Welcome to FBC Wheeling Student Ministry
FBC Youth exists to partner with families to help students build a faith that is rooted in Scripture, strengthened through biblical community, and prepared to stand firm for Christ in every season of life.
Building A Faith That Lasts
Through biblical teaching, meaningful relationships, and active involvement in the life of the church, we seek to equip students to know God, love His Word, serve His people and the greater community, and confidently defend the hope they have in Christ.
Ways to Connect:
Sunday Morning Equipping Hour
9:00 am
Equipping Hour helps students grow in their understanding of Scripture while becoming active participants in the life of the church.
Ages 12–14
Meet in Room 300 using Answers in Genesis curriculum.
Ages 15+
Students are encouraged to attend an Equipping Hour class of their choice that interests them. Our goal is to help students become fully integrated into the life of the church rather than separated from it.
Sunday Morning Worship
10:00 am
We believe families grow best when they worship together. Students are encouraged to sit with their families and participate in the regular worship service, hearing God's Word preached alongside the rest of the church family.
Wednesday Nights
6:00 pm in the Youth Room
What to Expect:
Worship led by students
Biblical Teaching
Current Series: Defending Your Faith with Pastor Jay Stoneking
Games & Fellowship
A fun environment where students can build friendships and encourage one another in their walk with Christ.
Student Community Events
Throughout the year, students gather for activities designed to strengthen friendships, build community, and simply enjoy life together. These events help students develop meaningful relationships outside of our regular weekly gatherings. These events include annual Crossings Summer Camp in Kentucky, Christmas parties, pool parties, and mission projects and more.
Our Goal:
Our goal is not to create a separate youth culture, but to prepare students to become mature followers of Christ who love His church, know His Word, and faithfully serve Him for a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
We know choosing a church and ministry for your student is important.
Here are answers to some of the questions we hear most often:
Who is Student Ministry for?
Student Ministry is open to student ages 12 through high school graduation.
What if my student has never attended church before?
That's perfectly fine. Students are welcome whether they have grown up in church or are simply curious and want to learn more.
What should my student expect on a Wednesday night?
Students can expect worship, biblical teaching, discussion, prayer, games, and time to build friendships with other students.
What are the students currently studying?
Our current series is Defending Your Faith, where students are learning how to understand and confidently explain the truth of Christianity.
Does my student need to bring anything?
A Bible is encouraged, but not required. If they don't have one, we'd be happy to help them get one.
Will my student be pressured to participate?
No. Students are encouraged to engage, but no one is forced to speak, pray aloud, or answer questions.
What if by student doesn't know anyone?
Many students attend for the first time without knowing anyone. Our leaders intentionally help new students feel welcomed and connected.
Do students stay separated from the rest of the church?
No. One of our goals is to help students become active participants in the life of the church. Students are encouraged to attend Sunday worship with their families and become connected to the broader church family.
How can parents stay informed?
Parents can stay informed through church emails, announcements, and communication from ministry leaders regarding upcoming events and activities.
What is the goal of Student Ministry?
Our goal is not simply to keep students busy. We want to help students know God, love His Word, serve His church, and develop a faith that will stand firm for a lifetime.
Why doesn't FBC Wheeling focus on creating a separate youth culture?
We believe students are not merely the future of the church. They are part of the church today. Our goal is to help students build meaningful relationships with believers of all ages, participate in worship with the church family, and develop a faith that continues long after graduation.
What do students study?
We study the Bible and topics relevant to students' lives, such as:
Understanding the gospel
Defending your faith
Making wise decisions
Relationships and friendships
Following Christ in everyday life
Current series: Defending Your Faith
Can students invite friends?
Absolutely! We love meeting new students and encourage everyone to invite friends.
What should my student wear?
Whatever is comfortable. Most students dress casually.
Is the Student ministry safe?
Yes. We take student safety seriously. Adult volunteers are carefully selected and background checked and serve alongside church leadership to provide a safe and welcoming environment.
Do you have special events outside of Wednesday nights?
Yes! Throughout the year we offer activities, service opportunities, retreats, and fellowship events that help students build friendships and grow in their faith.
What if I have questions?
We would love to help. Contact the church office at hello@FBCWheeling.org or speak with one of our youth leaders, and we'll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
What makes FBC Wheeling's Student ministry different?
Our student ministry is centered on God's Word. We believe students need more than entertainment, they need truth. Through biblical teaching, meaningful relationships, and intentional discipleship, we seek to help students develop a faith that will stand firm long after they leave home.