Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fired-Up?
     It is apologetics, application from the Word, and encouragement from your peers all rolled into one.  We are a youth group without all of the trappings of typical youth groups.  See more here.

What will the first night I attend be like?
     During announcement time we ask if there are any new people in the group tonight.  If you are new we might ask you or a friend you might have come with to say three positive things about you.  After the main talk for the night you will spend some time in a small group working on memory verses, talking about important topics, playing games and having fun.

What makes you a "discipleship" group?
     Setting the "bar" high is not always easy, but the results can't be denied.  See more on what it means to be in a discipleship group here.

What is the "Formal Dinner?"
     Each year the young men and women of Fired-Up are invited to attend a formal event in their best pressed suits and evening gowns.  The night includes some incredible entertainment and food served in courses by fathers.  This premium event provides youth with the chance to grow in manners and Godly respect for each other.

What ministries does Fired-Up support?
     Primarily the goal of Fired-Up is not to have "official" supported ministries.  Instead, Fired-Up believes in supporting individuals in finding their ministry.  We do however sponsor events like the trip to Gleanings for the Hungry where individuals get a chance to participate in a ministry.  We also have other ministry focused events and regular mission updates to expose youth to a variety of Kingdom work.  Here are some ministries you might consider.

Can I date while attending Fired-Up?
     Whether you date or court, Fired-Up will always point you back to your parents to make that decision.  Regardless of the decision, we ask that you focus on each other as a brother or sister in the Lord, during any Fired-Up meeting or event.  Therefore, concentrate of what the Lord is saying rather than on what someone is wearing, whether or not they like you, or any other aspect of coupling up.

What special events happen during the year?
     Just about every month includes some exciting event designed for fellowship, fun and enhancing you future.  Some examples include Drama night, the Formal Dinner, the Retreat, the beach trip, Small group leader training, and the Harvest Party just to name a few.  Check out our yearly schedule here.

What is a typical night like?
     Fired-Up is divided into three important sections.  First, we join together in worship either as a participant or as part of a worship team.  There are multiple worship teams, so there is a place for you.  Second, we have announcements, sharing from the Word, Ministry updates, and an application driven talk.  Third, we have small group time where you will meet to memorize verses, get prayer for things and have accountability in your walk.  Look over the schedule for a typical night here.

Will I be asked for money?
     Fired-Up never requires money to attend.  There are legitimate expenses like building rental and the cost of events, however we have seen God provide abundantly to cover those costs.  There is a small, unobtrusive offering box in the lobby for those who wish to give.  Individual events may have a separate cost, but that cost should never be considered an insurmountable barrier for anyone who truly wants to go.

Do I have to know someone to get in?
     Not at all.  If you don't know anyone on your first night, let one of the leaders introduce you around. Be forewarned, upi will have lots of friends before you leave!

Is there a particular church behind all of this?
     That's one of the great things about Fired-Up.  Behind the scenes there isn't one church, but multiple churches working together in unity.  It varies from year to year, but this year saw around 35 churches represented!

What exactly do you believe?
     Glad you asked.  Go here for a look at our beliefs

Is it possible to jump in at mid-year?
     Sure, but whether you go back to the beginning to memorize your verses or just start from where your small group is at is up to your small group leader.

Who are the leaders of Fired-Up?
     Oh you don't want to ask about them - just kidding.  Go here for a list of leaders and their contact information

How long has your group been going?
     The group has its genesis back as far as the mid-80's with our founders, the Robinson family.  However one thing you will never be asked to do is dress 80's.  We have to draw the line somewhere.

What if someone has piercings or tattoos?
     We recognize that everyone who starts to attend may be at a different point in their relationship with Jesus.  All are welcome, but it needs to be understood that this group exists in part, to help you move you from where you are now, to where you need to be.  Everyone here devotes not only their mind to Spiritual things, but their bodies as well.  As we grow in Christ, we come to understand that these things are signs of rebellion and no issue in your life is more important to resolve than the issue of authority.  Your body belongs to the Lord, so don't deface it.

Can I bring my friend?
     Please!  One aspect of Fired-Up is learning to evangelize to world.  Your world starts with your circle.

Where can I get a schedule?
     Bus schedule? Oh, you mean for Fired-Up.  We publish new schedules every year.  Go here to read this year's.

Can I listen to a message before attending?
     Sure.  We're so generous we'll even let you listen after you start attending.  This year we started recording our meetings and making them available on MP3.  At mid-year however, we started having tremendous technical difficulty with that so we moved to video recordings.  You can access the message archive here.

