Macedonia COOL consists of high school students who are part of the NextGen within BIC. This COOL has a special place in my heart because they’re a family who welcomed me with open arms when I was still new in NextGen (formerly 180) at the age of 13. To this day, I’m deeply grateful to the COOL leader and fellow members who invited me and embraced me into what has now become my second family. Through this community, I have grown in faith and forged lifelong friendships. 

I have come to deeply appreciate the importance of being rooted in a Christian community, especially at a young age. High school is a time of significant challenges, where students face a multitude of worldly pressures and influences. It’s reassuring to know that you’re not alone, surrounded by a loving and supportive group where we can be vulnerable and share our burdens. COOL becomes a crucial anchor, a supportive community that shares one common value, and that is Jesus Christ. 

 Discipling the youth is a profound blessing, though it does come with its challenges – from managing varying attention spans to trying to understand the teenage slang they use (that I’m still trying to learn). It requires a mindset focused on how to emphasise that Jesus is at the heart of everything but still make it understandable and relatable to them. How can we convey the message of Jesus in a way that resonates with their experiences? How can we help them live out the Word of our Lord in their schools and families? 

As leaders, we are only the vessels who may sow the seeds of faith through guidance and example, but it is ultimately God who works in their hearts to bring about true transformation (1 Corinthians 3:6-9). Our effort may lay the groundwork, but God’s love, wisdom and timing are what truly cultivates and matures their faith. It brings great comfort and humility, reminding us that while we play a part, it ultimately rests in God’s hands. It is through God’s grace that their hearts are touched, his word that illuminates their minds, and his love that transforms their loves.  We are merely instruments in his grand design, privileged to witness and participate in the miraculous journey of NextGen’s spiritual growth. Even seeing the more senior members of our COOL encouraging the younger ones, whether it’s helping them focus or even leading some group discussions, it’s been a true blessing. 

This spirit of mentorship and support is at the heart of what NextGen COOL is all about—helping kids grow and mature in the Word of God and raising up the next generation. 

Whether you are a parent with a teenager, or you yourself are a high school student, we would love to welcome you or your child into our COOL. We meet every week to share dinner, play some games, worship, and study God’s Word together. It’s a wonderful time of fellowship and we hope to see you there.