Each week, almost 200 typically "non-churched" Fayette County students gather in the name of Christ for fellowship and fun. It's not a very formal event; they call it "club."

The club is organized by a larger ministry called Young Life, a well-known group that is popular for its weekend retreats and summer camps.

Many students nationwide will testify that their lives have been changed by attending Young Life, when they first heard the call to follow Jesus Christ. Students in Fayette County have been no different, according to Joel Nichols, area director.

He describes the club meetings as "controlled chaos." He says it's fun and comfortable, creating the perfect environment for teenagers who may not have ever heard the Gospel.

"We have a saying," Nichols said. "It says, 'It's a sin to bore a kid, especially with the Gospel.'"

Young Life in Fayette County was first established in 1991 in partnership with the First Presbyterian Church of Peachtree City with students from McIntosh High School. Last year, a new club formed at Sandy Creek High School, and the McIntosh Club has expanded to include Starr's Mill.

According to Nichols, the organization is trying to budget funds to hire an intern who will begin a club at Fayette County High School in the 1999-2000 school year.

Usually, students gather at one of the leaders' or members' homes for the club meeting. The usual format would include singing two or three "clean and fun" radio songs that are popular with the teenagers; participating in some rowdy skits, which Nichols says are typically messy; and then the message of Jesus Christ.

As the year progresses, Nichols says the group sings more Christian songs. For more mature believers, Young Life offers a Campaigners club, for more in-depth Bible study.

"The messages stick to the centrality of Christ," said Nichols. "The mentality is to tell the kids about Christ."

Young Life believes it has impacted over 600 students in Fayette County. The organization uses the strategy of meeting students where they are, rather than trying to attract students to come where they are.

Ten volunteers in the area run the clubs and are active with the youth by attending their athletic events, drama productions and just hanging around places where students go.

"We try to build relationships on their terms," Nichols said.

The greatest needs facing the organization in Fayette County is for Fayette County adults, who are willing to participate as leaders and advisors. The group is also in need of financial support because there is potential to meet so many more teenagers.

Young Life also hopes to begin a middle school club called Wild Life in the next year.

The national organization of Young Life owns 14 property sites across the United States, where the weekend retreats and camps are held. Students in the Fayette area would typically attend the closest weekend camp, located at Sharp Top Cove in Jasper, Ga., and the week-long "Frontier Camp" in Colorado, said to be "the best week of your life."