about your students

Grades 6–12

NextGen Ministry exists to help students experience Jesus in a way that’s real, welcoming, and life-giving. We create meaningful, exciting, faith-centered environments where students build friendships, feel known, and grow in their walk with Christ through fun, community, and truth.
From game nights and themed events to outings, retreats, and special gatherings, NextGen is designed to be a place students look forward to—where laughter and belonging meet spiritual growth and purpose.

Our main goal

Dream it - Grow it - Build it

We want to cultivate a vibrant, Christ-centered youth ministry where students experience authentic relationships, grow spiritually, serve boldly, and become fully alive in Christ (Ezekiel 37:4–6).

Sunday Morning At 11:00

Sunday Morning At 11:00

Student Worship Live provides an opportunity for students to come into the presence of God in the context of the church, and use their God-given talents and gifts, for the glory of God and the good of others. The service is student-led, with the exception of the preaching, which is done by our Student Minister. Each week our students lead in music, share testimonies about what God is doing in their lives, read Scripture, and operate the sound booth. In doing all of this, they get to understand that worship of God is not limited to just singing a few songs on Sunday morning, but it is a way of life for the believer in Christ. And what we do on Sundays, is only one aspect of our worship.

Sunday Morning 9:45 to 10:45

Sunday Morning 9:45 to 10:45

We gather for Christ-centered Bible study, as we seek to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. The Gospel Project is a weekly Bible study that helps teens dive deep into the big story of the Bible—God’s plan to rescue His people through His Son, Jesus Christ. Focus on Jesus. Every session shows how all Scripture leads us to Jesus. Connect the dots. 3-Year chronological study explores the uniting gospel story and essential truths of Scripture. Live the story. Show teens that it is Jesus who transforms them, not good behavior. Ask big questions. Encourage teens to ask tough questions about what Christians believe and expect real answers.

Wednesday Night 6:45 to 8:00

Wednesday Night 6:45 to 8:00

Students engage in age-appropriate Bible study each week, creating an environment of learning and Biblical application. Students are gathered to encourage one another, share insights, and invite healthy discussion. We are currently going through a six-session series by Francis Chan called, “What is a Christian?” In this study, Francis Chan leads us in an exploration of key concepts common to all Christians through the centuries. No matter what divides us, we are united by these truths about the God we worship and our relationship with him.”

Friday Night 7:00 to 9:00

Friday Night 7:00 to 9:00

Friday Night Live is a time for students to connect with friends and God, in a safe and fun environment. The evening begins with a meal, followed by games, and a closing lesson from God’s Word. On the First Friday of each month, we normally have a special event or speaker. Other activities include our birthday celebration once a month for those celebrating birthdays during that month and our Family Service Fridays, where families get together to complete service projects.

The Bible says that life is to be experienced in relationship with Jesus Christ and one another. As a result, our vision is to have every Middle School and High School student who attends Friendship Baptist Church, intentionally connected to one another on a weekly basis through biblical-caring communities that promote transformation, caring relationships, prayer & a missionary-mindset that compels them to serve and see others introduced to Jesus.

By doing so, we will desire to intentionally engage one another and the community that surrounds us. We will seek to share with others the joy, fulfillment, hope and forgiveness that is available through Jesus Christ. We will seek ways to intentionally invite our friends and classmates to Sunday Worship Live, GrowGroups Live, Wednesday Night Live and Friday Night Live so that they may know Jesus and grow to love Him more.

Let’s meet God where He is working and be transformed! And be ready to tell others!

If you would like to be on the parents’ e-mail list to receive regular communication about upcoming events and important information, please contact Ester Nieto.

Contact Ester Nieto

Ester Nieto, Student Minister

Dear Parents,

I hope this letter finds you well. I wanted to take a moment to share something deeply meaningful that has taken root in my life over the past few months, my journey as a student minister at Friendship Baptist Church.

Serving in this role has been a great privilege, giving me the opportunity to connect with the next generation and remind them that they have a meaningful place in God’s purpose. It’s both a challenge and a joy to listen to them and walk alongside them in their faith.

My philosophy of ministry especially in outreach is focused on the value of being part of a multicultural church that empowers young people to become agents of change wherever God places them.

I truly believe that many young people are deceived by the enemy into thinking they’re just “passing through” their youth that they must wait until adulthood to finally become someone of significance. But I am convinced that God has placed us parents, pastors, and ministers as their spiritual guides to help them understand that now is the right time. They matter right now. Their lives are meaningful today, and God is ready to use them if they choose to say “Yes.”

Because I’m bilingual, I feel a strong call to serve both English and Spanish speaking students. My desire is to help build a strong and unified body of students who are ready to reach the world with the love and truth of Jesus Christ.

During my time in this ministry, I want to help students discover their true identity in Christ, to empower them to become friends of God through a real relationship with Him, with their parents, and through acts of service and help. This is what glorifies Jesus, and I believe it’s the path to a truly successful life.

My goal as a Christian Student Minister is to support you, the parents, in the spiritual growth of your children. Thank you for trusting me with your child’s spiritual journey. I am excited to walk alongside them and you as we pursue God’s purpose together.

With joy and commitment,
Ester Nieto

AWANA CLUBS

Every week on Wednesday.

AWANA Clubs: Fun, Scripture-filled Wednesdays for kids to know, love, and serve Christ! Ages 3–5, K–2, and 3–5. ✨📖

POWER KIDZ: Family Service Friday

Power Kidz families are invited to serve our community together, enjoy dinner, then help pack Power Packs for local students in need. A fun and meaningful night for the whole family! 💛🤝

EASTER

Join us for a joyful season of worship, family fun, and community events! Be aware of all the activities coming up for Easter.

POWER KIDZ CAMP

Free Summer Fun for Kids! ☀️
Enroll your child in Kamp for memories, laughter, and awesome summer adventures they’ll never forget! 🎉

ESCAPE ROOM – NEXTGEN

Students grades 6–12 are invited to an exciting escape room adventure, a fun, interactive experience that builds friendships, teamwork, and great memories. Bring a friend and don’t miss out! 🧩✨

POWER KIDZ: Family Service Friday

Power Kidz families are invited to serve our community together, enjoy dinner, then help pack Power Packs for local students in need. A fun and meaningful night for the whole family! 💛🤝

POWER KIDZ EASTER PERFORMANCE - April 05

Every week on Sunday

Easter Choir Calling Kids! 🎶
Ages 5–Grade 5 are invited to sing and perform at our Easter services on April 5. Practices during Power Kidz worship hour—come celebrate Jesus with music and fun! ✨🎤