At Hope Students, we want every student to have a place where they can belong, build genuine relationships, ask honest questions, grow in their faith, and discover what it looks like to follow Jesus in everyday life.
Whether a student has followed Jesus for years, is just beginning to explore faith, or isn’t sure what they believe, there is a place for them here.
What ages do you serve?
Hope Students is for students in 6th–12th grade.
We have opportunities throughout the week for both middle school and high school students to connect, have fun, build relationships, and grow spiritually.
What happens at a typical gathering?
We have a couple of different types of gatherings throughout the week.
Sunday mornings include worship, games, time to connect, and a practical message designed to help students understand and live out their faith.
During the week, our middle school and high school students meet separately. These gatherings have a more casual Bible-study format with a strong emphasis on connection, conversation, relationships, and simply spending time together.
We believe some of the most meaningful ministry happens through genuine relationships.
What should a new student expect?
They can expect to be welcomed and included.
We understand that walking into a new group can be uncomfortable, especially when you don’t know anyone. Our goal is to help new students quickly feel like they belong.
Students can expect fun, genuine conversations, practical biblical teaching, and opportunities to discover how faith connects to their everyday lives.
Come as you are. You have a place here.
What should parents know?
First and foremost, parents should know that we take the responsibility of caring for their students seriously. We work intentionally to provide a safe, positive, and welcoming environment.
Parents should also know that we want to be a resource for them—not just for their student.
We believe parents and guardians have the greatest influence in a student’s life, and Student Ministry works best when families and ministry leaders work together.
If a parent has questions, concerns, needs prayer, or simply wants someone to talk with, we’re here.
Where do students meet?
Our regular gatherings take place in the Student Room at Community of Hope.
Special events and activities may occasionally take place at other locations. When that happens, parents and students will receive the appropriate information ahead of time.
What about safety?
Student safety is a priority in everything we do. We want students to be protected, parents to have confidence in our ministry, and leaders to have clear expectations and accountability.
Some of our safety practices include:
- Two-adult approach: Whenever possible, we avoid situations where one adult is alone with one student. We maintain appropriate supervision and avoid isolated environments.
- Background checks and screening: Regular adult volunteers are appropriately screened, background checked, trained, and approved before serving.
- Open and observable environments: We intentionally avoid secluded situations and seek to keep interactions visible and accountable.
- Appropriate communication: Leaders use appropriate communication practices with students. We don’t encourage secret conversations, disappearing messages, or communication that needs to be hidden from parents or ministry leadership.
- Leader accountability: Safety expectations apply to everyone—pastors, staff members, volunteers, parents, and longtime leaders. Relationships or positions don’t create exceptions.
Our goal is to create an environment where students are known, valued, cared for, and protected.
What should a student bring?
Nothing is required!
You don’t need special clothes, a perfect Bible, or all the right answers. Just show up!
What happens if a student doesn’t know anyone?
That’s okay! Lots of students have walked through our doors for the first time without knowing anyone.
Our adult and student leaders will intentionally welcome new students, introduce them to others, help them get involved, and make sure they aren’t left standing alone.
We don’t want students simply to attend Hope Students. We want them to feel like they belong.
How do you handle students who aren’t sure about their faith?
We welcome them!
One of our core beliefs is: “You don’t have to believe before you belong, and you don’t have to pretend while you’re figuring it out.”
We want Hope Students to be a safe place to ask real questions. Questions and doubts aren’t something students need to hide.
Wherever a student is on their faith journey, we want to help them take their next step toward Jesus.
How can parents or students get more information?
The easiest way to learn about Hope Students is to come check us out!
Students and families can also learn more by:
- Attending one of our weekly gatherings.
- Talking with a Student Ministry leader.
- Connecting with us at Community of Hope.
- Following our church and Student Ministry social media and communication channels.
- Reaching out directly with questions.
We want parents to know who is leading their students, what we’re teaching, what events are coming up, and how they can be involved.
And to the student wondering whether Hope Students is for them:
You don’t have to know anyone. You don’t have to have everything figured out. You don’t even have to be sure what you believe.
Come as you are. Meet some people. Have some fun. Ask questions. See what Hope Students is all about.
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Community of Hope Church