H7 Story: Caring About The Word Of God
As summer arrives, our 180 Student Ministry takes on a unique rhythm. Rather than hearing primarily from the Student Director, students are led by members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT). Throughout the summer, these student leaders take turns teaching Bible lessons to their peers—often speaking to groups of 80 to 100 students.
The SLT works together to select each summer's theme, whether it is the Attributes of God (2024), Heroes of the Faith from Hebrews 11 (2025), or the Parables (2026). They also choose the homes and venues where the group will gather each week and help plan the activities that accompany those meetings.
The Senior Leadership Team is made up of dedicated students who have completed an application and interview process and committed themselves to serving throughout the year. These students help lead worship, plan games and events, welcome newcomers, and model Christlike leadership for their peers.
The SLT works together to select each summer's theme, whether it is the Attributes of God (2024), Heroes of the Faith from Hebrews 11 (2025), or the Parables (2026). They also choose the homes and venues where the group will gather each week and help plan the activities that accompany those meetings.
The Senior Leadership Team is made up of dedicated students who have completed an application and interview process and committed themselves to serving throughout the year. These students help lead worship, plan games and events, welcome newcomers, and model Christlike leadership for their peers.
Already this summer, the SLT has demonstrated remarkable growth and capability. During the first two gatherings, student leaders Lily Shrader and Kendal Baughman delivered outstanding messages, faithfully and skillfully teaching Scripture.
Reflecting on the opportunity to teach God's Word, Kendal shared:
“What really was key to me while I was putting together the lesson was that Scripture had to be the root of everything throughout the entire process. That is something I have seen at both 180 and Sunday services, and something I wanted to emulate. People are not gathered to listen to my opinions or a TED Talk. They’re gathered to hear the Word of God. That meant the Word should be communicated accurately and clearly.”
She went on to explain:
“Although the idea of sharing it well was intimidating at first, I began to feel more reassured as I read and researched because I had been provided with numerous resources—from websites and books to notes from FCC services. The best resources, though, were my small-group leaders, youth pastors, and other leaders from the church.”
How did these students develop such a strong commitment to handling Scripture faithfully?
David Bowlin, who will succeed Travis Chapman as Student Director while Travis transitions to Campus Pastor of our new West Greene campus, believes the answer is simple: years of faithfully hearing God's Word taught and preached.
“This is simply how they've intuited our approach to the Word,” David explained. “They understand that we approach God's Word to understand what it is saying, not to manipulate it into saying what we want it to. They have been trained by everyday, faithful expository preaching in their church.”
Outgoing Student Director Travis Chapman echoed that observation.
“The emphasis we place on the Word of God and the expositional approach with which we preach it is shaping the next generation. Over my five summers as Student Director at FCC, I have been amazed at how naturally the student leadership team prepares and presents lessons in a clear, expository way with just a little instruction and encouragement. Each year they seem to get better and better.”
“What really was key to me while I was putting together the lesson was that Scripture had to be the root of everything throughout the entire process. That is something I have seen at both 180 and Sunday services, and something I wanted to emulate. People are not gathered to listen to my opinions or a TED Talk. They’re gathered to hear the Word of God. That meant the Word should be communicated accurately and clearly.”
She went on to explain:
“Although the idea of sharing it well was intimidating at first, I began to feel more reassured as I read and researched because I had been provided with numerous resources—from websites and books to notes from FCC services. The best resources, though, were my small-group leaders, youth pastors, and other leaders from the church.”
How did these students develop such a strong commitment to handling Scripture faithfully?
David Bowlin, who will succeed Travis Chapman as Student Director while Travis transitions to Campus Pastor of our new West Greene campus, believes the answer is simple: years of faithfully hearing God's Word taught and preached.
“This is simply how they've intuited our approach to the Word,” David explained. “They understand that we approach God's Word to understand what it is saying, not to manipulate it into saying what we want it to. They have been trained by everyday, faithful expository preaching in their church.”
Outgoing Student Director Travis Chapman echoed that observation.
“The emphasis we place on the Word of God and the expositional approach with which we preach it is shaping the next generation. Over my five summers as Student Director at FCC, I have been amazed at how naturally the student leadership team prepares and presents lessons in a clear, expository way with just a little instruction and encouragement. Each year they seem to get better and better.”
Upcoming junior Lily Shrader also had the opportunity to share a message this summer.
“Writing the message was challenging, but something FCC had well-equipped me to do. The Scripture passage itself was a bit intimidating because it contains a serious warning. It was much harder than I expected to preach God’s justice. What helped me was the example of our brave church leaders, who preach what the Word of God says every single Sunday, regardless of what is personally comfortable.”
Lily explained that she used one of Scott's sermon guides as a reference and followed a structure familiar from years of listening to FCC pastors preach. She also sought counsel from her campus pastor, Tommy, and received feedback from David Bowlin before delivering her message.
“He told me where I had done well and provided suggestions for ways I could improve. Having the example and guidance of our church leaders was incredibly important and helpful.”
The success of these student leaders is certainly a win for the Senior Leadership Team. More importantly, it reflects the fruit of a church that is committed to faithfully preaching and teaching God's Word.
Week after week, in every area of ministry, FCC strives to “let the Word do the work.” As a result, students are learning how to handle Scripture with care, hear from God through His Word, and submit themselves to its truth. Rather than relying on emotionalism or attempting to make a passage say what they want it to say, they are learning to understand and communicate what God has already said.
That is a victory for the present and an encouraging sign for the future faithfulness and leadership of the next generation.
This is yet another example of the lasting fruit that grows from faithfully preaching and teaching God's Word.
“Writing the message was challenging, but something FCC had well-equipped me to do. The Scripture passage itself was a bit intimidating because it contains a serious warning. It was much harder than I expected to preach God’s justice. What helped me was the example of our brave church leaders, who preach what the Word of God says every single Sunday, regardless of what is personally comfortable.”
Lily explained that she used one of Scott's sermon guides as a reference and followed a structure familiar from years of listening to FCC pastors preach. She also sought counsel from her campus pastor, Tommy, and received feedback from David Bowlin before delivering her message.
“He told me where I had done well and provided suggestions for ways I could improve. Having the example and guidance of our church leaders was incredibly important and helpful.”
The success of these student leaders is certainly a win for the Senior Leadership Team. More importantly, it reflects the fruit of a church that is committed to faithfully preaching and teaching God's Word.
Week after week, in every area of ministry, FCC strives to “let the Word do the work.” As a result, students are learning how to handle Scripture with care, hear from God through His Word, and submit themselves to its truth. Rather than relying on emotionalism or attempting to make a passage say what they want it to say, they are learning to understand and communicate what God has already said.
That is a victory for the present and an encouraging sign for the future faithfulness and leadership of the next generation.
This is yet another example of the lasting fruit that grows from faithfully preaching and teaching God's Word.