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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

The Bridge Ministry challenges our 5th through 7th graders to develop a personal relationship with Jesus and one another through meaningful interactions in Discipleship Groups, Sunday school, events and trips.

Made to Worship (MTW) Ministry gives students in 8th-12th grade opportunities to experience faith in different ways. Our goal is to create a safe place for students to 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.

Discipleship Groups are 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. This year, we will be deep diving into books of the Bible and seeing how they apply to our lives today. Come recharge with your friends and talk about life!

• Wednesday Night from 6-7 PM in the Youth Wing
  • The Bridge in the Bridge Room
  • 8th-9th grade in the Junior High Room
  • 10th-12th grade in the Youth Room

Youth in 7th grade and above will develop an understanding of the Christian faith and who we are as United Methodists. Through discussion groups, and hands on experiences, our Confirmands will have many opportunities to see faith lived out in others and to put their faith into action. Through Confirmation, our Confirmands will learn the Story of God’s Love and see how it plays out in their lives. At the end of their journey, our Confirmands will share their stories and share the Light and Love of Christ with the world.

Confirmation meets on Wednesday Nights in the Confirmation Room in the Youth Wing from 6:00 - 7:00 PM

Sunday Mornings are for you and the Bible! You will get to learn about different lessons and 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
  • 5th-7th Grade in the Confirmation Room
  • 8th-12th Grade in the Green Room

Snack N Study is the perfect midweek pause — a time for students to unwind, grab a snack, and focus together before the busyness of life sets in again. Whether you need a quiet corner to catch up on homework, a little extra help from friends, or just a place to recharge, you’ll find community, laughter, and encouragement here. Everyone is welcome — bring your books, your questions, and your appetite!

• Sunday Afternoons from 3:00 - 4:00 PM
  • In the Youth Wing
  • On the First Sunday of each month, we host a Dungeons and Dragons campaign

Join us on Sundays for a time of connection, growth, and fun! Youth Group kicks off with hang time, games, and plenty of space to just be yourself. We’ll break into age groups for Bible study, then come back together for worship and community. With snacks, laughter, and meaningful conversations, there’s always a place for you at Youth Group!

• Sunday Evenings from 4:00-6:00 PM
• Games, Devotional, Worship, Small Groups 4:30-6:00 PM in CLC and Youth Wing

Wherever you reside along in your musical journey, we want to help you use your gifts to become amazing leaders. Our worship team creates a community of worship and is always looking at innovative ways to lead our students in worship. All students are welcome to come and participate.

Youth Worship Team practices Sundays at 3:30 PM in the Youth Wing

Michelle has been serving in youth ministry in Arkansas for 10+ 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 October 2025, Michelle married her husband, William Taylor. In her free time, Michelle likes to read, crochet, go on fun adventures with her husband, William, cheer on the Razorbacks, spend time with her Boston Terrier, Bruno, watch Marvel and Disney Movies, and binge-watch Friends and Gilmore Girls.