VERTICAL
(Encounter Youth)
Grades 6th - 12th
Life. Love. Purpose.
Vertical Youth is the student ministry of Encounter Church, created for students in grades 6-12 to encounter Jesus, build genuine relationships, discover who God created them to be, and grow into a faith they can live out every day.
We believe youth ministry is about more than giving students somewhere to go on Sunday, it’s about discipleship. Our desire is to create a safe, authentic environment where students can ask real questions, build biblical foundations, experience the presence of God, and learn what it means to follow Jesus for themselves.
Want more details? Contact verticalyouth@encounterchurch.today.
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young.
Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live,
in your love, your faith, and your purity.
1 TIMOTHY 4:12
What We Value
Jesus First
Everything begins and ends with Jesus. We want students to know Him personally and learn to follow Him in every area of their lives.
Relationship Over Religion
We aren’t interested in simply teaching students how to “do church.” We want them to develop a real relationship with Jesus and meaningful relationships with people who will walk alongside them.
Authenticity & Safety
Students need a place where they can be honest about their questions, struggles, victories, and faith. Vertical Youth is a place to be known, loved, challenged, and encouraged.
Biblical Foundation
We want students to know what they believe and why they believe it. Scripture is at the center of what we teach as we help students build their lives on the truth of God’s Word.
Presence Over Performance
Students don’t have to perform for God or for us. We want them to learn to recognize God’s presence, respond to the Holy Spirit, and understand that their identity is rooted in Christ, not their achievements or image.
Discipleship
Our goal isn’t simply to raise students who attend church. We want to raise disciples who follow Jesus, share their faith, serve others, and eventually help others follow Him too.
What To Expect
Vertical Youth combines biblical teaching, discussion, prayer, worship, games, and time to simply hang out and build relationships. Students are encouraged to participate, ask questions, open their Bibles, and apply what they’re learning to real life.
We believe every student has God-given purpose, and we want to partner with parents and families as they discover it.
Whether you’ve grown up in church, you’re just beginning to explore faith, or you’re not even sure what you believe yet, there’s a place for you at Vertical Youth.
Come as you are. Bring your questions. Bring a friend.
Let’s build a foundation for Life. Love. Purpose.