies our philosophy of ministry. Some of our events are designed entirely for fellowship – an opportunity for teenagers to meet and get to know other Christian teenagers. Other special events have more of an evangelism or ministry goal – an opportunity for teenagers to share their faith and serve others with their God given spiritual gifts. Regardless of what we do, we trust that God is given the glory due His name and that you as a parent are comfortable with your teen’s participation.

Some examples of past special events are: Winter Retreats, paintball, bowling, Spring Break mission projects, work projects for local Christian non-profit groups, Rock the Universe, Night of Joy, and much more! To find out what, where & when our next special event is, please contact our Director of Student Ministries, Mark Elliott (EMAIL) or you may call the Student Ministry office, 941-748-3363.

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Our Student Ministries is "Family Oriented." Christ Presbyterian Church recognizes that parents are charged with the primary spiritual responsibility of raising their children in a manner consistent with Holy Scripture. The Student Ministry of Christ Church exists to assist parents towards that goal. If we can encourage you in your own walk with God, equip you to pass on your trust in Christ to your children or motivate you to live out God’s principles more consistently in your own home, please do not hesitate to contact us. We just so you know, parents are always welcome to attend I-Groups or our Sunday Morning Youth Life-Classes (even unannounced) just to see what we are all about!

Speaking of words to parents, for those of you who are technologically savvy, we would welcome the opportunity to keep you up-to-date with our announcements and special events via e-mail. If we do not currently have your e-mail address, would you kindly email us so we may add you to our list? Fear not - we do not send you anything other than what pertains to the Student Ministry at Christ Church.

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Click [here] to go to our MAIN Youth Website