On Sunday nights, high school and middle school students meet up at Gracepoint Church for youth groups to play games and talk openly about questions about their faith. Church leaders say it’s designed to be an open place where students of all ethnicities, ages, and faiths journey to meet and connect with others while exploring spiritual questions.
For many students, the first visit shapes how they view the group. The atmosphere and the way people interact often make the biggest impression on newcomers. The welcoming environment is something some students notice immediately when they first attend.
“The impression I first got was that the youth group is really welcoming, really homey, I just feel like it’s a good place to be,” Senior Attendee Amaia Martinez said.
Youth group nights are a routine that balances social time and structured activities. Students typically arrive early to talk with friends before evening officially begins but once the meeting starts, announcements, games, and worship lead into the main message.
“We get announcements, we do the raffle, which I think is a lot of people’s favorite part of it, then we have worship, which is my personal favorite part,” Martinez said. “Then we have the message, we clean up. Middle School, goes to small groups, high school goes to games and then after 30 minutes, we switch”.
Beyond the activities, the group also gives students the opportunity to build strong friendships seeing the same people each week creates a sense of familiarity and trust. Over time, those connections often become one of the most meaningful parts of attending.
“The closest relationship I got through the youth group was one of my best friends, I met her after the first few weeks I started attending,” Martinez said.
Students also describe the youth group as having a noticeable influence on their personal growth. Leaders guide discussions and offer support when students face challenges in their lives. Allowing the focus to stay on sharing the message and supporting one another.
“I would describe the youth group as hype, worshipful, and locked in.” Youth Pastor Jonathan Morris said. “ There’s a lot of energy, but many students are generally interested in learning and growing in their faith”.
During youth group meetings students spend time together in a large group before separating into smaller discussion groups. These groups are usually organized by grade and gender so students can talk with others in similar stages of life. Leaders say these smaller settings often help students feel more comfortable participating in conversations.
“During my small groups I’ve learned where my identity comes from and that it doesn’t matter what other people think,” Martinez said. “All that matters is him [Jesus] and me”.
Leaders also encourage open conversation when students have questions. The group creates an environment where teenagers can discuss faith and life without feeling judged. That openness makes it easier for students to share what they are thinking.
“There have been a lot of mental health struggles that students are facing,” Next Gen assistant Mandy Goodrich said. “Our leaders are learning how to come alongside students and help them navigate those challenges”.
The lessons learned at youth group can extend beyond weekly meetings as well. The ideas discussed often influence how they interact with people at school, at home, and in their communities. The experience can change the student’s approach to others.
“It’s made me look at everything around me in a different way, where I’m trying to think of a more Christian mindset; more kindness, more love, more respect for other people instead of just judgment,” Martinez said.
Many students say they would encourage others to attend if they are curious about the youth group. A combination of activities, discussions, and friendships create an environment that appeals to many teenagers. Students often point to the welcoming atmosphere as the biggest reason new visitors should feel comfortable returning.
“We’re a really fun youth group. It’s always kind of entertaining, and we have a really amazing welcoming community that helps people get connected with others their age,” Goodrich said.
Trying something new can feel intimidating, especially when entering a group where many people already know each other. Students say members of the youth group often make an effort to introduce themselves to newcomers and help them feel included. That offer helps ease nerves for those attending for the first time.
“Newcomers shouldn’t feel nervous,” Martinez said. “ I know it can be nerve racking. I was nervous my first time but people are really amazing. If I see a new person, I always make sure I go say hi and introduce myself, and I know plenty of others will too”.
Students also hope the group continues to grow while keeping the same welcoming environment. As more teens attend, they want the sense of community to remain in a central part of the experience. Allowing them to stay on sharing the message and supporting one another.
“One of the biggest changes has been going deeper in our relationships,” Goodrich said. “We want students to feel welcomed and loved and to spend time together while also learning about Jesus”.
The youth ministry follows the same mission as the main church itself. Leaders say the goal is to help students grow their spiritual connection while also building strong relationships with one another. According to staff members, this mission guides the structure of the youth group and activities planned each week.
“Our mission for both the main service and youth group is to help people meet, know, and follow Jesus,” Goodrich said.
Leaders say the energy and personality of the group is shaped by the students who attend each week. The combination of games, conversation, and discussion creates a lively environment that can feel busy but supportive at the same time.
“This youth group is fun, chaotic and loving,” Goodrich said. “There’s a lot of energy but at the center of all of it is a group of students and leaders who genuinely care about each other.”
