One of the key points in a young person’s life is when they start to grow closer to God and develop their spiritual life. At least half of teens report sharing the same religious beliefs as their parents, so the guidance a child receives on faith is crucial to their future. This reality led us to implement a Faith Assessment to better understand and reach the students in our program.

We asked students 10 questions to assess their understanding of the Christian faith, prompting real conversation around their beliefs, knowledge, and spiritual development. Questions like, “Do you feel that God loves you?” and “Do you ask God’s forgiveness when you do something wrong?” provided answers that directed the structure and topics of "God Time," our weekly Bible study sessions after school.

"God Time" is led by Pastor Brandon Rowe of Bonton Bible Church, a local community congregation that meets at BridgeBuilder’s facilities every Sunday. Strengthening the students' connection with their neighborhood pastor fosters long-term faith mentorship–an approach supported by studies that show consistent, trusted adult relationships significantly enhance youth spiritual growth and moral development.