Your place to belong

Teens need to have a place to belong. To grow in their faith, build relationships, and connect with God.

We designed our Students program for Junior High & High School Students (7th-12th grade) to do just that. Check out the ways you can keep your Students connected.

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student Night

Wednesdays | 6-8p

If your teen wants to have fun and expand their faith, we have the answer—Student Night. Teens engage in youth-led worship, relevant teaching, and spend time hanging out with friends.

Meetup Dates

April 12 | April 19 – Wear Bright Colors | April 26

Weekend Fun

Game On! | Saturday, April 22, 1-4p

Have some afternoon fun at SG with board games, open gym, video games and snacks.

Smoothie Saturday | April 15, 1p

Who doesn’t love a FREE smoothie? Stop by and hang with us at Tropical Smoothie (14901 23 Mile Road, Shelby Twp) . Friends are welcome 🙂

Sunday Breakfast | Weekly, 9:30a

Teens, come enjoy breakfast in the Cafe. Eat & have fun with friends.

Student Night FAQs

What happens at Student Night?

We start our time together hanging out and playing games, then we move into the worship center for student-led worship and a message. After that, we break off into age-appropriate small groups where students can connect with one another and discuss the topic of the week.

Can my student bring a friend?

Absolutely! We love to see students bring their friends and we encourage it.

What if my student doesn't know anyone?

If you don’t know any other student then that is all the more reason to come. You can also have your student bring a friend if that makes them feel more comfortable.

What are small groups like?

Small groups are mostly separated by age and gender. In these groups, students will be able to build relationships with other students and leaders while sharing about themselves and discuss the lesson from that night.

Class of 2023 Celebration

Sunday, April 30 at the 10:30a Service.

Parents, we know Senior year is filled with lots of excitement and anticipation. We want to celebrate and honor your incredible teenagers. Join us in the Senior High Room after service for snacks, refreshments & more. And don’t forget to submit your Senior’s picture for the slide show.

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first communion & confirmation program

Your Student’s Next Faith Steps

First Communion and Confirmation (FCC) are two important stepping stones in your Student’s faith walk. During this program, your student will expand their connection with God and learn to own their faith.

First Communion is a 2-day training that happens each year in February for 6th grade and up. (If you are already enrolled in the first communion/confirmation program, you do not need to register for this.)

Confirmation is a 2-year program that students can begin in 7th grade. The program consists of three seminars and a retreat each year. Students are confirmed in October after year 2. 

Want more info? Email us by clicking below.

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First Communion/Confirmation Details

Student/Parent Requirements

Students are required to attend the following:
–The Junior High Retreat | October 7-9, 2022 at Camp Arcadia
–Three seminars at SG | November 12, 2022, January 21, 2023 & March 4, 2023 (9:30a-12p)
–First Communion Training | Saturday, Feb 11, 2023 (10a-12p) and Sunday, Feb 12, 2023 ( 12-2p). Lunch will be provided.

Parent Requirements:
At Shepherd’s Gate, we encourage and equip you—the parents—to be the primary faith developer in your student’s life. Therefore, parents are required to attend the seminars/training with their students so they can partner together to help their student’s faith grow.

Important Dates

First Communion Service | March 5, 2023 (12-2p) lunch included.
Confirmation Dinner-Testimony/Blessing | Saturday October 28, 2023 (6p-8p)
Confirmation Service Sunday | October 29, 2023 (10:45a)

Get Involved at Church

We encourage our Junior High & High School students to serve at Shepherd’s Gate by volunteering in our SG Kids program during the 10:45a service. Whether your student wants to lead worship, run sound, or help our nursery caregivers, we want them to get involved and give back. Check out all the ways your student can use their talents to serve.

Serving Opportunities