Middle School Youth Group

Middle School Ministry

The middle school years are full of excitement and change as students transition from being "kids" to "youth." It is a time of personal discovery, crisis, increased social and self-awareness, and a journey of discovering how to relate to God and others. Middle School Youth Groups welcomes all students in 6th - 8th grade, their parents/guardians, and their Small Group leaders to walk through this pivotal time together.

Weekly Meetings

We meet regularly on Friday nights during the academic year from 7:00-9:00pm ET in the Highrock Commons (church basement). We will meet outdoors until the weather moves us inside! A typical meeting hosts 35-50 students gathering together to hang out, play games and enjoy some snacks. We close out the night with a brief message, worship or spiritual practice, and Small Groups that are organized by grade and are split by boys and girls. Each Small Group is led by a team of adults and older teens who are trained, love Jesus, and love middle schoolers.

Our Philosophy

The Middle School Community is committed to living out Highrock’s strategy of connecting personally to God, God’s people, and God’s purposes. Each week middle school students are invited to connect to God through worship, spiritual disciplines, and Christ-centered teaching. Students are encouraged to connect to God’s people by having fun together and experiencing life-giving relationships with each other. Finally, we empower students to connect to God’s purposes by giving them age-appropriate opportunities to use their unique gifts to serve the Church, their peers, their communities, and the world!

Read more about Highrock's Middle School ministry philosophy below or view the printer-friendly version.

Mission and Vision

Mission

Community. Curiosity. Compassion.

We desire to walk with students as they discover (or rediscover) a God who deeply loves and knows them, a community who values and accepts them, and a purpose that invites them to faithfully follow Jesus and passionately serve His Kingdom in a way that inspires others to do the same.

Vision

Identity. Belonging. Purpose.

Our vision is for every Middle School Student to enter into High School with an identity taking root in Christ, a Christ-centered group of friends and adults with whom to “do life together”, and life-giving practices that equip them to be faithful so that they can passionately pursue opportunities to serve and share the Kingdom of God within their circles of influence.

Our Values

The ABC’s of Highrock Middle School Ministry

Affirmation (Honesty)

Freed from shame by God’s grace, we offer one another truth and our true selves, both our weaknesses and strengths by reminding one another of our true identity as God’s children; we communicate acceptance and value by consistently encouraging one another with our thoughts, words and actions.

Belonging (Hospitality)

Compelled by God’s love, we remove barriers in order to welcome all people into God’s community. We join in a relationship with others in a community marked by love, joy, warmth and forgiveness.

Christ-Centeredness (Humility)

Awed by God’s grandeur and mystery, we depend on God fully while holding convictions humbly. Captivated by God’s self-revelation, we seek wisdom by asking questions, wrestling with Scripture, and learning from many voices. We center our hope in Christ by trusting and obeying His Word seeking to do justice, live humbly and love mercy.

Safe (Curiosity)

We work towards building a culture of trust, transparency, and vulnerability where students can ask questions, express their doubts, and be curious in safe relationships and spaces.

Solidarity

Inspired by the passion of Jesus, we share the burdens of others, and put love into action. We actively participate in the body of Christ, using the gifts God has given to serve those in the church and outside of it.

Our Strategy

Be Present

Connect their faith to a community.

Create a Safe Place

Clarify their faith as they grow.

Partner with Parents

Nurture an every day faith.

Make it Personal

Inspire their faith by example.

Move Them out

Engage their faith in a bigger story.

Online Community

For Middle School Online, we offer virtual forums for middle school students and parents/guardians on various topics such as mental health, sexuality, technology, spiritual conversations with your teens, and more throughout the year using Facebook or YouTube Live.

Parents are invited to join our Facebook Community to connect with one another through dialogue, explore relevant and helpful content, and engage in discipleship together as a community of parents.

Parent Partnership

Parents/Guardians play a vital role! And at Highrock we are committed to supporting you, too. We partner with parents/guardians through our Milestones program (Learn more at Highrock Online.) At each of your child’s key transitions and spiritual milestones, we offer resources, instruction, and support in raising a Jesus-loving generation.

Learn More about Milestones

For families with students experiencing disability, we encourage you to explore the AccessAbility Community Group, which is dedicated to including and supporting those experiencing disability and their families in the full life of the church.

Parents/Guardians, as your child(ren)'s biggest influence, you are encouraged to follow along with what your middle schoolers are learning: continue those conversations at home, encourage your middle schoolers in their discipleship journey, and share your own faith journey with them so that you can grow together.

Want to Know More?

Have questions or want to get involved? Contact Middle School Pastor Michael Taber at michael@highrock.org

Contact Information

Michael Taber

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