Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry
Why Youth Ministry at First Baptist Church of Asheville?
Come and see for yourself. From those daunting days as a new seventh grader to those final moments as a high school senior, our youth group encourages thoughtful exploration of what it means to be a follower of Christ in a complex and divisive world. We embrace conversations that are open and respectful, ideas that are true to the identity and work of God, and lifestyles that show following Christ is a way of life, not just a system of belief.
Every youth who comes here has the potential to change the whole group, and God only knows what kind of difference that can make in our church and wider community. This is a unique place, gathering teens from public, private, charter, and home schools; unlike many groups that divide middle and high school students, we tend to keep the whole group together, knowing there is much to be gained from positive peer relationships and encouraging connections beyond one’s immediate grade.
All of our leaders and teachers within the youth ministry at First Baptist Church of Asheville uphold a covenantal approach based on the following six words: Authentic. Formative. Missional. Relational. Safe. Sustainable. Learn more about how our youth ministry is founded on these guiding words by reading the Youth Ministry Covenant.
Each week, youth gather for Koinonia, Agape, and Bible Study. Each season, youth venture out of Asheville for special retreats and camps, such as Caswell, Awanita, and Unidiversity. Discover more about these weekly youth gatherings and seasonal retreats and begin to imagine how you or your youth can engage with this community.
Youth Gatherings
Sunday Koinonia (Only meets during the school year – will resume in the Fall 2023)
Become fully connected to the youth group by making Koinonia a weekly experience. “Koinonia” is the Greek word used to describe the very first Christian communities in the New Testament. Koinonia happens at FBCA as we form small groups, share in activities, and wrestle with complex and critical issues of faith together. (4th Floor, 5:00-6:30 p.m.)
Wednesday Agape (Only meets during the school year -will resume in the Fall 2023)
Jesus teaches us that the greatest commandment is to love God with all of our mind, heart, soul, and strength, and that is exactly how we structure our Wednesdays. Each week of the month offers a different experience: we use our minds through thoughtful discussions (week 1), our hearts through encounters & excursions with people outside our own community (week 2), our souls through creative projects and activities (week 3), and our strength through hands-on service projects (week 4). (4th Floor, 6:00-7:00 p.m.)
Bible Study
Youth are searching for meaningful studies of the Bible that are insightful, conversational, and relevant. Come deepen your knowledge and application of the Bible with a group of peers, and don’t forget to bring your questions. (4th Floor, 10:00 a.m.)
Youth Music (Only meets during the school year – will resume in the Fall 2023)
Every Sunday, Youth have the opportunity to be a part of a larger ensemble for the purposes of creating sacred music together.
Youth Handbells: (3rd Floor, 4:00 p.m.)
Seasonal Retreats
Fall Retreat
Enjoy the beauty of fall at Ridgehaven complete with access to a lake, campfires, hikes, 9 square, and some new group activities on site. Seventh graders will also be welcomed into the youth group through an encouraging rite of passage.
Spring Retreat
Celebrate the end of the year in the sand and the surf of Caswell Beach. We’ll enjoy thoughtful discussions, group games & challenges, and evening parties, as well as group affirmations and senior rites of passage.
Summer Camp
Unidiversity is a unique camp set on the campus of the Maryville College situated between the Great Smoky Mountains and Knoxville, T.N. Youth choose from a list of creative electives and seminars, attend thought-provoking worship sessions, and enjoy free time and recreation on the campus.
Upcoming Events
FirstShine Summer Camp
FirstShine is a traditional summer day camp for young adults in our greater community with special needs.
Unidiversity Youth Camp
Join us as we stay a week on the campus of Maryville College (TN) for a unique camp experience.
Class of 2023 Pilgrimage
Class of 2023: This year you are invited to participate in the Class of 2023 Pilgrimage: Camino Portuguese (Portugal & Spain)!
Recent Events
Student Led Worship
Join us on Sunday, April 23 as our youth lead in worship!
Children’s & Youth Family Lunch
Families of children & youth – don’t miss out on our upcoming family lunch on April 23!
Camino Cake Auction
Cake lovers and supporters of our Youth Camino Pilgrimage are in for a sweet treat for FBCA’s first ever Camino Cake Auction on April 23.
Caswell Youth Spring Retreat
Celebrate the end of the year in the sand and the surf of Caswell Beach.