Sundays from 5-7pm
Grades 6-12
(High School & Middle School)
ABOUT:
The vision of the Cultivate Youth Ministry at FBC is “to cultivate a culture of passionate discipleship
to Jesus Christ through gospel-centered teaching, uplifting worship, and a loving community.”
MEETING TIMES:
Cultivate typically meets on Sundays from 5-7pm in the youth room (second floor, farthest room to the right).
Our meetings usually consist of an icebreaker game, worship, and a lesson based on Scripture.
Sometimes this includes breaking off into discussion groups or ending with another game if there is extra time.
FOOD PANTRY:
We believe in showing our students the importance of serving our
community and being the “hands and feet” of Jesus.
On the first Sunday of every month, Cultivate volunteers at the Food Pantry after the church service,
instead of having our normal youth group meeting. We typically meet for pizza in the
Fellowship Hall at 11:30am, and depart for the Food Pantry at noon.
SUNDAY SCHOOL:
The high school and middle school students meet for Sunday school in different rooms.
Both classes use a curriculum called “The Gospel Project,” which takes students
through the story of the Bible over the course of three years.
OTHER EVENTS IN THE YEAR INCLUDE:
Summer Mission Trip
Winter Retreat (January)
Movie Nights
“Guys Night” & “Girls Night”
Pool Parties
Bonfires
Family Nights
Trunk Or Treat Etc.!
OUR TEAM
Michael and Amy Agapito
Michael Agapito leads the Cultivate youth ministry at First Baptist Church as the associate pastor in training. Before that, he worked at a Baptist housing ministry on the campus of the University of Illinois. He is currently working on his Masters of Divinity (MDiv) from Northern Seminary, and has also taken classes at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Michael also has a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Illinois and a masters degree in counseling from Wheaton College.
Michael’s wife, Amy, has a masters degree in social work from the University of Illinois and is currently a school social worker at Mattoon High School. Before that, she worked in physical education at an elementary school in Champaign, Illinois. Michael and Amy have been married since 2018. They marvel at how God has led and called them to First Baptist Church, and feel very loved by their church family. God has given them passion for youth and children, for caring about vulnerable people, for justice in the world, and for being the hands and feet of Jesus.
Michael’s wife, Amy, has a masters degree in social work from the University of Illinois and is currently a school social worker at Mattoon High School. Before that, she worked in physical education at an elementary school in Champaign, Illinois. Michael and Amy have been married since 2018. They marvel at how God has led and called them to First Baptist Church, and feel very loved by their church family. God has given them passion for youth and children, for caring about vulnerable people, for justice in the world, and for being the hands and feet of Jesus.
Elijah Agapito
Elijah is a recent graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in music technology. He has been instrumental (pun intended!) in leading the Cultivate youth in worship during their meetings and teaching the students what it means to worship by his example. He has also been helping to lead the worship team ministry at First Baptist Church. Singing, playing instruments, recording, and music in general are Elijah’s great love and passion, and he sees music as a powerful way to connect with God of the Bible.
Estiven Estacio
Estiven (or “Stiven” as he is often called at FBC) came to the U.S. from Columbia and is now graduating from Lakeland College with the intention of becoming a physical therapist assistant. Here’s what he had to share about joining the Cultivate team:
“Since I joined FBC, I have always felt called to join the youth ministry. Unfortunately, my schedule did not allow me to join the group before. However, when Michael asked me if I would be willing to join the leadership team of the group, I did not hesitate to accept because I felt this was the right moment in my life to do it, and I feel that we have an amazing group of kiddos that will match my personality. So I feel blessed and honored that Michael and the other leaders wanted me to join the group and as of right now I have enjoyed every single Sunday that we get together to keep growing as brothers and sisters in Christ.”
“Since I joined FBC, I have always felt called to join the youth ministry. Unfortunately, my schedule did not allow me to join the group before. However, when Michael asked me if I would be willing to join the leadership team of the group, I did not hesitate to accept because I felt this was the right moment in my life to do it, and I feel that we have an amazing group of kiddos that will match my personality. So I feel blessed and honored that Michael and the other leaders wanted me to join the group and as of right now I have enjoyed every single Sunday that we get together to keep growing as brothers and sisters in Christ.”
Marina Rhine
Marina Rhine is currently studying business at Lakeland College in Mattoon. She grew up attending First Baptist Church and graduated from Mattoon High School in 2022. Here’s what she shared about joining the Cultivate team:
“It’s important for the students to have people that they feel they can always talk to, and I wanted to hopefully be one of those people. I wanted to make and grow connections with the students. I also think it is important for our youth group to have strong bonds and be comfortable with each other. As our church is trying to grow our youth group, I wanted to be part of trying to get new students involved and make them feel welcome in the youth group and in our church.”
“It’s important for the students to have people that they feel they can always talk to, and I wanted to hopefully be one of those people. I wanted to make and grow connections with the students. I also think it is important for our youth group to have strong bonds and be comfortable with each other. As our church is trying to grow our youth group, I wanted to be part of trying to get new students involved and make them feel welcome in the youth group and in our church.”
Janice Kempe
“Hi! My name is Janice Kempe. I was raised in Mattoon, and pursued life in the fast lane many other places. The Lord has allowed my life to once again be renewed since 2010 and to live in Mattoon the past three years. I am here to give back to the community that gave to me for as long as the Lord allows. My background with children is extensive, ranging from babysitting as a young girl to working with youth and teens in current years. Nine years of my career life was devoted to youth and teens with mental and social disorders/behaviors. No this isn't a picture of me, but I chose it to impress upon our minds that a child has a long and difficult road ahead.My desire is to be the Christ-like image we are called to be to the youth in order to allow them to choose Jesus Christ as their one, true and loving friend!”