Apr19
Confirmation Sunday
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Fairhope UMC
Student
Ministry
Helping students grow in faith, community, and purpose — from 7th grade through graduation.
Signups & GroupMe →Breakfast Club
7th – 12th Grade
Tuesdays · 6:45 am · Wingfingers
Early. Casual. Worth it. Breakfast Club is a weekly Tuesday morning Bible study over breakfast, led by students themselves — and if you need a ride to school afterward, we've got you covered.
Community Groups
7th – 12th Grade
Wednesdays · 6:00 – 7:30 pm · CLC, Education Building
Every Wednesday night starts with a big group game and worship — then students break into small groups organized by grade level for C-Groups. These aren't just weekly meetings; C-Group leaders stay with their students from 7th grade all the way through graduation, building the kind of long-term relationships where real conversations happen. New students are always welcome.
Sunday School
7th – 12th Grade
Sundays · 9:45 – 10:30 am · CLC, Education Building
Sunday School is the place to go deeper. With a rotating group of teachers and a casual atmosphere, it's where students wrestle with bigger theological questions and dig into Scripture in a way that the energy of Wednesday nights doesn't always allow for. Come curious.
Retreats
7th – 12th Grade
Some of the most formative moments in student ministry happen away from home — and sometimes right here. Every summer, students are invited to the Oakwood Experience at Blue Lake Camp in Andalusia — a week of classes, worship, games, great food, and a speaker and band who show up ready to go. Every other winter we head out for a Winter Retreat with a similar format in a new location. In alternating years, we host Discovery on campus — a whole-church spiritual formation weekend where middle schoolers are surrounded by their faith community, high schoolers lead small groups and worship, and parents offer gifts of love, presence, and prayer. Students consistently describe it as one of the most significant weekends of their lives. Registration links for all retreats are posted when they open.
Missions
7th – 12th Grade
Student ministry at Fairhope UMC has taken students to Costa Rica, New York, North Carolina, Orlando, rural Alabama, and beyond — and there's always another trip on the horizon. Closer to home, students support local projects like Angel Tree and other community initiatives. No student is left out for financial reasons — there are plenty of ways to earn your way, from parking cars at major Fairhope events to volunteering at our annual Easter Egg Drop fundraiser. Missions isn't just something we do; it's part of who we are.
Confirmation is one of the most meaningful experiences we offer at Fairhope UMC. Designed for 7th graders, Confirmation is a semester-long journey of discipleship — not just learning about Jesus, but learning to know and follow him. Sessions meet on Wednesday nights and are woven into the regular rhythm of student ministry, culminating in a retreat, a one-on-one spiritual direction interview with one of our pastors, and a Confirmation Sunday where students make a public profession of faith and join the church as full members. If you have a rising 7th grader, we'd love for them to be part of it.
Student ministry runs on the energy of adults who show up for kids. Whether you want to help lead a community group, chaperone a retreat, or serve behind the scenes, there's a place for you. Reach out to Miles Barnhardt directly to find out how to get involved.
Want to stay in the loop on what student ministry is up to? Sign up for our parent email list.
The safety of every student in our care is a sacred responsibility. Every adult who works with students — paid staff and volunteers alike — is required to complete a background check before serving. We maintain a two-adult rule in all student ministry settings, meaning no student is ever alone with a single adult. We also follow a four-year age gap rule: youth helpers must be at least four years older than the students they serve alongside. Loving boldly and sharing Christ includes making sure every student is known, protected, and safe. Read our full Safe Sanctuaries policy →
E-Mail:
Miles Barnhardt
Director of Student Ministries