*180 Student Ministry

Welcome to the web page of 180 Student Ministry! My name is Eric Walls & I serve as the Student Minister for DSBC. Below you will find links to both the Youth and College & Career calendars, as well as my personal bio. We are still in the 'building' process of getting these ministries where we believe God wants us to be. Likewise, we are in a similar stage of getting our website where we think He wants it to be. I hope you have time to look on our 'Photos' page to see pictures of some of the events our students have been a part of over the past year or more. We came up with the idea for the name from the basic need for us, as sinners, to turn from our ways that are contrary to God. We need to stop going down that path, make a 180 degree turn, and head in the direction in which God is leading us. The scripture we use for this is 1 Peter 3:11, 'Let him turn away from evil and do good; Let him seek peace and pursue it'.

Our desire is to see students develop an intimate walk with Christ so that when they are in 'the real world', their light will shine brightly before all men (Matt.5:16). We try to acheive this through our weekly Bible study (Sun. mornings & Wed. nights), many activities and events throughout the year, and much prayer and encouragement. We meet on Sunday mornings at 9:00 for youth Bible study, 10:30 for worship, and 6:30 for student discipleship. We also meet on Wednesday nights at 6:30 for worship & Bible study. We always seem to have fun while, at the same time, learning & being challenged by what God is teaching us during these times. I hope you will allow us the privilege of ministering to you, or your student (if you are a parent).

For HIs glory,

Eric

For access to the Student Calendar, please click on this link: DSBC Student Calendar

For access to the College & Career Calendar, please click on this link: DSBC College & Career Calendar

Bio: Eric Walls
          Born 10/18/1970

Family:

     Wife - Kristin

     Children - Kylie (6th grade), Megan (4th) & Caleb (2nd)

Education:

     Colonial High School

     Valencia Community College

     UCF

Testimony and Ministry Calling:

I actually grew up here at Dover Shores where my parents, Danny & Sharon, were charter members. I accepted Christ as my Savior when I was 8 years old during VBS at Dover Shores. I was baptized shortly after that (July 1, 1979). At the time, I only knew Jesus as my Savior. As I entered the youth group, I quickly realized that Jesus not only wanted to be my Savior, but also the Lord of my life. As a junior in high school, I believed that God had called me into youth ministry. Apparently, He was calling me as a bi-vocational Youth Minister. I say that because all of my experience has been in a part-time capacity.   I was ordained into the Gospel Ministry at Dover Shores Baptist Church on November 11,2007.

Ministry Experience:

Azalea Park Baptist Church - April 1994-July 1996

North Park Baptist Church - August 1997-May 1999

Azalea Park Baptist Church (Part II) - August 2002-March2004

Dover Shores Baptist Church - November 2006 - Present

I have remained active in youth ministry since graduating from high school. When I wasn't on staff at a church, I was a youth worker (teaching Sunday School, helping on Wednesday nights, etc.) at which ever church I attended.

I have had the pleasure to work with many wonderful ministers & youth ministers along the way and I hold those experiences as extremely valuable in my growth. I am especially honored to be working with Dr. Fortinberry now (who, by the way, was my pastor when I was baptized !)

Ministry Outlook:

I believe that the youth of a church are not only the 'future' of the church, but are very much the present of the church, as well. I stress the view shared by Paul, when he wrote to Timothy, "Do not let anyone treat you as if you are unimportant because you are young. Instead, be an example to the believers with your words, your actions, your love, your faith, and your pure life" (1 Timothy 4:12). My greatest spiritual growth occurred during my adolescence, which is probably why I have a passion to see teenagers grow in their relationship with Christ.

I teach from the Bible, believing it to be the holy, infallible word of God.

I like to use a wide variety of media, games & object lessons as teaching aids. Whether I am teaching through a book series, or delivering a 'seasonal' lesson, I always base it on what the scriptures say and not what an author believes.

I believe that spending as much time together as possible outside of church not only 'keeps students out of trouble', but more importantly it builds a close, family-like bond between the students. I like to have 3 or 4 'main events' throughout the year - including Summer Camp (i.e. Centrifuge, Student Life, etc.), a Ski Trip & DiscipleNow (and/or a conference, like Clarity - Student Life). These tend to act as a sort of spiritual growth spurt in the lives of our students. However, the week-to-week fellowship and Bible Study is the foundation of a strong group.