Connection, authenticity, belonging--all essential needs in the life of every person, but what do they mean for today's teenager? For the modern day latch-key kid, these needs are met in a community of available and caring mentors. For the unchurched, it is the fostering of authentic friendships with Christians instead of being viewed as a one-time prayer or "project." For those with a life story of personal brokenness, fulfilling their needs means their learning to trust God and release those burdens to someone greater than themselves and, ultimately, finding they belong.
Understanding these concepts, Rocketown Florida opened November 2009 to answer the call. In just over a year, 30,000 kids have walked through its doors, 400 bands have performed and over 150 have committed their lives to Christ. At its heart, Rocketown's mission is to impact the lives of teens by creating a safe haven that is culturally relevant and eternally significant.
"Kids lives are changed through relationship rather than praying a prayer and never seeing them again; there is follow up and a trust level," says Danny Kanell, Rocketown's President.
Modeled after the Rocketown that opened up in Nashville eight years ago, Rocketown Florida is within a five-mile radius of several public schools. Its central location and its programs attract a diverse group of students from different socio-economic groups. From the underprivileged kid lacking a support system, to the private school rich kid who sees religion as mundane--all are welcome.
"Every kid who walks in the doors is worthy of love and attention," says Theresa Mazza, Operations Director. "What all these kids find is that they are the same as everyone else, and they find identity in that."
Rocketown does not consider itself a "Christian teen center" exclusive to Christian kids. Rather, it is a place where kids are accepted as they are. Mazza says, "If you come having preconceived ideas and stereotypes, you're going to miss the message of what Rocketown is about."
Attracting teens is the fundamental building block to Rocketown's success. Kids come for the great music venue, skate park, coffee bar and a variety of programs that speak to their interests. While there, Rocketown staff members build relationships and create an inviting community of acceptance and fellowship. Through discussion groups and Bible studies, teens are connected with local churches and youth groups. Rocketown's goal is for kids to discover God's purpose for their lives. Through their creative programs, they expose the kids to new interests and talents. For 19-year-old Shane, Rocketown was pivotal in guiding him towards a future in ministry.
Shane battled crippling feelings of low self worth for most of his young life. Eager to prove himself, he excelled at sports but did not find the validation he desperately sought. As his personal life continued to spiral out of control, Shane attempted to take his own life. In the hospital, he cried out to God for grace, and his life was spared.
Although he faced other doubts and trials, Rocketown planted the seeds for equipping Shane to find his true purpose. He enrolled in the discipleship training school where he trained intensively for three months and went on a two-month missions trip to Angola, Africa. "God is everything and a part of every big decision in my life," he states. Instilled with a passion for a vocation in youth ministry, Shane is a notable example of how God uses a place such as this. Rocketown shows teens, like Shane, that they are worthy and their validation does not come of their own accord but from God.
Online link to story:
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