GRACE STUDENT MINISTRY
WHOEVER YOU ARE, WHEREVER YOU'RE FROM, YOU ARE WELCOME HERE.
This is a place you can be yourself, be together, and be with God.
It's a safe place for you to ask your questions and join others along the way.
Sunday Mornings
All students in grades 6 through 12 meet in the main service at 10:30AM each Sunday. After the music, we head out to the gym for our own teaching time and discussion. All students are welcome to join in!
Wednesday Nights
Wednesday nights are always full of fun!
During the school year, we have Midweek Students on Wednesdays from 6:30pm-8:30pm for students 6th -12th grade. We meet for games, teaching, and small groups.
During the summer months, we meet for Dine and Dive at different homes around town. Everyone is invited! You can send us an email or Instagram DM for this week's location and time.
Come join us to connect, learn, and have fun.
Special Events
Refuge has events happening all year long. Our big events of the year are winter retreat and student camp.
Winter Retreat is held in February near Durango, Colorado over Presidents' Day Weekend.
Student Camp is held every summer for a week at Lone Tree Ranch near Capitan, New Mexico.
All students in 6th through 12th grades are welcome!
The Grace Student Ministry provides a welcoming environment for students in grades 6 through 12. Described as a place where everyone is welcome, students can be themselves, connect with others, and explore their relationship with God.
On Sunday mornings, all students gather in the main service at 10:30 AM, followed by a dedicated teaching time and discussion in the gym. Wednesday nights during the school year feature Midweek Students from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, offering a mix of games, teaching, and small group activities. In the summer, the group meets for Dine and Dive at various locations, with details available through email or Instagram DM.
The ministry hosts special events throughout the year, with highlights being the winter retreat near Durango, Colorado, held over Presidents' Day Weekend, and the summer student camp at Lone Tree Ranch near Capitan, New Mexico. These events are open to all students in grades 6 through 12, providing opportunities to connect, learn, and have fun.
Why It's Important for Students to Get Involved
For students in 6th through 12th grade, the teenage years are a time of significant personal growth, both emotionally and spiritually. During this season of life, students are forming their identities, making important decisions about their values, and discovering who they are in the world. For this reason, it is incredibly important for students to attend church and become involved in the church community. Church provides a safe, supportive environment where they can grow in their faith, build meaningful relationships, and develop a strong foundation for their future.
Building a Strong Faith Foundation
One of the primary reasons it’s important for students to go to church is that it offers them the opportunity to develop a strong faith foundation. Church is a place where students can learn about God, understand the teachings of Jesus, and explore how to live out their faith in practical ways. Through engaging worship, dynamic teaching, and Bible-based lessons, students are challenged to grow in their understanding of Scripture, build a deeper relationship with God, and understand the significance of living a Christ-centered life.
Regular church attendance helps students stay rooted in their faith, especially in a world that constantly challenges their beliefs. By hearing God’s Word and engaging with it regularly, they are more likely to be grounded in their convictions, even as they face the pressures of adolescence and the external influences of school, peers, and social media.
Finding Support and Community
Another key reason for students to be involved in church is the opportunity to build a supportive community. Church isn’t just a place to hear a sermon; it’s a place to connect with other like-minded young people who are on a similar faith journey. When students participate in youth groups, events, and activities, they form friendships that can help encourage them in their walk with God.
Church provides a place where students can share their struggles, ask questions, and find accountability. Youth leaders and mentors can offer guidance and support, helping students navigate the challenges of adolescence with a biblical perspective. Being surrounded by a caring church community provides students with a sense of belonging and assurance that they are not alone in their spiritual journey.
Engaging in Service and Leadership
Involvement in the church also offers students the chance to grow in leadership and service. Many churches provide opportunities for students to volunteer, whether it’s through serving in children’s ministry, helping with events, or participating in outreach programs. These experiences not only develop leadership skills but also encourage a servant’s heart. By engaging in service to others, students learn the importance of loving their neighbors and using their gifts for the greater good.
Additionally, participating in youth groups and church events often provides students with opportunities to take on leadership roles. This helps build confidence, responsibility, and a sense of ownership in their faith journey. These leadership experiences prepare them to make a positive impact in their schools, communities, and future endeavors.
Guidance During Critical Years
Teenagers face many challenges—academic pressure, relational issues, identity struggles, and the overwhelming influence of culture. Church offers a safe and nurturing environment where students can find guidance on how to navigate these challenges with faith and wisdom. The Bible provides timeless wisdom that students can apply to real-life situations. Youth leaders and mentors serve as role models, showing students how to handle life’s ups and downs with grace and integrity.
In addition, church provides students with a moral framework that helps them make decisions based on biblical principles, rather than the fleeting trends of the world. The church becomes a place where students can anchor their identity and values in Christ, ensuring that they stand firm in their beliefs even when faced with uncertainty.
Conclusion
For students in 6th through 12th grade, attending church and becoming involved is crucial for their spiritual, emotional, and social development. It provides a space for them to grow in their relationship with God, build strong friendships with peers, and find mentorship from trusted leaders. In a world full of distractions and challenges, church offers a stable, supportive environment where students can grow in their faith, serve others, and become the young men and women God has called them to be. By making church a priority, students lay a strong foundation for their future and gain the support they need to navigate life’s challenges with faith and confidence.