FBC Abilene Youth Ministry
First Baptist Church Abilene’s Youth Ministry is for students in the 6th through 12th grades. Our mission is to make lifelong disciples of Christ who seek to love God with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and who love their neighbors as they do themselves. We desire our Youth Ministry to be a community of faith, fellowship, and fun as we live for Christ’s Kingdom here on earth.
Our Motto: Kindness Spreads Kindness
At FBC Abilene, we earnestly seek to live according to the 2 Greatest Commandments found in Matthew 22:34-40:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
We believe that following these commandments includes showing love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness in all of life’s opportunities. Whether our students are gathered together as the Body of Christ or engaging with the world in their home, school, or community, we pray that their compassion and kindness for others will encourage those around them to also seek after the love of Christ.
Weekly Fellowship
Sunday School
Join us for Sunday School each week starting at 9:00am! Grab a donut and hangout with us before our Youth Band leads us in worship at 9:15am. We’ll talk announcements and have a short devotional before we split into our classes based on age. We have groups for High School, 7th and 8th Grade, and 6th Grade. Our Sunday School classes focus on Bible Study and Discipleship meant to teach students about Scripture and how to live a life with Christ. After class, join us for worship in our Sanctuary at 10:30am! We hope to see you there!
Sunday Nights at Someone’s House (SNASH)
On most Sundays throughout the year, we meet together at a church family’s home for an additional opportunity of fellowship and Bible study. We host at different times and houses for a Middle School group and then for a High School Group. Come join us for snacks, games, laughter, and most importantly, a study of Scripture. The houses change each week so make sure to join our GroupMe to stay up to date with our schedule!
Middle School SNASH – 5:00-6:00pm at a Church member’s house. Each week, we walk through the Scripture and Sermon from our morning worship!
High School SNASH – 6:30-8:30pm at a Church member’s house. Join us as we go verse-by-verse through a particular book of the Bible!
Wednesday Night Bible Study
Come hang out with us on Wednesday nights from 6:00-7:00pm on the Youth floor! Before you come upstairs, stop by our Dining Hall for a churchwide meal from 4:45-6:00pm. Spend time in fellowship with your friends or play Ping-Pong and Four Square before worship begins. Our Youth Band leads us in worship, then we learn about Jesus and discipleship in a large group lesson. We end the night by playing a fun game together, discussing announcements, and joining together in prayer. We would love to see you there!
Yearly Events
Disciple Now
A weekend retreat for middle school and high school students where small groups stay in host homes for the weekend to participate in Bible study, worship, and fun!
High School Camp – June 16-20, 2026
At Glorieta, NM. Expect snow-capped mountains, hiking, and cool weather combined with worship and community. This is an amazing week and is always one of the most meaningful for our students.
Middle School Camp – June 16-20, 2026
At Heart of Texas Baptist Encampment on Lake Brownwood. Middle school students have the opportunity to worship, connect in fellowship through fun and activities, and grow in their relationship with Jesus.
Missions
Whether it is serving breakfast in downtown Abilene at City Light, hosting a book fair on the border in Douglas, AZ, or families serving together in south Texas, there are many ways throughout the year to serve and love our neighbors.
Parents
Spiritual growth and maturity take time. In fact, we think it takes a lifetime. What we do this week matters, but it matters that we do it consistently over time.
Time
We believe that spending time with young people matters because some things can’t be done in a day or even a week. Investing time in teenagers – over time – helps them understand things that can’t be grasped in a moment.
Love
We believe love is the one thing that matters most. Love – over time – helps teenagers develop a healthy sense of self-worth. How we love kids will affect how they live as adults. We want every kid to know they are loved and see what it looks like to love somebody else.
Words
We believe that words – over time – can impact someone’s direction in life. The words we use impact the way we think. We hope to create a shared language of faith that communicates love, builds each of us up, and moves us in a kingdom trajectory.
Fun
We believe that fun – over time – makes friendships go deeper and creates meaningful connections. Making fun a priority builds trust, establishes deep connections, and has a lasting influence. Fun and laughter are critical elements to finding a place to belong where teenagers can love and be loved.
Belonging
We believe that belonging to a group– over time – shows kids they have a place. People need people. Everybody needs a circle of support, and every kid needs a tribe. We believe it is part of our role to make sure every kid has a seat in the circle and a chance to really belong. It is in a group that kids know they are welcome and forgiven. Grace shows up in a tribe.
What You Will Find
Knowing and Living the Gospel
The “gospel” is a term that we tend to overuse without even knowing its meaning. We want every student to understand that the gospel is not a proposition or an idea about getting into heaven. Rather, the gospel is an announcement that Jesus has come to make everything new. The gospel is transformative in every sense and is not about what we can get out of it but about what we are invited to participate in – the kingdom of God. The gospel puts people at the risky edge of life and transforms how youth live out friendships, form community, and seek justice.
- Disciple Now
- Mission Trips
- Service Projects
- High School Camp
- Middle School Camp
Navigating Transitions
Whether it is entering middle school or leaving high school, times of transitions are meaningful in the lives of youth and their families. We believe it is important for our ministry to walk beside youth and parents in these moments to help make sense of how God is working through transition and change.
- Senior Sunday
- Summer Prep for Graduates
- Back to School for Kids and Parents
Partnering With Parents
Parents are the most important influence in their kid’s lives. Sociologist Christian Smith puts it this way, “When it comes to kids’ faith, parents get what they are.” We want to partner with parents to provide encouragement and space to talk about and model a faith that lasts.
Intergenerational Value
Our youth are not the church of tomorrow – they are the church of today. The faith they live out as teenagers matters. Their gifts and personalities are not stored up for a time yet to be determined but are a vital part of our community. This is why relationships with adults across generations and inclusion into the meaningful work of the church matters. Participating together and hearing stories of faith across generations can help build faith that lasts.
- Generations Sunday
- Participation in Worship
- Intergenerational Service
For more information, contact Hunter Brown, Pastor for Youth at Hunter.brown@fbcabilene.org or 325-675-8161.