ABOUT US
WHO ARE WE?
The ROC of Salem, a 501c3 charitable corporation, is an interdenominational Christian youth ministry designed to be an introduction to Christianity for unchurched youth. The organization was established in May 2009 and opened to youth in December 2009.
We are operated by one paid director, JW Linam (Church at the Center), and one paid assistant director, Madison Bufkin (Salem First Methodist Church).
The organization is governed by a board of directors comprised of church and business leaders in the Salem area.
Current Board Members Include:
Larry Cecil - Chairperson
Roger Hack - Treasurer
Jim Beardsley
Byron Bufkin
Wayne Clark
Hery Salamanca
Scott Washam
Cory Wolfe
Kathy Byers
MISSION STATEMENT:
The operation of a youth center by the followers of the Triune God as revealed in Jesus Christ for the purpose of ministering through His Gospel to the youth of Salem and the surrounding area. The corporation will provide an appropriate environment for youth to meet together and to engage in such activities as the directors believe will further the above stated purpose.
WHO ARE WE WITNESSING TO?
Eighty percent of the youth who attend the ROC have no history of church attendance and many come from very difficult family backgrounds. Most of the youth initially come to the ROC for the sports, free food and safe environment.
Many of the youth helping with programming at the ROC now became Christians at the ROC and come from the same difficult backgrounds as those to whom they are now witnessing. We believe this is an extremely powerful tool in introducing youth to Jesus Christ because the speakers have often grown up in dysfunction themselves and have been changed by the Gospel.
The youth and adults who operate the ROC are members of venture crew 2011, chartered to the ROC of Salem by the Boy Scouts of America. All adult volunteers must undergo a criminal background check and take a youth protection training class required by scouting. We also require that adults subscribe to our mission statement and have the recommendation of a pastor.
WHAT DO WE DO?
Every time the ROC is open, there is a time of devotion and discussion, based on scripture.
In addition to introducing youth to Jesus Christ, the ROC also provides FREE food and recreational activities. Activities include: basketball, billiards, air hockey, table tennis, volleyball, foosball, corn hole and Wii.
Since 2020 the ROC has had to cut back on typical open nights after having a year of meeting virtually. After re-opening in Spring of 2021 the ROC has begun implementing monthly outreach events to go into the community and invite more youth.
Spring of 2023 another night was established for a specific Bible Study to encourage and disciple the youth that have asked to go deeper into scripture.
Fall of 2023 Saturday nights have re-opened.
Other opportunities the ROC provides are all-night lock-ins, community service opportunities, youth conferences and special events throughout the year.
JW Linam - Director
JW started as the ROC director in Summer of 2022 working to maintain operations, focusing on leading staff/volunteers/youth through God's Word, the end goal to advance the Kingdom of God. He began as an Assistant Director at the ROC in 2016 working with the middle school youth. JW attended the ROC as a youth when it first opened where he served in leadership on the Crew. He is passionate about the Word of God and sharing it with young people. He currently attends Church at the Center where he serves as an elder. JW is married to his wife Nicole. They have two children and live in Salem.
Maddie Bufkin - Assistant Director
Maddie began serving as assistant director at the ROC starting in Summer of 2022. She has had ample experience with youth ministry, through camp counseling and church youth groups. Coming to the ROC at an exceptional time with increased female attendance she has been a staple to keep the ministry open and moving. Maddie is responsible for administration tasks, facility cleaning, group mentorship as well as general operations. Maddie attends First Methodist Church of Salem where she serves on the Christian Education Committee. She loves to share the Gospel with youth, build relationships with them and strives to witness to youth within our community getting them plugged in.