Refuge Student Ministry, housed in the GAMC (G. A. Mangun Center), is the total youth ministry of the POA.  Refuge consists of four major divisions: JCrew, theRUSH, The Spot, and The Bridge.  Refuge's mission is to reach every new generation of youth with the Gospel of Jesus Christ while leaving a blueprint for youth leaders to follow.
	JCrew is the POA's Junior High ministry for students in grades 7 and 8.  JCrew has special Wednesday evening services in the JCrew Room, which is located in the GAMC.
	theRUSH is the POA's High School ministry for students in ninth through twelfth grades.  theRUSH meets on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm in the GAMC Auditorium for RUSH Hour services.
	The SPOT is the POA's urban ministry designed to reach out to students ages 12-21 who are part of the Bus Route ministry.  Their main service is held on Sunday mornings in the GAMC Auditorium during the Second-Hour Sunday School time slot.
	The Bridge is the POA's College ministry, which targets unmarried youth ages 19-24.  Students meet in the JCrew Room each Sunday at 9:30 am for Sunday school.  On Wednesday evenings, they join theRUSH for their RUSH Hour service, alternating every other week with a special Wednesday night service designed for college students that is held in the Choir Room.

Awaken Prayer is held in the Student Prayer Room (Main Sanctuary building) at 5:30 pm on Sundays.

Each division of Refuge has a coordinator and a volunteer staff team specifically assigned to that division.  Their main purpose is to equip young people with a better understanding of God's Word and to teach them how to apply it on a day-to-day basis.

In addition to regularly scheduled services, students have the opportunity to participate in special events, such as annual retreats, lock-ins, and other fellowship activities.

JCrew, theRUSH, The SPOT, and The Bridge each has their own separate staff.  Within each ministry, there are planned monthly staff meetings to bring the ministry together as a group.  The staff is responsible for coordinating retreats and events for the youth, and designated staff members are responsible for events, visitor follow-up, and financial matters.  Staff members also lead small groups through the Oxygen small group ministry.

All Refuge workers have several opportunities for training and support, including special sessions with the Student Pastor, annual Youth Ministry staff retreats, continuing education seminars, and reimbursement for approved Youth Ministry expenditures.

For more information, contact the Refuge office at 318.487.8977.