Youth Ministries

FUMC Benton Youth ministries serves students in grades 5th-12th in Saline County and beyond. Our Goal is to help students develop and grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ and share God's love with the world.

What We Believe

Grace

We believe that all people are loved and valued by God and should feel supported, valued, and loved in our community.

Inclusivity

We are a space where all people, no matter what, are welcomed.

Faith

We seek to be continually growing in our faith and as a follower of Jesus.

Experiences

We value the relationship building, faith building, and new experiences that Youth Trips and Events can bring.

Positive Voices

We believe our voices can be one of the most powerful ways to share the Love of Christ and will focus on building others up, sharing our stories, and communicating with one another without negativity and anger.

Fellowship

We have fun with our friends while building respectful relationships with ourselves, our peers, our adults, and Christ.

Our Youth Ministries

The BRidge

Bridging the gap between Children’s and Youth Ministries, The Bridge Youth Ministry challenges our 5th and 6th graders to develop a personal relationship with Jesus and relationships with one another through meaningful interactions in Wednesday Night Small Groups, Sunday school, and events and trips.

Confirmation

Youth in 7th grade and above will develop an understanding of the Christian faith and who we are as United Methodists. Through partnering with prayer partners, discussion groups, mission projects, and hands on experiences, our Confirmands will have many opportunities to see faith lived out in others and to put their faith into action. Confirmation meets Wednesday at 6 PM.

Made to Worship

Made to Worship (MTW) Youth Ministry continues the faith development beginning in The Bridge, and gives students 7th-12th grade to experience faith in different ways. Our goal is to create a safe place for Students, be authentically who they are , to explore and develop a faith that is on fire for God and to have the tools to live their faith out once they graduate.

Our Weekly Schedule

Sunday School

Sunday Mornings are for you and the Bible! You will get to learn about different stories from the Bible and engage with them through conversations, activities, and games. Come share your knowledge and grow with one another in your faith!
  • Sunday Mornings from 10:00-10:45 AM in the Youth Wing (2nd Floor near the elevators),
    • 5th-7th Grade in the Bridge Room
    • 8th-12th Grade in the Youth Room

Youth Group

The week starts with Youth Group, for our 7th-12th grade students! You will eat, laugh, play, hear about some interesting topics and even sing a little. You will build relationships with one another through games and small groups!  Before you know it, you will make life-long friends and create lasting memories!
  • Sunday Evenings from 5:45-8:00 PM
    • Hang Time 5:45 PM in CLC
    • Dinner 6 PM in Fellowship Hall. 
    • Youth Group 6:30-8:00 PM in Youth Wing

Discipleship Groups

Discipleship Groups are small group oriented opportunities for you to grow deeper in your faith, focusing on what it means to live a Jesus Centered life, and what it looks like to live out your faith as a committed Christian. Come recharge with your friends and talk about life! Our Groups include The Bridge, Confirmation, 8th-9th grade, 10th-12th grade.
  • Wednesday Night from 6-7 PM in the Youth Wing (2nd Floor near the elevators),
    • The Bridge in Bridge Room
    • Confirmation in Confirmation Room
    • 8th-9th grade in the Junior High Room
    • 10th-12th grade in the Youth Room

Total Praise Choir

Music gives us opportunities to express ourselves. Learning, practicing and leading music TOGEHTER gives us the opportunities to express their faith in a new way.  They help to lead in worship at Carols and Candles, Maundy Thursday Service, and over a summer Choir Tour.
  • Total Praise Choir is for students 7th-12th grades and meets on Sundays at 5 PM in the Choir Room.

Youth Worship Team

Music gives us opportunities to express ourselves. Learning, practicing and leading music TOGETHER gives us opportunities to express ourselves as leaders. Wherever you reside along the musical journey, we want to help you use your skill sets to become amazing leaders.
Our worship bands create a community of music and worship and are always looking at innovative ways to lead our students.
  • Practice Sunday Nights at 4:45 PM in the Christian Life Center or Youth Wing

Upcoming Youth Ministry Events

Meet Michelle Anderson

Director of  Youth Ministries

Michelle has been serving in youth ministry in Arkansas for 7 years. She believes that the youth are the present and future church. She loves to support the youth inside the walls of the church and in the community, attending their games, concerts, and other activities. Michelle is a 4th generation Razorback, graduating from the University of Arkansas in 2015 with a Degree in English with an emphasis in Education, with minors in History, Music, and Theatre. In her free time, Michelle likes to read, cheer on the Razorbacks, spending time with her Boston Terrier, Bruno, watching Marvel and Disney Movies, as well as binge-watch Friends and Gilmore Girls.