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Message from a pastor of Steele Creek Church (Charlotte, NC):

My name is Scott Schampers and I am one of the youth pastors at Steele Creek Church of Charlotte. My wife and I moved to Charlotte in August 2001 (right after getting married) to work with the youth program. Victoria has been a part of the children's ministry at Steele Creek since she joined the church, and this year, has joined our youth ministry team (7th - 12th grade). She is a faithful and committed leader who has a huge heart for the youth. She is also a key part of our new strategy called Underground Groups.

We believe that the youth are not just the church of tomorrow, but they are the church of today. Because of this we make it our aim in everything that we do to build up each student.

What makes this student ministry so dynamic is the 2 important aspects that have been blended perfectly together. For one month we meet corporately as the Youth Group to experience the unity of the whole large group. The following month we break down into smaller “Underground” groups to give opportunity for more intimate friendships and spiritual growth

Youth Group:

With the many different schools that come together at Steele Creek Church, there are approximately 150 students involved in Youth Group. This time together caters to the personality reflected in this generation: powerful, fun and energetic. We worship the Lord, share testimonies, and dig into God's Word in a way that meets kids where they really are – and lives are changed by it. The reality of that is when we watch the kids take what they have gained and minister to each other and to the world. Many chose to go on our annual missions trips to New York City, the Dakota Indian reservations and some even to Romania and the French speaking areas of Quebec. The many gifts and talents of each of the kids are celebrated and included, not only in our Wednesday night gatherings, but in the church as a whole, whenever possible.

Underground Groups:

Having150 students spread out all over the greater Charlotte area makes community hard to develop. We started underground groups to help develop community and give students a place to "grow their roots underground". In an analogy of a tree, the true life and strength is found in the roots - growing secretly underground. And, in the example of the early church, true unity and power was developed when Christians were forced to meet “underground”. We’ve discovered that too! During our "Underground" month, students gather in about seven different people's homes to worship, discuss real-life lessons from scripture, hold each other accountable, and pray for each other.

Words from Victoria:

I am so proud to be leading a group of quality young leaders. To see racial, cultural, and social diversity all accepting, loving and growing together as one class of people: children of God; puts me in a state of awe. We are seeing the fruits of this church’s heart in reaching out to “every tribe and nation” – we are becoming exactly what God intended for His church world- wide. I have such great love and respect for each of these kids. I pray somehow, someway, I will be able to see the manifestation of God’s “powerful purpose” when these “underground roots” sprout them out to light up the world.

You can find out more about Steele Creek Church and their Student Ministry by visiting:

www.steelecreek.org