Pardigm exists to bring about a Student-led, Servant-minded Revolution to the lives of students everywhere. 

The vision for Paradigm is to be...

STUDENT-LED Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

The Paradigm team wants to see students get involved, take ownership, and see this ministry is an extension of themselves. If they do, incredible things will happen. Our students must be taught how to be Godly leaders because, unfortunately, if they don't lead, they will probably end up following. If our students can't lead in the church, then how will they lead in a lost and dying world?

SERVANT-MINDED . . . I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 1 Corinthians 9:22

It has been said that teenagers are, by nature, self-absorbed and only care about is themselves. While it's true in part, much of it is based on perception. Paradigm wants to change that perception. Jesus was Lord of all because He was servant of all. We want to see our students understand that and live out their faith through service to Jesus and others.

SALVATION-SEEKING . . . to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19:10

Our deepest desire is that the reality of Jesus Christ would bring about a revolution of body, mind, soul, and spirit in believers and unbelievers on a continual basis. If we don't learn to appreciate and seek out salvation for ourselvs and others, we will take Christ's sacrifice for granted. We must appreciate  our deliverance, grow in Christ, and share the Good News with the world.

The key to a healthy student ministry lies in understanding and maintaining a balance of these five biblical purposes of the New Testament church.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart is a call to WORSHIP—awe of God.

Love your neighbor as yourself is a call to MINISTRY—active love.

Go and make disciples of all nations is a call to EVANGELISM—courageous faith.

Baptizing them is a call to FELLOWSHIP—real community.

Teaching them to obey is a call to DISCIPLESHIP—growth.

Paradigm Student Ministries offers many services, events, and activities throughout the year to help students come to Jesus, grow in their relationship with Jesus, and serve others in the name of Jesus. Below is a list of opportunities offered on a regular basis:

PARADIGM68 (6–8th Grade)

Wednesdays | 6:15 p.m. | CVC Theater
This weekly gathering of students is about experiencing God through personal relationships, Bible study, music, drama, and other media. 

PARADIGM912 (9–12th Grade)

Wednesdays | 7:15 p.m. | CVC Theater

This weekly gather of students explores God's perspective on life through music, media, drama, worship, and a message that speaks to their spiritual, emotional, and relational needs.

LIFE GROUPS

2nd & 4th Sunday | 6:00–8:00 p.m. | Various Locations Across the Metro

Life Groups teach students to live out their faith in a community rather than as an individual. Twice a month, students gather to develop relationships for the purpose of spiritual growth and accountability. Life Groups emphasize honesty, authenticity, and commitment.

SUNDAY GROUPS
Sundays | 10:05–10:50 a.m. | Various Rooms at CVC
Through classroom interaction, small group discussions, and teacher presentations, students learn what the Bible has to say about the issues they face on a daily basis. Sunday groups are divided by grade.

PARADIGM RETREATS

Winter Camp, Minnesota Youth Convention, Summer Camp, and Others

Paradigm offers many opportunities for students to get away from their daily responsibilities and draw closer to God. Through services and small groups, students are challenged to hear God's voice and grow in their relationship with Him. Each retreat also provides a chance to build great friendships and have a lot of fun.

MISSION TRIPS

Dates and Times Vary
The Paradigm team believes every student should go on a mission trip before they graduate from high school. Each year, Paradigm provides an opportunity for students to get out of their comfort zone to share the Gospel in their back yard or around the world.

FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

May
The Fine Arts Festival gives students a chance to develop their God-given talents. Several divisions are available and include art, communication, drama, instrumental, vocal, and writing.
 

Here's a note from lead pastor, Jerry Strandquist:

Oh, to be young again! I know it's hard to believe, but life goes by quickly and the decisions you make in the next few years will impact the rest of your life. As a young person, you have many decisions to make but three are critical: your friends, response to authority, and whether you live as a giver or a taker. 

I hope and pray you will choose friends who help you grow in your faith—that's where Paradigm Student Ministries comes in. Paradigm is an opportunity for you to connect with others through youth services, Life Groups, ministry opportunities, and the broader community of Cedar Valley Church. 

You will have challenges with authority that come into your life, and your ultimate success will depend on how you respond to parents, teachers, coaches, police officers, and even to Pastors. 

Lastly, I pray you will be a giver and not a taker. Each day you have the chance to give, reach out, and impact the people around you.

Pastor Strandquist