EVERETT — The Attic isn’t what you expect.
The name itself conjures images of dusty steamer trunks, stacked boxes of old comics and an ill-fitting tuxedo – with ruffles.
Instead of storage, Bethany Christian Assembly has turned its upstairs space into a teen hangout — one that teens actually want to spend time in, according to youth pastor Jenilee LeFors.
“Students come an hour early for services and stay late just to enjoy the space,” LeFors said.
There are two pool tables, a Foosball table — no spinning please — a full-service cafe, a bank of 40-inch plasma TVs, complete with Wiis, and a stage with full multi-media amenities.
“It’s more than we deserve, and I try not to take it for granted,” LeFors said.
While the accoutrements of teen culture are present, for the youth staff of BCA, the most important component of The Attic is an atmosphere that allows genuine interaction between staff and students.
“This place fosters and builds relationships. It’s somewhere that they can hang out at that is cool for them and parents feel safe letting their kids go to,” LeFors said. “All the stuff is great, but students feel The Attic is cool enough that they can bring their friends here.”
How many friends? Last Wednesday’s service saw 20 first-time visitors.
Bernita Bontrager, 16, a Lake Stevens High School junior, attributes the success of The Attic to the upbeat atmosphere.
And the Wiis don’t hurt, either.
“I’ve been coming to BCA since I was born, and I remember when we didn’t have all this nice stuff,” Bontrager said.
Alexa Smith is a youth leader who has been a part of BCA since she was 3, and can appreciate the changes that have been made and the positive influence The Attic has had on youth ministry.
“It’s been cool to be a part of all this; very cool,” Smith said. “The Attic makes the service more fun for us, and allows people to bring others. It’s comfortable.”
The Attic makes youth ministry more enjoyable for youth staff, but LeFors feels its one of the church’s best-kept secrets.
“People think it’s just for kids, but it’s not,” Lefors said. “It’s being used in a lot of interesting ways. Small groups, dinner and a movie for adults, sleep-overs. It has potential for any ministry.”
Reporter Justin Arnold: 425-339-3432 or jarnold@heraldnet.com.
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