Consent Form

I, the undersigned, hereby authorize True North Youth Division to obtain information pertaining to any charges and/or convictions I may have had for violate of municipal, county, state, or federal laws. This information will include, but not be limited to, allegations regarding and convictions for crimes committed upon minor and will be gathered from any law enforcement agency of this state or any state or federal government, or from third-party providers of information originally obtained from law enforcement or court records. I understand that I will be given an opportunity to challenge the accuracy of any information received that appears to implicate me in criminal activities. To facilitate this challenge, I will be told the nature of the information and the agency from which it was obtained. It will be my responsibility to contact that agency. I further understand that until True North Youth Division receives notification from that agency clearing me, my application will be deferred. I hereby attest to the truthfulness of the representations I have made. Except as I have disclosed on the application, I have not been found guilty of, or entered a plea of nolo contender or guilty to any offense. Further, other than for the offenses I have disclosed, I have not had a finding of delinquency or entered a plea of nolo contender or guilty to a petition of delinquency under the juvenile laws of this state or any other state. I further attest that I have not been judicially determined to have committed abuse or neglect of a child; nor do I have a confirmed report of child abuse or neglect or exploitation which has been uncontested or upheld administratively under the laws of this or any other state.

Release from liability

I, the undersigned hereby release True North Youth Division, their employees and representatives from any and all personal or property injuries, damages or liabilities of whatsoever nature that might be incurred while participating in True North programs.

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NONDENOMINATIONAL POSTURE

What is a non-denominational posture?

A dictionary definition of denominational is: “to be sponsored by, or under the control of, some religious sect or sects.” When you place the prefix “non” in front of the word, it means not to be under the sponsorship or control of any religious sect or sects.
The purpose of this posture is two-fold:

1. 1. So the juvenile court in any county we serve can recognize The Bridge© without favoring a certain religious sect.
2. 2. To present a clear, concise and simple message to the youth that is easily understood and does not confuse.

What are the basic principles of faith that all Christians hold in common?

The basic principles focus on salvation through belief in Jesus Christ and encouraging new believers to follow Christ in discipleship.

Some of the issues that cause disagreement are:

• ➢Mode of baptism
• ➢Observance of certain days
• ➢Communion
• ➢Gifts of the Spirit
• ➢Bible version
• ➢Eschatology

When a given belief is near to one’s heart, it is hard not to express it as the primary focus of Christianity; yet, this belief may well fit in the secondary category of doctrines. It is required that you stick with primary doctrine because presenting conflicting beliefs can confuse the youth, and cause them to focus on the wrong things. We leave the secondary doctrines to be taught at the local church.

A consistent, clear and simple message fits best for the youth and is approved by the court.
Must I deny those teachings that mean so much to me?
No, invite the youth to come to your church upon his or her release.

The time/place to focus on these issues is when the youth is released and comes to your church. For example, if your church feels strongly about a certain way of baptism, the local church is the place to teach that doctrine. Many churches differ on what it means to be spiritual, or regarding spiritual gifts; you may introduce the youth to your doctrine at your church. No matter where you stand on the issue of speaking in tongues, we all recognize that there is great distance between Christian beliefs regarding that issue…the same is true for all secondary doctrine. By focusing on the main issues of Christianity, we keep the message clear, simple and easy for the youth to accept and follow.

What things should be taught in the detention?

Remember your audience. You will be teaching at-risk youth with a myriad of problems. Some are behavioral, some are medical and all are emotionally scarred and isolated somehow. We will provide you with Bible study materials to use on the designated day you serve to maintain a consistent teaching in all the halls.
We want to teach them how they are loved by their God, how they can choose a better life, how they can start over by accepting and believing in Jesus Christ. We want to convey the message that they can be changed, cleansed and start over. We want find a way to bring HOPE to the youth that believes there is none. We want to give them a clear and simple message that there is good news for their life in Jesus Christ.
We teach Christ’s love by being there, by caring enough to spend time talking to them about their lives and by presenting a clear message that can be easily grasped and understood.
The youth are challenging. They are not shy about bringing up hard issues and asking direct questions. We teach that the Bible is the final Word on all issues. We answer all questions (not with our thoughts) by sharing what the Bible says. Support your teaching with scripture and present God’s Word as the final authority in successful living. Allow time for discussion. You will find the youth participative and willing to share their thoughts.

Statement of Faith

☞ We believe in one God, Creator and Lord of the Universe, the co-eternal Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
☞ We believe that Jesus Christ, God’s Son, was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, lived a sinless life, died a substitutionary atoning death on the cross, rose bodily from the dead and ascended to heaven where, as truly God and truly man. He is the only mediator between God and Man.
☞ We believe that the Bible is God’s authoritative and inspired Word. It is without error in all its teachings, including creation, history, its own origins and salvation. Christians must submit to its divine authority, both individually and corporately, in all matters of belief and conduct, which is demonstrated by true righteous living.
☞ We believe that all people are lost sinners and cannot see the Kingdom of God except through the new birth. Justification is by grace through faith in Christ alone.
☞ We believe in one holy, universal and apostolic Church. Its calling is to worship God and witness concerning its Head, Jesus Christ, preaching the Gospel among all nations and demonstrating its commitment by compassionate service to the needs of human beings and promoting righteousness and justice.
☞ We believe in the necessity of the work of the Holy Spirit for the individual’s new birth and growth to maturity, and for the Church’s constant, renewal in truth, wisdom, faith, holiness, love, power and mission.
☞ We believe that Jesus Christ will personally and visibly return in glory to raise the dead and bring salvation and judgment to completion. God will fully manifest His kingdom when He establishes a new heaven and new earth, in which He will be glorified forever, and exclude all evil, suffering, and death.