Creating an E.P.I.C Environment

A high priority for Core Impact directors is to create an atmosphere where students are inspired to experience Christ, express His love, and entrust their lives to Him.  Perhaps the best way to create such an atmosphere is to focus on creating an E.P.I.C. experience.

1. Experiential – Create opportunities during Core Impact for students to actually experience God, not just talking about Him.  This is especially important during the "Journey Towards Intimacy" experience.

2. Participatory – Create opportunities during Core Impact for student participation.  This can obviously be done during worship, but be sure to make training times and breakout times as interactive as possible.  Also, when students are involved in "Ministry Projects," be sure to create an environment that allows them to actually minister instead of one that has adults ministering for students.

3. Image-Driven – Use the language of culture to communicate to students.  Use media, graphics, and the arts to enhance what you communicate.

4. Community-Based – Youth Ministry Breakouts are designed to allow youth ministries to process what God is doing within their group.  Don't shortchange this time!  Also, consider allowing major life decisions to be processed during Youth Ministry Breakouts instead of through "alter calls."