Where and when do you meet?
     Check out our directions page for some cool stuff like times and days and places and...ok, so its not really all that cool, but it will get you there.

Why do this anyway?
     Good question.  A recent statistic showed that 87% of church attending youth drop away as they grow up and start attending college.  That is a staggering number and frankly one that should bring us to our knees as Christians.  We believe at Fired-Up the root causes are two things.  First, that the world is expert at turning children's hearts away from their parents especially during the later teen years, and second that children aren't allowed to engage in Kingdom work.  Fired-Up seeks to address both of these issues.

What is the "Harvest party?"
     Imagine the biggest game night you can think of.  Not like Monopoly or cards, but more like bizarre team race games involving balloons, eggs and dirt.  No, even more bizarre than that.  Oh, and lots of food.

How do I find my small group?
     Oh, you must be new here.  The leadership on your first night will probably allow you to go to small group with whoever you know best.  After that you will get assigned into a small group based on your age.  One of the small group leaders will show you to the classroom where they meet.  Click here for this year's small group list.

Do you have a dress code?
     We prefer floor length camel hair blankets, but that hasn't gone over too well.  Therefore we will simply say that your clothing and appearance say a lot.  The world thinks our look is supposed to say "I'm available" and "Let me distract you."  Here it's supposed to say "I belong to the Lord and let me point the way to Him."  Have that in mind when you dress and no one needs a dress code.

Do my parents have to be involved?
     In a word, YES.  Families are encouraged to send at least one if not both parents to each Fired-Up meeting and event.  There are small groups for the parents as well, so no one just sits around waiting.  Everyone participates and parents may have a role is some form of leading.  Those unfamiliar with our group often ask, "Where is your youth leader?"  We always answer, "We don't have one youth leader, we have dozens.  They are called Parents."

How old do I have to be to attend?
You have to be at least the square root of the combined ages of the leadership team (that's a joke, son).  Honestly, you can attend if you turn 12 before the first night of Fired-Up in September.  You can keep on attending through college and beyond.

What is "Drama Night?"
     Want to see Academy Award winning acting?  Well go someplace else.  Want to see impromptu skits and have your friends be thoroughly embarrassed?  Then you are in the right place!

Is attendance mandatory?
No, but you will soon get caught up in the fun of being here.  You will work together with your peers towards a goal.  You will be challenged with a high bar.  The work will be hard, but then you will also play hard at our rewards events.  Who would want to miss that?

What is "Gleanings for the Hungry?"
     Just about a million pounds of awesomeness drying in the sun!  For the last few years Fired-Up has provided children with a chance to serve at the mission of Gleanings, down near Sultana California.  Whether it is on the peach line, or bucketing up gallons of soup you will enjoy the hot California sun while helping missionaries abroad to spread the Gospel of Jesus and food for the impoverished.  Read here for more information.

Do you ever not let someone come to Fired-Up?
The circumstance is rare to say the least.  However, if someone's heart is not yielded to the Lord, and becomes a distraction to others, they will be counseled.  If they continue to disrupt they may in fact, be asked to leave for a time, but no repentant heart has ever been turned away.

Can I be a part of worship music?
Each year multiple worship teams are formed.  These aren't professionals, but rather young people and adults with a heart to sing and/or play for worship.  You don't even have to be all that good, seriously (consider Mr. Carter).  Once a team is put together you will need to talk with the worship leader to be a part, but the goal is to get everyone more involved in worship, so ask!  Look here for more about our worship.

What's my role as a parent?
If the goal of Fired-Up is to turn your children's heart towards you, maybe it would be a good idea to cooperate with that.  You really need to attend, find ways to be involved, and talk out Spiritual things with your children.  While your children meet in their small groups we have small group time for you to learn how to apply practical wisdom from other parents.  We're all busy, but this is worth it.

Can I be a Small Group Leader?
Maybe.  Small group leaders used to be just like you, but they chose to be more than just participants.  Being a leader isn't because you've reached a certain age or your peers like you.  It's about maturity in Christ, and a willingness to give it all for His Kingdom.  Start by helping others in your small group to excel, then ask your leader what you can do next.  In short, be a leader first and you will be named a leader next.  Check out some resources for small group leaders here.

I have more questions, who can I ask?
SERIOUSLY?  Who could have more questions after this!  Ok, then click here and follow up with one of the leadership families.

© 2012 Fired-Up Youth Ministries