YOUTH MINISTRY

Love God. Love Others. 

Youth (6th Grade through 12th Grade)

Who We Are

First Methodist Waco's Youth Ministry recognizes the importance of these pivotal years for our students. Middle school and high school years come with triumphs and challenges, and we want to be there for students and families at every turn. We pour Jesus into our students, provide a wholesome, safe environment, and provide strong, Christ-like mentors. Every staff and volunteer who works with you has been through our rigorous MinistrySafe process to safeguard your child's welfare. Don't try to parent a teenager alone. Youth belong here.

Who We Are

Contact Interim Youth Director Chris Bell for more information about the Youth Ministry of First Methodist Waco - Chris@firstwaco.com

WEEKLY GATHERINGS

WELCOME TO BRIDGE (1)

BIBLE-FOCUSED SUNDAY SCHOOL

GOAL: BIBLICAL LITERACY (Understanding the truths of scripture!)

WHAT TO EXPECT: Students are encouraged to come and learn the truths of scripture on Sunday mornings! Students will have time to eat donuts, play games, learn from a teacher, and discuss questions about the teaching.

How to find us: Youth Room 2nd Floor Main at Main and at Downtown

Wednesday Small Group

WEDNESDAY NIGHT SMALL GROUPS

GOAL: RELATIONAL CONNECTION (Growing together as a family and building relationships that can last a lifetime!)

WHAT TO EXPECT: Students are encouraged to build relationships as they discuss the truths of the gospel in small groups. Small groups are split into gender and grade levels. (Example. Middle School Girls/ Middle School Guys, etc.).

How to find us: Main Campus | 4901 Cobbs Dr: Enter Door 9 and take the elevator up to the Youth Room on the 2nd floor.

SUNDAY NIGHTS

GOAL: TO HONOR GOD

WHAT TO EXPECT: This wild and crazy gathering is simple. We play, eat, and worship! We expect students to invite friends to Sunday night and have structured it to be a gathering that draws students deeper into the life of faith and the church. We get intentional time with middle school on the front end and high school on the back end. Students have opportunities to share their testimonies and lead devotionals. We want every teenager in our city in the house on a Sunday night!

How to find us: We take over the South Campus at 2801 Robinson Dr

Weekly Gatherings

Sunday Mornings @ Downtown & Main: Sunday School 

9:30 am at Downtown (6th-12th Grades)

10:50 am at Main (6th-12th Grades)

Sunday Nights @ South Campus: Dinner/ Games/ Worship 

5:00-6:30 pm Middle School | 5:30-7:00 pm High School

Wednesday Nights @ Main Campus: Small Groups

  • 6-7 pm Middle School Small Groups  | *Optional/ If Needed) High School Open Gym
  • 7-8 pm High School Small Groups | *Optional/ If Needed) Middle School Open Gym

*Open gym is optional for parents who have students in both Middle and High School

Weekly Gatherings

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 3-5, we are taking the High School students on retreat! There will be a Girls and Guys retreat. This will be an opportunity for students to connect with God and others before the holidays and finals. We look forward to encouraging these students, speaking into their lives, helping them build friendships, and having way too much fun! Click on the image to register!

SHINE 2024 | JANUARY 12 - 14

Every student in our ministry is not only invited to Shine Weekend but is expected to attend! Click the image to register.

SHINE is our midwinter retreat and is one of our best times together for growth and connection. Not only is this weekend a wonderful opportunity for our students to invite friends who do not yet have a church home, but our students have the opportunity to grow their relationship with Jesus.

Each year we offer in-depth study time to prompt the spiritual growth of each student while encouraging each of them to grow in relationship with each other. Our goal for these students is to always grow in Christ and within the community of First students. Each grade level and gender is divided into Host Homes; the homes are generously shared by our church members. 

Get Connected

Youth Parent Email
Parent Texting Service
Student Texting Service
Youth Instagram

Meet The Team

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Chris Bell

"What's up, my friends? My name is Chris Bell. I have many roles in life, but the most important to me is being a Christ-follower. That perspective shapes everything I do! This fall, I started the Masters of Divinity program at Truett Seminary. I'm one of the first Wesley House students there, and it's been incredible. I love to spend time with my family and friends. I also enjoy sports and learning random facts. I have a passion for learning and teaching people about who God is and whom he calls us to be!"

Chris Bell

Interim Youth Director

Olivia Crosby

Olivia Crosby

Olivia Crosby

Youth Ministry Intern

Patrick-Bray-76

Patrick Bray

Patrick Bray is in his 2nd year at Baylor's Truett Seminary pursuing his Master's of Divinity. He has a special interest in Sports Ministry, and student ministry, and is a Chaplain for the Business school at BU. We're thankful that Pat has joined our team and our looking forward to serving God's kingdom alongside him. 

Patrick Bray

Youth Ministry Intern

Madelyn

Madelyn DeWitt

Madelyn has served in our ministry for nearly two years and is in her final year at BU! She is earning a Bachelor's in Religious Studies and is discerning a call to ministry. Madelyn always has a good book recommendation, enjoys time with her pup, and invests generously into the lives of the young people of First Methodist. 

Madelyn DeWitt

Student Ministry Volunteers

Mike

Mike and Kate Mellina

"Hi, we're the Mellina's. Kate and I have been married for 44+ years. We met in San Marcos @ Southwest Texas State (Texas State) in 1972. We have three children and eight grandchildren, soon to be nine in days. None of them are in Waco, but all are in Texas. We've been members of First Waco for 30+ years. We're both retired. Katie's hobbies include quilting and grandchildren. My hobbies are golf and bothering Kate. "

Mike and Kate Mellina

Student Ministry Volunteers

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John and Katy Griffis

"Hi! We're John and Katy Griffis. We've been blessed with three children, Preston, Vivienne, and Mitchell. Sunday mornings are the highlight of our week because we get to spend time with your kids! When we're not chasing our kids around, we enjoy a good sporting event and hanging out with our friends and family."

John and Katy Griffis

Student Ministry Volunteers

David

David Lopez

"Hi, I am David. I am currently a Sophomore at Baylor studying Pre-Med and German. I've gone to First Waco and its branches for about six years now, and this church has helped me grow into my faith. It has been such a blessing to give back to the church by working with the younger students as they make their way through this often confusing part of their lives. Ultimately, I want to help insure that they will be able to go out into the world and give an answer when asked what they believe and why they put their faith in Christ."

David Lopez

Student Ministry Volunteer

Darla

Darla Vinlarek

"Hi, I am Darla. I am so thankful that God led me to First Methodist. I have been a baptist for many years but feel at home here. I am a retired school counselor. I love working with the group of middle school girls on Wednesday night. They are a blessing to me."

Darla Vinlarek

Student Ministry Volunteer

2023.07.12 Willow Farrar

Willow Farrar

Baylor Grad. 

Realtor. 

Student Ministry Volunteer.

Willow Farrar

Student Ministry Volunteer

Cade

Cade Kilpatrick

"Hi, my name is Cade. I'm from Waco, and I've gone to First Methodist my whole life. I love volunteering in the youth group. It's something I've wanted to do since I first joined the youth group as a student!"

Cade Kilpatrick

Student Ministry Volunteer

JAMIAH

Jamiah Ryno

Robinson High School Graduate 

Mclennan County Sheriff 

Outdoorsmen

Student Ministry Volunteer since 2019

Jamiah Ryno

Student Ministry Volunteer

Youth Photo Vault