Love God. Love Others.

Youth (7th Grade through 12th Grade)

Sign-ups for goSHINE are open!

Go Shine is our Youth mission camp! We'll serve local communities, worship, hear God's word, and have lots and lots of fun!

Middle Schoolers get ready! We're taking you to Arlington, Texas June 16-18.

High Schoolers you'll be headed to Memphis, Tennesse June 26 - July 1.

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.

"We talk about Jesus. We talk about our faith. We dive into the Word. We worship joyfully. We connect with other students and amazing leaders. We share our doubts and fears. We share our joys and praises. We serve in town and around the world. We have fun-lots of fun! Through loving God and loving others, together we share His joy and hope with everyone we know."

- Rev. Hayley Shotts, Lead Youth Pastor

Who We Are

Upcoming Events

Middle School Pool Party | Thursday, June 9th | 6 - 8 pm | RSVP
Middle School Go SHINE | Current 6th and 7th Graders | June 16 - 19 | Arlington, TX | Cost $155 | Sign-Up
High School Go SHINE | Current 8th - 12th Graders | June 26 - July 1 | Memphis, TN | Cost $375 | Sign-Up

Upcoming Events

Weekly Gatherings

SUNDAYS

Main Campus (Cobbs) Sunday School |

11 am | Youth Room 2^nd Floor

Downtown Campus (Austin Ave) Sunday School |

10 am | 1st Floor

WEDNESDAYS/MIDWEEK (All grades 7-12)

We will meet in the Family Life Center every Wednesday. 6:15 pm - 8:00 pm

6:15 Middle School Small Group and Games/ High School Free Time

6:45 Middle School and High School Worship and Teaching

7:20 Middle School Dismissed (optional open gym)/ High School Small Groups

8:00 Everyone Dismissed

What is Bridge?

This is the wildest, craziest, and best night of the entire week! Bridge is our Youth midweek worship night and it takes place every Wednesday. Bring your bible, journal, a water bottle, and your friends.

Weekly Gatherings

The Story

This year our entire church is reading through the grand narrative of scripture. Join us on Sunday mornings at Youth as we do a deep dive into God's word. After we introduce the passage of scripture we break into small groups. From there you'll have an opportunity to build community, ask questions, and grow in faith! See you on Sunday!

The Story

Lead Team

We believe in the importance of empowering students to serve the kingdom of God. Lead Team is an opportunity for students to serve their church and community. We hope that through serving students will grow in love towards God and others!

The lead team will gather once every month. We'll meet after church from 12:30-2:00 pm in the youth room on the main campus. Lunch will be provided.

The final meeting is on May 17.

Lead Team

Meet The Team

Rev. Hayley Shotts

"I have the best job in the world! I absolutely love getting to serve Christ's Church by ministering to teenagers. I have a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary and am currently in the process of Ordination in the United Methodist Church. I have a heart for disciplining young people in what it means to be the Church and to love God's people. I am extremely close to my family and love to visit them often. Outside of church, you can catch me with friends, somewhere in the outdoors, on my kayak, behind a book, with my sewing machine, or most likely at a local ice cream shop."

Rev. Hayley Shotts

Student Ministry Pastor

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

Associate Youth Minister

Madelyn DeWitt

Hi everyone! My name is Madelyn DeWitt and I will be attending youth from now on! I am a sophomore at Baylor, from Tenessee, majoring in Religious studies! I love all things outdoors, music, and meeting new people!

Madelyn DeWitt

Youth Ministry Intern

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

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

Hannah Zimmerman

"Hi, my name is Hannah, and I am a junior at Baylor studying Political Science and History. I love playing tennis, being outside, and visiting coffee shops. I am from Louisianna, and I grew up in my church's youth group, so I'm so excited to hang out with Frist Waco Youth!"

Hannah Zimmerman

Student Ministry Intern

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 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

Delilah Brezenski

Baylor Student.

Student Ministry Intern.

Delilah Brezenski

Student Ministry Volunteer

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