Koinonia Youth Ministry

Koinonia Youth Ministry

The Koinonia Youth Ministry believes that youth are not the “future,” they are the right now. We prioritize the spiritual development of youth from 7th-12th grade who desire to deepen their relationship with Christ. We do this by providing several opportunities to gather in community. “Koinonia” is the Greek word for “communion” or “fellowship.” We embody this through the following programming:

  • Sunday School and Youth Groups
  • Small Groups that meet weekly
  • Confirmation for 8th graders
  • Attending youth extracurriculars in order to cheer them on
  • One-on-one coffee, lunch, and dinner dates
  • Hanging out with our neighbors at Preston Taylor Ministries
  • A Junior and Senior High mission trip each summer
  • A week at the Presbyterian retreat center, Montreat, in Black Mountain, North Carolina
  • A robust “Youth Council” – a group of student leaders in our youth ministry
  • Church Basketball
  • And so much more!

Graduated Senior Mystery Trip

Graduated Senior Mystery Trip (It’s a Mystery) The Mystery trip is for graduated seniors. Three days of surprises filled with service, play, prayer, and celebration. The whole senior class at Westminster is invited to enjoy one last hoorah before they head off to college. DetailsWho Can Attend: Students who have just completed 12th grade.Dates: MysteryCost: $600.00 *Scholarships available. See below for details.Deposit: $100.00 non-refundable, due 4/30/24Where to: 401 Assembly Drive  Montreat, NC  28757Registration closes: April 30th Payment ScheduleNON-REFUNDABLE deposit of $100.00,…

High School Camp | June 30 – July 5

Barefoot Republic High School Camp(June 30 – July 5) Every summer for the past 25 years Barefoot Republic Camp has gathered campers and counselors from diverse socio-economic and racial backgrounds to practice joyful Christian community together. Inspired, convicted and called by Christ’s ministry of reconciliation, Barefoot provides a space for young people to see the beautiful diversity of God’s kingdom. This summer high schoolers are invited to attend the High School Camp session. DetailsWho Can Attend: Students who have just…

Junior High Camp | June 9 – June 14

Barefoot Republic Junior High Camp(June 9-14) Every summer for the past 25 years Barefoot Republic Camp has gathered campers and counselors from diverse socio economic and racial backgrounds to practice joyful Christian community together. Inspired, convicted and called by Christ’s ministry of reconciliation, Barefoot provides a space for young people to see the beautiful diversity of God’s kingdom. This summer middle schoolers are invited to attend the Junior High Camp session and high schoolers are invited to attend the High…

Mission Trip | June 1 – June 5

West Virginia – Mission Trip  June 1 – Jun 5 The West Virginia Mission Experience provides youth an opportunity to serve one of the poorest counties in the country. At one time, McDowell county West Virginia was among the wealthiest in America. Today over 80% of the population has left and it is one of the poorest places in our nation. A group of youth and adults from Westminster will serve the residents of Panther West Virginia by providing construction…

Youth Sunday School

Sunday School is a time when we focus on Scripture – how God speaks to us through it and how we can use it on a personal level. Youth and volunteers gather for donuts, fellowship, and announcements before splitting off into their Sunday School classes.  Time: 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM every Sunday Where: Koinonia Youth Café Classes: *For more information on 8th grade Sunday School (Confirmation), please click here.

Confirmation

Done in community with their class, Confirmation at Westminster is for 8th Graders. Confirmation is a valuable and formative experience in one’s faith journey, where participants are encouraged to answer the question “Why be a part of the Church?” Time: Sunday School hour Where: Room 88 Frequently Asked Questions What is the commitment for the Confirmation process? To gain a well-rounded understanding of the church, we ask Confirmands for participation in regular Sunday School attendance, one fellowship event per semester, one…

Youth Group

Youth Group is a time for fellowship, games, and devotion. Dinner is provided weekly by a Youth family volunteer so come hungry! Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Where: Koinonia Youth Café Sr. High Youth–We will gather for Dinner together with Middle Schoolers then will head to the Good Pasture room for a time of fellowship & fun, discussion & faith exploration, and mission & service. We will also have fun outings that include dinners together at local restaurants, venturing to Putt Shack, going…

Youth Council

8th – 12th grade leaders meet once a month to plan events and think creatively about faith, worship, community, outreach, benevolence, and fellowship.

Youth Small Groups

Our youth meet regularly outside of the Sunday routine to deepen their connection with each other and with God. We do this through shared meals, book and Bible studies, and outdoor activities. Email Margie if you would like to participate or start a new group! Current small groups: 6th & 7th Grade Girls 8th Grade Guys 8th Grade Girls 9th Grade Girls 10th Grade Guys 11th Grade Co-ed Co-ed Gaming Small Group 10th & 11th Grade Girls 12th Grade Girls Senior High Basketball Small Group 12th Grade Guys

Youth Trips

Trips are an excellent way to strengthen relationships, expand our understanding of community and experience our faith in new ways. We invite youth to sign up for any of our regular trips! For more information, dates, and sign ups, please email TJ. *All summer trips are determined by the grade you just completed. Montreat Youth Conference July 20-26, 2025 Open to Rising 9th Graders-Graduated SeniorsEach year, we participate in a week-long summer youth conference at Montreat, a retreat center nestled…