Living For What Matters

Romans 12:1-2

1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Introduction

Psalm 122:1

1 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”

Personal Information; Sebastion Koger, Grace Koger, Eden Koger-Grace and I have been married for 2.5 years. Our Daughter is 10 months old.

Grace and I both hold an AA degree from Clear Creek Baptist Bible College and I am in my senior year for my BA.

Prior to now I served as the Senior Pastor of East Side Baptist Church in Texas and Prior to that I served as the Youth Pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church in Kentucky.

But more important than any of that I have been a believer for 7 years now and He is the single greatest part of my life.

Vision for youth

We Need a youth program that is focused on three things.

Going, Growing, Gloryfing

1. A Youth Program Rooted in Transformation:

Romans 12:1-2 (NASB 1995) – “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.”

My vision for the youth program at Southern Heights starts with transformation. This isn’t just about growing in knowledge, though that’s important—it’s about becoming the hands and feet of Jesus. We are called to be a living sacrifice, offering ourselves to God. This means living differently from the world around us. As young people, you are in a unique position to make a difference—whether that’s in your school, your family, or your neighborhood. God has called us to live in such a way that we transform the culture we’re in, rather than simply conforming to it.

The first step in this transformation is understanding that your life has a purpose—and that purpose is to love your community, to serve those in need, and to be a witness for Christ in your everyday life.

2. Loving the Ninth District:

“Southern Heights Loves the Ninth” isn’t just a slogan; it’s a mission. The Ninth District of Lexington, KY, is our mission field, and God has placed us here for a reason. We want to see lives transformed by the gospel, and that starts with serving and loving the people around us.

Our youth program isn’t just about serving within the church walls—it’s about going out into the Ninth District and showing the love of Christ through action. Whether it’s serving in local schools, cleaning up parks, or helping our neighbors in need, we want to make a tangible difference.

Our call is clear: We are called to love and serve the Ninth. And you, as the youth of Southern Heights, are the hands and feet of this mission.

What if we could serve meals to those in need in the Ninth District?

What if we could host community events that show Christ’s love to our neighbors?

What if we could be the generation that brings hope and change to the Ninth District?

This is your calling: to be the change-makers and to bring the love of Christ into every part of the Ninth.

3. A Generation of Leaders:

The youth of Southern Heights aren’t just the church of tomorrow—they are the church of today. We believe in empowering you to be leaders, not only in the youth group but in the community and the world. God has gifted you with unique talents, passions, and ideas, and we want to help you discover your potential as leaders in His Kingdom.

We’ll focus on developing servant leaders who know their identity in Christ, who are committed to loving and serving others, and who are passionate about sharing the gospel. As you grow in your faith, you will not just follow—you will lead.

You are called to be leaders in your schools.

You are called to be leaders in your homes.

You are called to be leaders in your community.

4. A Youth Program Focused on Discipleship and Outreach:

A key part of the vision for the youth program will focus on discipleship—helping you grow in your relationship with Christ, understanding Scripture, and being equipped to share your faith. Our youth ministry will offer Bible studies, worship experiences, and small groups that foster deep spiritual growth.

But it’s not just about what happens within the church walls. We are also committed to outreach—to going outside the church and impacting the world around us.

Key Elements of the Program:

Bible Study and Discipleship: We will dive into God’s Word to understand His will for our lives and how we can walk it out daily.

Community Service Projects: From serving the Ninth District to global outreach, we will be a youth group that serves and loves people.

Worship and Fellowship: Building a community where you can grow together in faith, share struggles, and celebrate victories.

Leadership Development: Equipping you to be leaders, both in the church and in your community.

5. A Call to Action:

As we step into this vision, we ask you to join us in living out the mission of Southern Heights and loving the Ninth. Each one of you has a role to play in this mission. Whether it’s through serving in local outreach programs, leading a Bible study, or simply being a light in your school, God is calling you to action.

We want this youth program to be a place where you find your purpose, grow in your faith, and, most importantly, be part of the transformation of our church and community.

Sermon