What grades are included in the Student Ministry?

High School Ministry is for 9th-12th graders. 

Middle School Ministry is for 6th-8th graders.

 

I’m new…What should I do?

We love to welcome new students to our growing youth group! Whether you’re new to the area, or a friend has invited you, or you’re just looking for a place to connect, we are here for you. Our staff, small group leaders and growing tribe of student leaders want to help you find your place and get connected. Contact Caleb or Robert if you’d like to set up a time to meet or just connect prior to trying out youth group.

 

When and where are the youth gatherings?

ENCOUNTER is a fun, high energy gathering on Wednesday nights. You can expect a fun game, worship band, relevant talk based on God’s Word and engaging small groups. High School Students (9th-12th) meet in the Well (coffee house in lower level of the Life Center-gym). Middle School Students (6th-8th) meet in the Fellowship Hall (lower level of the main building, down the hall from Life Center lobby). Both groups meet 6:30-8:00 p.m. But many students come early (around 5:45-6:00) to purchase coffee drinks/smoothies or pizza and to hang out in the gym.

 

On Sunday mornings many of our students worship with their families during the 9:35 service and then take part in a fun, interactive youth Bible study from 10:45-Noon. We have a gathering during this hour for High School students in the Well, and for Middle School students in the Loft (up the stairs near the Journey Café).

 

A smaller, more “chill” small group environment is led by godly adult volunteers during the 9:35 hour in the Well (HS & MS included).

 

Student Ministry also does lots of other fun, engaging events to help students connect and grow in Christ and in community throughout the year. Stay tuned for events such as SHINE weekend in November, Become Girls Weekend, ManUp, mission trips, Falls Creek Camp, game nights, service projects and more!

 

Who are the leaders?

Mark & Erin Miller led FBC Student Ministry from 2011-2019 and God has really blessed the ministry. In August 2019, Mark moved into a new role at FBC as Executive Pastor. Caleb McElvain served faithfully in student ministry for over 3 years as a drummer and small group leader while attending College of the Ozarks. Then he took on a bigger role leading JrHigh Encounter for the 2015-2016 school year. In 2016, we welcomed him to full time staff as Middle School Ministry Director. He is fun, energetic and passionate about the gospel. As of fall 2019, Caleb is now the High School Director.

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Our new Middle School Director is Robert Bruce. He and his wife Jessica love the gospel so much. They are dedicated to making disciples of the next generation. They are fantastic leaders and have a great team serving with them. They are passionate about helping teenagers find life in Christ and grow in his grace. 

 

Can I volunteer?

We know parents are the primary disciplers of their students. So we honored to have a secondary role to encourage and disciple students, and encourage parents in their journey any way we can. Those who serve in Student Ministry are leaders who are devoted to Christ and exhibit Christ-like attitude, actions and accountability. They’re not perfect, but they strive to live and model the gospel of Jesus as they lead and mentor students. Our leaders are known and trusted, they’ve been recommended by other godly leaders, and they’ve cleared background checks. If you’re interested in serving as a leader or behind the scenes, contact Mark & Erin. Click here for Youth Leader Application.

 

Is youth group just fun games and pizza?

We certainly have a lot of fun. And we love to break the stereotype that church is boring. But we wouldn’t do what we do if it was just for fun. We love to shine a spotlight on Jesus and proclaim with a loud voice and with our lives that IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS. We love to open the Scriptures and teach students God’s Word. We love helping students discover their identity and value in Christ. We love to worship the King with gospel-centered songs, and more importantly with the way we live our lives and love others.

 

We consider it a huge honor to have the opportunity to walk alongside students and help them

LOVE GOD, LOVE OTHERS, AND MAKE DISCIPLES.