H7 Story: Accountability Partners

Meet the freshmen boys at 180

This group of young men first came together in the 6th grade. Elijah Staggs was one of them. “When we first started in 6th grade we were all crazy and off-topic; we weren’t really sharing anything,” Elijah explained.

But fast forward to today. These 9th grade boys now have a group that is intentionally checking up on one another and holding each other accountable with their sins and challenges. “We really went through some struggles, and we lost some people building our group,” Elijah went on to share. “But that’s how groups grow. We sacrifice what we want a little every week, and that’s the formula. It took a little conflict and a lot of time to build what we have today, but looking back at  all the sharing and uncomfortable talks, it was all worth it.”

Instead of seeing youth as a time for goofing around as they did when they first joined in the fall of 2022, this group of young men began to see it as a time for growth. Together they focused on the passage from Proverbs 27:17 which states that, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”

Led by Dylan Pruitt and Hunter Snelson, this focus had to begin with their leaders. Dylan explained that, “as a small group leader, I am challenged everyday. We are the body of Christ, and each part is so different but vital to our function. In a time of life where the bulk of youth just want to fit in, our group has discovered that this is just not possible. Each of our team is unique, and God has gifted them with different talents and abilities that all can bring glory and honor to His name.”

Dylan echoed Elijah Stagg’s statement that the group did indeed have a rocky start. He also added that there was a steep learning curve for him as a leader. Through trial and error, Dylan and Hunter began to see that the boys in his group don’t want or expect perfection from their leaders. “They want honesty and guidance on how I have navigated my own sin in my life,” Dylan noted. “They want help putting on the whole armor of God so they can stand firm in their faith. I do believe out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Through the Regeneration, Life Group, and the Re-Engage ministry our church offers, I was also being filled so I didn't have to pour from an empty cup. Connecting to mentors and friends has provided me the wisdom to be able to speak into their lives because others are speaking into mine.”

Another freshman, David Chapman, flashed back to the beginning, when their group was in fact, really struggling. “We would answer the questions but wouldn’t get anything from it,” David recalled. But he also reflected on the fact that Dylan and Hunter began working together to change and shape the group into a brand new Christ-honoring assembly of believers. “Even through those ups and downs, we got back up and kept going, opening up to each other more and more every group session.”

James Nasekos mentioned John 13:35 when asked what he felt about his fellow 9th grade brothers. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” James went on to explain how much he has enjoyed growing with his group into men who are striving to be light in the darkness. “Dylan and Hunter are the leaders, but we are learning from each other as well. This family means the world to me. I’m so blessed to be a part of it, and I can’t wait for the new adventures with these amazing people this year. They are a blessing to me.”

Dylan shared that the boys now hang out with each other outside of youth as well. “They are truly seeking God's guidance in their lives, and as a result, they have learned to lead themselves. They ask the questions. They drum up the courage to respond, and we now have student leaders who can and will study and worship God together because they have confidence in the leaders God has made them to be. They have made true friends, and they hold each other accountable. They spend time together outside of church because they care about their brother’s soul.”

Dylan shared another scripture that has really been a central focus of the growth of their group. John 15:13 states that, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

This group of young men has patiently waded through the hard stuff to become friends and brothers and supporters. It will be exciting to see them continue to draw together in their remaining years!