SWAT (Students With A Testimony) was founded in 1992 at Colbert Baptist Church in Georgia by Youth Pastor Jon Messarra. Designed as a comprehensive Disciple Now program, SWAT emphasized student leadership by engaging middle and high school students as leaders, speakers, worship team members, and staff. Within just over two years, the ministry grew from an initial group of 15 students to over 200, quickly becoming a model for youth discipleship that other churches began to replicate.
Since its inception, SWAT has impacted thousands of students, many of whom have gone on to serve in ministry, missions, education, and beyond. Some former participants met and married through SWAT events. The ministry remains centered on the vision God gave Jon Messarra in the early 1990s— empowering students to lead and testify to the transforming power of Jesus Christ. What began as a local initiative has grown into a national and international student-led movement, equipping youth to disciple others and lead with purpose.
Each leader that has come through SWAT has helped to make an impact in the lives of middle and high school students. Those students have grown up to become leaders in their communities and faithful followers of Jesus. We couldn't be more thankful for the time and effort served by each student that has come through SWAT. We are grateful to get to do this thing God has called us to and look forward to the many lives that will be impacted in the future!