Youth

Becoming a Youth Movement

What keeps us up at night? Finding ways to empower the next generation of disciple-makers. Our passion is to see students see themselves as sons and daughters of a loving Father who loves to give good gifts. They in turn deepen their love for God, grow together as His family, and share the good news of the gospel with others. We believe relational discipleship is the best way for students to become disciples who disciple others. Come join us on Wednesday nights for a family meal, worship, teaching, fun antics, and huddle times.

Whoever you are, wherever you're from, you are welcome here.

Winter Blast is coming soon!

This winter weekend away is for any 6th-12th graders.

You'll connect with God!

Get ready for a weekend that will deepen your connection with God! Through authentic worship, faith-filled speakers, meaningful small group discussions, and quiet moments alone with God, you'll have the chance to make your faith come alive in new and practical ways. This retreat is about experiencing God in a real and personal way that can impact your everyday life.

You'll connect with others!

Winter Blast is your chance to connect like never before! Spend the weekend building real, authentic friendships with other students through laughter, shared adventures, and meaningful moments focused on seeking God together. It’s all about growing closer to each other and to God in an atmosphere full of fun and purpose.

You'll have a blast!

Get ready for an unforgettable Winter Blast at Epworth Forest! Whether you're up for the thrill of axe throwing, the rush of a polar plunge into a chilly lake, or the cozy comfort of relaxing by a crackling fire, there's something for everyone. Winter Blast is the perfect mix of exciting activities and laid-back moments, giving you the freedom to have fun and fully embrace every experience.

Below are some other helpful details:

  • Early Bird Cost: $155 per student (January 1 through January 15, 2025)
  • Regular Cost: $175 (January 16, 2025)
  • Location: Epworth Forest
  • Dates: February 21-23, 2025
  • Transportation: Please connect with a leader from your church to find out details on transportation as each church is doing it slightly differently. 
  • Registration Deadlines: February 7, 2025
  • Phone Policy: No phones are allowed at Winter Blast 2025. We want to limit distractions and maximize connections with others and with God. Phones seen at camp will be given to leaders and will be given back at the end of camp.

Learn More

Wednesday Nights

6 to 8 PM

Why Underground Youth?

John 12:24(Message) “Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over.”
Unless a seed falls into the ground and dies, the seed never produces fruit.  The Underground is the place where students learn to die to sin, to the things of the world, and love God and others. The Underground is the place where new things are birthed and multiplied.  Ultimately, we want to see the fullness of God’s kingdom experienced in our middle and high school students and in the lives of teenagers in the greater Fort Wayne area.
 
Each week we meet together, 5-12th grade, for a family meal around the table at 6 PM.   Right after the meal there is a worship and teaching time followed by small group huddles for more conversation and prayer time.  Huddles are divided into grade levels and led by our Underground Youth staff.

Meet our Underground Youth Team!

Pastor Brian Gerig

Pastor Sam Hardy

Fifty-Six

Josiah Joseph

Kathryn Seelye

Seventy-Eight

Kara Shrestha

Fran Stabler

Nine-Twelve

Gabriel Secheverell

Corrine Reynolds

Kati Jones

FAQs

Will my son or daughter feel welcomed?

Yes! We know that visiting a new group of people can bring anxiety. We work hard at making sure your son or daughter feels welcomed by adult leaders as well as other students.

What can I expect at a youth gathering?

We meet students where they are and create space for them to meet God through worship, the Bible, and each other. Because Jesus asked us to disciple others, we place a high emphasis on knowing God’s voice and responding to what He is saying. We use Jesus’ life as an example and train teens to live and lead like Him. At youth gatherings, we pattern each week to represent one of four aspects of Jesus’ life: UP (worship), IN (family), and OUT (evangelism) and APPLICATION (practices).

Will my son or daughter be safe?

Absolutely! We interview and perform background checks for all of our leaders. We always have two adults present with students and every leader is trained to take seriously the responsibility of keeping your student safe and reducing the risk of any harm.

How can I get involved as a parent or guardian?

We realize that we only have your son or daughter for 52+ hours a year.  With that being said, we also realize that we are an important part of helping you disciple your son or daughter.  If you are sensing a call to NextGen ministry, consider hosting a small group of students at your home each week.  We call them Tables.  We’d love to talk to you about that.  It can be centered around a sports team, dance troupe, neighborhood, home-school network, or anything!  Our goal is for regular everyday students to live and lead like Jesus did.

How do I stay up-to-date with what is going on?

We have a Facebook group for parents where we post events, pictures, and more. Check it out at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/firstmcparentspage.