Students

We partner with parents to raise tweens, teens, and college-aged students to create safe spaces where students can grow in an inclusive environment, be transformed by Jesus, engage in meaningful faith-forming relationships, serve as change-agents in their communities, and develop into spiritual leaders.

Confirmation

Calling all students in grades 7 or above who are not yet Confirmed! Consider joining the 2024-2025 Confirmation Class kicking off in September. Confirmation is a unique season of faith exploration for students interested in learning more about our faith.

Confirmation in the 2025-2026 school year will take place over the course of 8 sessions, one each month. September through March sessions will take place on Sunday morning from 9:30-12:00 at the North Indy Campus. Confirmands will always begin in the 9:30 worship service and will either be dismissed halfway through or sit through the full service. The worship service will serve as a launching point for the learning we will do together immediately following until 12:00.

Confirmands will choose a mentor who will connect with them in-between each monthly session to take the material deeper and help the Confirmand process what they are learning. This mentor serves as an older person, rooted in the faith, who can act as guide or sounding board for the student exploring their faith.

Indy North Campus: Sundays
Middle School @ 9:30 & 11AM
High School varying times
Midtown Campus: Sundays @ 9:45 AM

Middle School (5th-8th Grade)

 

Middle School Small Groups

North Indy - Lodge: Sundays at 9:30 & 11AM
Midtown - Youth Room: Sundays at 9:45 AM

Small Groups are the most important part of our ministry because they are the place where students build relationships with one another as they seek out a relationship with God. 5th-8th graders gather together for games, announcements, teaching, and small groups. At the North Campus, the Lodge is the building located in the Northeast corner of the parking lot. At the Midtown Campus, the Youth Room is located in the basement next to the Kids Space.

High School (9th - 12th Grade)

 

Small Groups

North Indy: Sundays at 9:30AM at The Lodge
Midtown - Youth Room: Sundays at 9:45 AM in the Youth Room

Small Groups are the most important part of our ministry because they are the place where students build relationships with one another as they seek out a relationship with God. High School Programming takes place at 9:30 in the Lodge at North Indy and 9:45 in the Youth Room at Midtown. Students start in a large group experience, then break off into small groups where they grow and connect.

Sunday Morning Worship

North Indy - Sundays at 9:30AM & 11AM
Midtown - Sundays at 11AM

One of our greatest values is that students will go to church services, and won’t substitute youth group or small groups for the opportunity to worship with their church family. High Schoolers at the North Campus can gather in the High School Hub (located inside door 15) before and/or after services to grab a donut and see their friends. Students can then attend worship with their families or in one of our student sections in their preferred service. Students at the Midtown Campus can gather together in the lobby for a donut, then attend worship together in our student section.

FAQs and Resources

Every student is required to fill out a Medical Release Form before attending a small group, event, or activity. Please fill it out here.

In the student ministry at St. Luke's, we believe in teaching the foundations of faith, the scripture, how to live out our faith in the world, and who we are in God's story. Broadly speaking we break it down into age groups:

5th and 6th: What are the Foundations of the Old and New Testament?

7th and 8th: What do we believe as Christians and What do I believe?

9th and 10th: Who am I Becoming and Where do I fit in God's Story?

11th and 12th: How do I live out my faith in the world?

Yes. As one of the few open, inclusive, affirming churches in Indianapolis, your student will be met with love and acceptance no matter how they identify. Jesus calls us to love and respect, and we will model that to every single individual who walks through our doors. We respect every student’s pronouns, have both gendered and non-gendered group options, etc.

St. Luke’s is committed to working with families to ensure individuals of all ability levels feel supported and encouraged to grow in their faith. We have trained volunteers to partner with students who may benefit from extra support on Sunday mornings. We also have dedicated spaces at the Lodge at the North Campus for students who may need regulation breaks or sensory breaks. Last, we have a small group for families raising children with special needs that meets on the second Sunday of the month. Reach out to Haley Bring if you are interested in more information about the small group, receiving support for your child, or volunteering as a buddy!

Safe Sanctuaries is a required certification to work directly with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. This consists of a full screening process, including a Federal Background Check, Training, & supervision by staff. You may view our policy by clicking here.

We offer plenty of opportunities to pay for retreats, mission trips, & activities by offering fundraising that puts money into Fundraising Accounts. These Fundraising Accounts bank through graduation and can be used any time to pay for any activity through our Student Ministry. There are two key fundraising opportunities in October & January. Contact Samantha Isaacs for more information or to check the balance of your Fundraising Account. 

Before heading off to an overnight event here at St. Luke’s UMC, it’s important for everyone to feel both mentally and emotionally ready for the experience. The following checklist highlights key attributes that a student should demonstrate (more often than not) to ensure they’re ready. By developing these qualities beforehand, students can make the most of their time away and have a positive, meaningful experience. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to the Director of Youth Ministry.

Middle & High School Events

Middle & High School Staff

Volunteer with our Youth

Want to lead a small group? Think Invite Nights sound fun? Want to chaperone a trip? Get in touch!