"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, 6:00-7:30pm

Sunday School

  • High School: Catechism Class in Room 246
  • Middle School: May join either the Catechism Class with the high schoolers or the Family Sermon Discussion in Room 250

Schedule Notes

(scroll down for details)

  • 12/15 - Caroling
  • 1/19 - Winter Jam
  • 3/14-13/16 - Camp Henry

Caroling at Bishop Hills: Sunday, December 15, 3:00-5:30pm. Please drop your students off at the church by 3:00pm. We’ll carpool to Bishop Hills around 3:15, while the residents are having dinner. We plan to spend about 15-20 minutes singing Christmas carols, followed by a time to chat and play some fun games with the residents. We’ll head back to church at 4:30 for a pizza dinner and gym games to wrap up the Youth Group season! Please RSVP to Tim VanderZwaag by Sunday, December 8, so we can ensure we have enough seats and enough pizza. 


Winter Jam 2025 at Van Andel Arena

  • DATE: Sunday, January 19, 2025
  • DESCRIPTION: Winter Jam 2025 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 2:00pm – we will carpool to Van Andel Arena (using church vans)
  • START TIME: Doors open at 3pm
  • END TIME: Approximately 8:00pm
  • PICK UP: RRC at 8:30pm
  • COST: $25 (can pay by check, cash, or student account)
  • DEADLINE FOR SIGN UP: December 29, 2024
  • DEADLINE FOR PAYMENT: January 12, 2025

Spring Retreat at Camp Henry

  • DATES: March 14 - March 16, 2025
  • LOCATION: Camp Henry
  • DROP OFF: RRC at 4:45pm on March 14, 2025
  • PICK UP: RRC at 11:15am on March 16, 2025
  • 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 (can be made out to RRCYM) and cash, placed in an envelope labeled with the students’ name and event, can be placed into Tim VanderZwaag’s folder at church.
  • DEADLINE FOR SIGN UP: February 16, 2025
  • PAYMENT DUE BY: March 2, 2025

Summer 2025 Mission Trip

  • TENTATIVE DATES: July 20-26, 2025
  • 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.

Resources

Youth Calendar