Pictured above: The student band from Emmanuel Baptist Church led a time of praise and worship during The Invitation, and evening of worship, scripture, and prayer to equip and encourage students heading back to school.
More than 100 middle and high school students and their families participated in The Invitation, an evening of worship and preparation for the new school year, hosted by First Baptist Church Crestview, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Woodlawn Baptist Church and Live Oak Baptist Church.
“The invitation reminds us that Jesus invites us not only to trust in him for salvation, but also to join him in his mission of making disciples,” said Bret Castille, student and college pastor, First Baptist Church Crestview.
During the event, held just days before the 2026-2027 school year began, youth across North Okaloosa County gathered together in song, scripture reading and prayer. Michael Anderson, student pastor, Emmanuel Baptist Church; Zach Weston, youth pastor, Woodlawn Baptist Church; and Castille encouraged attendees through biblical teaching and practical faith challenges to consider in preparation for the school year ahead.
With a focus on the power and intentionality of prayer, the pastors reminded those meeting together that “Without the Lord, we severely limit the effectiveness of our witness for His kingdom,” said Castille.
The event demonstrated unity among local churches and a sense of community in the body of Christ as a whole. “To extend past our four walls as local churches and come together in worship and prayer, is a beautiful thing, and it is what Christ ultimately calls us to do,” shared Castille.
A time of youth-led worship included the sharing of testimony by two students and worship music led by the Emmanuel Baptist Church student band.
As the pastors prepared for the event and how to send forth the students into the new school year, they remained focused on the Great Commission. “In the same way that Christ invites us to communion with him, he also calls us to extend the same invitation to everyone we can,” said Castille.
