Our DiscipleNow Weekend is for students in grades six through twelve. While DiscipleNow (or D-Now) has been an event we have regularly held for our students for almost thirty years, many in our church are unfamiliar with what DiscipleNow is or why their students should attend. Also, this is a church-wide weekend, so while the emphasis is on our students, the entire church participates.
What is DiscipleNow?
DiscipleNow is basically a student retreat, but held at home. Historically, students would stay overnight in host homes with college students and other young adults leading their home groups. These small groups were divided up based on sex and grade. Additionally, students would traditionally gather at the church for large-group teaching times, recreation, and worship. This weekend has historically been a time where students were impacted greatly through Bible study, fellowship, and worship. While many even came to surrender their lives to Christ during a D-Now, the focus is clearly on discipleship. Thus, the teachings are deeper and applicable to the daily lives of teenagers.
DiscipleNow 2025
This year we have made a few adjustments to what has traditionally been a host-home event. There are numerous reasons for the adjustment. As always, we are focused on ensuring safety for adults and students participating. By not having host homes, we are able to eliminate transportation requirements during the weekend. All activities will take place at the church campus. Students are encouraged to stay the night, as we have secure, designated spaces available, as well as showers. However, they are not required to stay the night.
Details
Dates: April 4-6, 2025
Location: First Baptist Church of Orange Park (Student Building, Gym, E Building, and Worship Center)
Sleeping Arrangements: We are utilizing the second and third floors of the E Building as our dorm for our students. Adults (with security clearance from FBCOP) will also be on each floor. Boys will be on the second floor. Girls on the third. Students are reminded that there are video cameras recording in each room, so modesty, as always, is expected. Students can change clothes in the restrooms or in the locker rooms in the gym. Showers in the locker rooms are available.
Meals: Church members are providing the food for the following meals at the church:
Breakfast on Saturday, April 5
Lunch on Saturday, April 5
Dinner on Saturday, April 5
Breakfast on Sunday, April 6
Cost: The cost per student $40 each and covers all material (T-shirt, journal, workbook, meals)
Leaving the Campus: Some students (and their parents, too) just are not super comfortable with spending the night at the church. We get it. You don't have to do that. We encourage you to try, but if that raises the anxiety level too high, just pick up your student late and bring them back in the morning. But...don't miss the scheduled group times. Some students have ball games, concerts, and work they just cannot change. What then? Let Pastor David know and come and go as your schedule allows. We just need to know. If for any reason a student must leave the campus, we (adult leaders) have to know ahead of time. Don't stress about it. Cell numbers will be made available.
Medical Release Form: We need a notarized medical release form for all church activities of 2025 on file. Click the link below for a downloadable copy. We can notarize it at the church.
Recreation on Saturday: Recreation will include team games, relays, and activities that will ensure showers are needed afterward. It's going to be fun. Most games will be outside, but some may in the gym.
Theme: This year's theme is RELENTLESS.