Student Ministry
Grades 7-12
Our Minister to Students is Jeff Hodges. Jeff has served as our student minister for eighteen years and is a veteran of twenty–three years in youth ministry. Jeff is married with four daughters, ages 20, 19, 16 and 6. He is a graduate of the University of Georgia with an AB degree in Psychology and also has his Master’s degree from Southwestern seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas. Jeff, along with our extensive staff of trained and experienced volunteer adult leaders, is committed to helping students discover God’s truth for their lives and grow to maturity in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord.
Rev. Jeff Hodges
Minister to Students
jhodges@smyrnafirst.org
Youth
Sunday School
Our Sunday Morning Bible Study meets at the BASHH Student Building from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Classes are grouped by age and gender for grades 7–12. Our curriculum is designed to cover the major doctrines of the Bible and to give young people a better grasp on the meaning of God’s Word, with an emphasis on personal application.
AWOL Youth Worship Celebration
This midweek worship gathering is designed specifically for students led by our Minister to Students, Jeff Hodges and our worship band. We meet each Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:15 pm at the BASHH. Other elements of this gathering are drama, video, student testimonies, fun and crazy games. Time expands to 7:00 to 10:30 pm during the summer months, with special events and activities.
Journey Groups
These student discipleship small groups meet weekly with a trained and caring adult leader to learn the basics of the Christian faith and to encourage each other to spiritual growth in a personal daily walk with Jesus Christ. These groups meet at various times and locations as determined by the makeup and schedules of each group. Members make a commitment to certain disciplines and studies which are well worth the time and effort!
Prayer Breakfast
Each Friday morning at 7:15 am during the school year we meet at the Chick–Fil–A at the corner of South Cobb Drive and Church Street in Smyrna for a student prayer gathering. This time of prayer and fellowship focuses on the importance of prayer for individuals, our ministry, and the life of a Christian. Transportation is provided afterwards to Smyrna area schools.
The G. A. P.
God’s Appointed Place. We have monthly Friday night gatherings for High School and Middle School students with food, music, recreation, and access to the Game Room at the BASHH where students can hang out, build friendships and have a great time in a safe and positive environment. The typical time frame for this event is 7:00-10:00 pm.Retreats and Camps
DiscipleNow Weekend
This is a special weekend event designed to help students focus on deepening or developing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A major portion of the weekend is held in host homes from within our church family. Small groups are able to discuss important Biblical principles with adult leaders. All groups come together for a big worship experience and fun filled activities such as group movie productions and recreation.
MountainTop Summer Camp
We sponsor an exciting and meaningful camp for students in grades 7-12 each summer in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. Outstanding and gifted youth communicators and musicians lead our group as we explore important and relevant themes which equip young people to live out their faith in today’s world. Team building activities and family group competition enhance the camp experience and provide opportunities for discussion, growth, and plenty of fun and memories.
High School Ski Retreat
Students in Grades 9-12 can join us on this annual excursion to West Virginia for a weekend of skiing, Bible study, and winter fun. Group lessons are provided for beginners and the registration cost covers lodging, ski equipment, lift tickets and chartered motor coach transportation.
Senior Beach Retreat
This retreat, for rising and graduating high school seniors is a great weekend getaway which focuses on issues of vital importance to seniors such as Knowing Why You Believe (evidence for the Christian faith) and Discerning God’s Will for Your Life in the area of decisions, career, future, and marriage. There is also time for the beach and pool, golf, tennis, and meaningful conversation as seniors are inspired to grow in areas of maturity and leadership. This retreat is usually held in the latter part of July in Destin, Florida and is a favorite of our upperclassmen.
Middle School Fall Retreat
Each November, our 7th and 8th graders have the opportunity to join us for a meaningful retreat in the Tennessee Mountains as we explore and discover the basics of the Christian faith and discipleship. Our beautiful mountain setting provides a perfect spot for outdoor activities such as horseback riding, hayrides, bonfires, and gemstone mining. We also provide a low ropes course and small family group times to discuss important Bible truths.
Mission Service Projects
Summer Mission Trips and Projects
Each summer we provide extended opportunities for students to travel to destinations in the United States and abroad to perform significant ministries and put their faith into action. Ministry activities include children’s camps and Bible clubs, home repair, Scripture distribution, music ministry, and sports outreach. Local mission opportunities include ministry at homeless shelters and yard work for the elderly and disabled.
Christmas Reach Out
An annual project sponsored by our Student Ministry, Christmas Reach Out provides food, gifts, Christmas trees, and Bibles to families in need in our community. Students divide into ministry teams and collect items to deliver to these families with young children as they discover and share the real meaning of Christmas. This event culminates with a candlelight worship service celebrating God’s goodness and ultimate gift of a Savior.
Fall Rake-a-thon
This annual project involves our students and adult leaders ministering in our community by providing yard work and leaf raking for elderly, homebound and disabled individuals. We work together in teams of 10 to 12, scatter throughout the Smyrna area, meeting people and providing this service to folks as an expression of God’s love.