The youth program at First Presbyterian Church is for students in sixth through twelfth grade. It is a place where young people are known by name, welcomed as they are, and invited to ask real questions about faith and life. The goal is not to produce a certain kind of Christian. It is to walk alongside students as they figure out what they believe and what it means to follow Jesus in the world they actually live in.
All youth are welcome in Sunday school each week before worship. Classes are organized by grade and shaped around genuine engagement with scripture and faith.
Sixth and Seventh Grade students spend two years in a pre-confirmation track, taking one year to explore the Old Testament and one year to explore the New Testament.
Eighth Grade students participate in Confirmation, a year of asking big questions and discerning what they believe. See below for more on Confirmation.
Ninth through Twelfth Grade students gather to explore practices that Jesus modeled, taught, and called his followers to carry forward.
Sunday evenings begin with dinner in Memorial Hall before moving into programming in the Stock Building. Each week looks a little different. The steady thread is a community of students and adults who show up for one another, connect with God, and find ways to serve. Friends are always welcome.
Confirmation is open to students in eighth grade and older. It is a year-long journey of exploring faith, engaging scripture and theology, and learning what the Presbyterian Church (USA) believes. Students walk through this process alongside mentors from the congregation, pastors, and church staff.
At the end of the year, students have the opportunity to join the church, though joining is not required. The point of Confirmation is honest exploration, not a predetermined outcome. To learn more about Confirmation, reach out to our Youth Director.
FPC is committed to providing a safe environment for every child and young person in our care. All adults who work with youth are required to complete Safe Sanctuaries training annually, submit to a background check every five years, and sign an annual affirmation of the policy. This commitment reflects the congregation’s responsibility to the young people entrusted to it.
A weekly youth newsletter goes out midweek with everything families need to know about upcoming programming. Contact our youth director to be added to the list.
Follow along on Instagram at @fpc_raleighyouth or on Facebook at FPC Raleigh Youth.