West Market Youth
Rooted in Christ!
For Grades 6-12
Our Youth Ministry is a place where students in grades 6–12 can belong, grow, and discover what it means to follow Jesus together. Through authentic friendships, meaningful conversations, worship, service, and fun, students are encouraged to deepen their faith while building a community that supports one another through every season of life.
Sundays at 10am
Join us for Youth Faith Formation every Sunday at 10am in the Youth Café, and be sure to check out our calendar below for retreats, mission trips, service projects, special events, and more. We'd love to welcome you!
Get Involved
Faith Formation
Join us on Sundays at 10am in the Youth Cafe where we seek to connect our faith to everyday life through meaningful conversations, fellowship, service, and fun as we grow closer to Christ and build lasting friendships.
Serving in Worship
We believe youth are present-day disciples, not just future ones. It is our joy to find ways for youth to lead us in worship as acolytes, scripture readers, communion servers, and more.
Confirmation
Confirmation is an 8-week journey of learning, conversation, and spiritual growth offered each year. Our next class begins during Lent 2027, with Confirmation celebrated during the Easter season.
Partners with Parents
Parents play the most important role in a student's spiritual growth. We're committed to partnering with families through clear communication, resources, and opportunities that encourage students to grow in their faith both at church and at home.
More for Youth
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Mission Trips
Our annual Summer Mission Trip is an epic adventure in faith, service, and discovery! Students travel to new parts of the country, serve alongside local communities through meaningful projects, and immerse themselves in the culture and history of each destination and create memories for a lifetime.
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Summer Camp
Summer Camp is an annual adventure where students step away from the everyday to deepen their faith, strengthen friendships, and have fun together. Through creative learning, new experiences, and time spent exploring the beauty of God’s creation, students make lasting memories while growing closer to God.
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Excursions with Friends
Youth Group is where students can have fun, build friendships, and simply enjoy being together. Through creativity, curiosity, adventure, and time spent exploring the beauty of God’s creation, students make memories and experience the joy of having fun together.
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Spiritual Growth & Learning
Youth grow spiritually through engaging Bible studies and meaningful conversations that connect faith with everyday life. Students also explore our Methodist heritage and influential faith leaders while developing greater understanding and respect for other religious traditions.
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A Heart for Serving Others
Faith is meant to be lived out! From serving on Sundays to joining mission projects and special events, there are plenty of opportunities to discover your gifts, serve others, and make a difference alongside friends.
FAQs
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Expect a welcoming, relaxed environment where students can meet new friends, have fun, and explore faith together. Our leaders will help your student feel comfortable and connected.
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Absolutely! Friends are always welcome, whether they attend another church, have never been to church, or are simply looking for a place to belong.
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Baptism is a celebration of God’s grace and an important step in the journey of faith. If your student is interested in baptism, our ministry team would be glad to answer questions and help your family explore what it means.
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We never want cost to prevent a student from participating. Financial assistance may be available for trips, retreats, and other activities, so please contact our ministry team to learn more.
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The safety and well-being of our students is a priority. We follow established church safety policies and procedures designed to provide a secure, caring environment for every student.
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We keep parents connected with regular communication about gatherings, events, trips, registration deadlines, and other important information. Our ministry team is also always available to answer questions.
Paul Collins
Dir. of Youth Ministries & Adult Discipleship
Paul was born in Durban, South Africa. He was raised in the Roman Catholic Church and attended Catholic schools for his primary and secondary education. After immigrating to the U.S.A. as a young adult, he came to love and appreciate the Episcopal Church and became a member. He has spent much of his adult life studying and working in ecumenical settings. He is joyful to see the Episcopal and United Methodist Churches moving toward full communion.
Paul graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from Gordon College and received his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Wake Forest University School of Divinity. He is currently pursuing a Master of Counseling in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at North Carolina A&T State University. He discovered his love of journeying with middle and high school students while serving as a teacher, school chaplain, youth minister, and campus minister in several contexts.
Paul is the father of three children: Zion, Phoenix, and Leilani. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, practicing yoga, and playing tennis. He also enjoys listening to jazz and reading historical fiction. Paul is a huge fútbol fan and loves following his favorite team, Arsenal F.C. #COYG.
