The name 2twenty2 does not find its origins in an attempt for some witty or creative youth group name. In fact, 2twenty2 was not even born from an attempt to create a youth group name. There is often too much pressure to have a catchy name to represent a youth program and this was definitely not another addition to this band wagon. 2twenty2 was born from 2 Timothy 2:22 where we find these words,

“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

This is the genesis of 2twenty2. Our desire is that every young adult who comes through our doors will experience this verse fleshed out. We exist to help carry out this mission by God’s power and grace. Jesus said that apart from Him we can do nothing. That is why our team here desires to depend on God’s power and His grace to accomplish these lofty goals.

The reason why 2 Timothy 2:22 is the backbone of the ministry here at Grace Calvary church, is because it pinpoints the needs of our youth culture today!

- “Flee the evil desires of youth…”

As a young person in today’s culture there is more access to evil than ever before. No other generation has ever had so much evil available to them or put on display before them than the youth of today. Many of our youth are at crossroads in their life. They are making choices, even at these early ages that will affect the rest of their lives. That is why it’s our desire that we teach our young adults to flee the evil desires of their youth culture, to pursue the more satisfying waters of Jesus Christ, who alone satisfies our longing hearts.

- “… and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace…”

Too many young Christians get told in the church what they CAN’T do. This kind of teaching alone is often ineffective and produces only rebellion instead of passion. This verse teaches that not only are we to flee from sin, but we are to pursue Christ-likeness. Our message must include what they CAN do! They CAN choose to follow Jesus and run in His ways. These four things are worthy pursuits for our young people: righteousness, faith, love and peace. Riddled in scripture are these qualities and they are the very DNA of God’s character. It’s our desire to see our youth learn and grow in each of these areas. 2twenty2 desires an atmosphere that allows any student to experience these as they come through our doors.

- “…along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

This is the final aspect that makes this verse the foundation of 2twenty2. “Church” isn’t a building or a program, it’s a people. God has created mankind for relationship; relationship with Himself and with others. A chief goal of 2twenty2 is community. We desire a “family” over a “program”. The size of our group is not chief at 2twenty2, but the quality of our family. Students are bombarded by a culture that tears at every principle Jesus stands for and many times their families are no exception. Because of this we exist to be a place for youth to come together alongside those who call on the Lord out of pure hearts. This battle is not meant to be fought alone. We value relationship, community and family. Our desire is not to replace parent’s role in their young people’s lives, but to be a support and a resource for families to help point our students to Jesus and the treasure that He is! We desire to be a haven for those who want fellowship with others who are seeking Jesus. We are not an exclusive group and highly encourage any student to join us, but these efforts are in hopes that they may meet the love of Jesus and forever be changed by it. If you have any questions please feel free to drop us a line on our ‘contact us’ page.

-          The 2twenty2 team