"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” - 1 Timothy 4:12

In writing to Timothy, the apostle Paul made clear that youth is no barrier to growing closer to Jesus or discipling others in their walks with Him. 


Therefore, as Rockford Reformed envisions raising up 300 more gospel guides by 2028, the Youth Ministry plays a pivotal role. By God’s grace, we pray that both students and volunteer leaders will grow in the fear and knowledge of God. As we study God’s Word together, building and cultivating deeper friendships and Christian community, we trust that Jesus will continue to make Himself known to our middle and high schoolers.


The Youth Ministry at Rockford Reformed is dedicated to teaching the importance of Christ alone as revealed through His Word. Join us as we seek to grow in relationship with Him, supernaturally empowered by the Holy Spirit. As Jesus promised in Matthew 18:20, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." 

Youth Group

  • Middle & High School
  • Sundays, 4:30-7:00pm

Activities

  • Service opportunities
  • Mission trips
  • Weekend retreats
  • Fundraisers
  • Bonfires and other social activities

Schedule Notes

Click on "Upcoming Events" below for event details

12/14 - Caroling at Bishop Hills
2/8 - Super Bowl @ Klaasens'
3/8 - Winter Jam 2026
3/13-15 - Spring Retreat
6/22-27 - XJ 2026
7/26-8/1 - Mission Trip

  • Caroling at Bishop Hills

    • DATE: Sunday, December 14
    • LOCATION: Bishop Hills
    • DROP OFF: RRC at 3:45pm (will walk up the hill to Bishop Hills)
    • MORE DETAILS: We plan to sing a few Christmas carols with the residents at Bishop Hills (4:00-4:45pm). After we spend a short time mixing and socializing with the residents, we will head back to RRC for the Church Christmas Party (5:00-7:00pm)

    SUPERBOWL @ the Klaasens

    • DATE: Sunday, February 8
    • LOCATION: The Klaasen Residence
    • DROP OFF: 6pm (Kickoff ≈ 6:30pm)
    • PICK UP: 8:30ish
    • HOW TO SIGN UP: RSVP to tim.v@rockfordrc.org so we know how many to expect!
    • MORE DETAILS: We’ve got the main food & drinks covered! Please bring a snack, side, or dessert to share.

    Winter Jam 2026 at Van Andel Arena

    • DATE: Sunday, March 8, 2026
    • DESCRIPTION: Winter Jam is a high-energy Christian music tour featuring top artists, worship, and powerful messages, all in an affordable, family-friendly atmosphere. It’s an incredible opportunity to experience live performances while deepening your faith alongside thousands of others.
    • DROP OFF: RRC at 1:30pm – we will carpool to Van Andel Arena (using church vans)
    • START TIME: Doors open at 3pm
    • END TIME: Approximately 10:00pm
    • PICK UP: RRC at 10:30pm
    • COST: $40 (can pay by check made out to “RRCYM”, cash, or student account)
    • DEADLINE FOR SIGN UP: January 25, 2026
    • DEADLINE FOR PAYMENT: February 8, 2026

    Spring Retreat at Camp Henry

    • DATES: Friday, March 13 - Sunday, March 15, 2026
    • DROP OFF: RRC at 4:45pm – on March 13, 2026
    • PICK UP: RRC at 11:15am – on March 15, 2026 (after church)
    • COST: $30 (cash, check, or student account) — Let me know how you would like to pay.
    • HOW TO SIGN UP: Please email tim.v@rockfordrc.org or text Tim at 616-821-8767 to sign up. Checks (made out to RRCYM) and cash, placed in an envelope labeled with the students’ name and event, can be place in Tim’s folder at church.
    • DEADLINE FOR SIGN UP: February 8, 2026
    • DEADLINE FOR PAYMENT: March 1, 2026

    XJ 2026

    (open to incoming 10th graders - graduating seniors)

    • WHAT’S XJ? The XJ (eXperience Jesus) conference is a week-long discipleship event for high school students held at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, sponsored by Sonlife. It focuses on equipping students to know, love, and share Jesus through training sessions in evangelism and Bible study, along with opportunities for practical ministry and community engagement. The goal is to empower youth to grow in their faith and become confident in sharing their beliefs with others.
    • DATES: June 22-27, 2026
    • LOCATION: Moody Bible Institute - Chicago, IL
    • COST: $225* (Church is now willing to subsidize $200!!)
    • SIGN UP DEADLINE: January 18, 2026
    • PAYMENT DUE BY: May 17, 2026
    • * This event costs more than our typical Youth Group activities and falls outside our regular ministry budget. Because of that, participants and their families will be responsible for the cost. Students are encouraged to organize fundraising efforts to help offset the price. More importantly, XJ is designed for students who are fully committed to growing in their walk with Jesus and learning to share their faith. It’s a significant investment—but one that’s meant for those who are all in.
    • MORE DETAILS: sonlife.com/store/events/xj
    • Keep an eye out for additional information!

    Summer 2025 Mission Trip

    • DATES: July 26 - August 1, 2026
    • LOCATION: AdventureServe Ministries, Wilmore, KY
    • Keep an eye out for more details as we start to build a schedule and plan for this mission trip. We are looking forward to having this opportunity to go learn how to be with Jesus and become like Jesus through this ministry.

Our Youth Ministry volunteers are required to have a background check, reference check, and to complete a Child Abuse Prevention training before they are allowed to serve, and they are re-checked every two years after that. We want to be sure we are providing the safest care possible for your child!


Informed Consent Form – This form only needs to be filled out once per family per year. Please include all children who will be participating in children’s or youth activities (Youth Group, Sunday School, Nursery, KidLife Club, VBS, etc.).

Resources

Youth Calendar