Ministry Overview

We are investing in the future of the St. John community by investing in the lives of the children and families that live here. We believe that each caring relationship developed significantly adds to a community’s health. These relationships are built by expressions of service and commitment to the schools, churches, and people within the community. We use Biblical principles to guide us as we work to address the unique needs of the communities we serve, and these principles are constant. The methods have grown and changed through the past decade as we invest deeper into the strategies that have been the most fruitful.

Currently, we are serving the community youth through two main programs:

Smart Start

Smart Start is an after-school program that introduces children in high-need communities to the person and purpose of Jesus through Bible study, recreational activities, and homework assistance.

Smart Start currently ministers to approximately 150 children at T.A. Brown Elementary and J.J. Pickle Elementary Schools. Staffed by part-time teachers, both from the St. John Community and from the greater Austin area, Smart Start provides assistance with homework, recreational activities, and Biblical instruction. Smart Start follows the AISD school calendar and meets after school from 3:00 to 5:30, Monday through Thursday.

Many of the children are from homes where the parents do not speak English, and they desperately need assistance with homework. Our Smart Start teachers lovingly work with each student, giving them the assistance they need to complete their assignments. We also bring “Sunday School” curriculum to the children, working with the “Hands on Bible.” The teachers guide them through the wonderful stories of God’s word, and give practical application to their lives. Even the recreational activities are a critical part or our program. This is where the student forms friendships with their teacher and the volunteers.

Most importantly, we are seeing lives changed as the Gospel is being lived out in their lives in both word and deed. And their families become involved with CNS as trust is earned through faithful service to their children.

Side by Side

Side by Side is a mentoring program which provides youth the opportunity to develop a safe, trusting relationship with a Christian adult who will expose the student to the love and truth of God’s word, encourage them to seek a personal relationship with Christ, and excel academically.

This program began in the fall of 2007. By December of that year, nearly 90 Christian adults were paired with a middle or high school student! We began this program by offering mentors to the Smart Start students that had graduated to middle school. Modeled on the success of these early pairings, CNS introduced Side by Side to other youth in the St. John neighborhood. We are now serving students from the St. John community that attend Webb Middle School, Regan High School and Lanier High School.