Northwest Chapel's ministry for 7th through 12th graders that meets on Sundays at 9:30AM, Wednesdays at 8PM, and various events throughout the year.
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We desire for students to be "Anchored in Christ", by intentionally incorporating our "5 Ships" into the ministry: Worship, Fellowship, Stewardship, Discipleship, and Ambassadorship.
May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, being rooted and established in love" - Ephesians 3:17
Sunday Mornings
9:30 to 10:30AM
We meet upstairs during the 9:30AM service, starting with announcements, followed by an activity and a (verse-by-verse or topical) lesson.​
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We encourage students to attend the main service during the 11AM service with their families (though many of our students like to sit up front together)!
Wednesday Nights
6:30 to 8PM
We gather each Wednesday night to fellowship together and spend intentional time in the Word and in prayer.
The first Wednesday of the month is "Hang Time", which involves pizza, a large group game/activity, and a leader or student testimony. This is a great opportunity for the students to invite their friends or classmates!
The third Wednesday of each month is "Family Dinner", where dinner is provided and the group spends time in extended prayer.​
Upcoming Events
Throughout the year, we have volunteer opportunities, missions trips, retreats, and a lot of fun events for the students in between. Click here to view this year's event calendar!
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Additional Opportunities
Student Leadership Team: An opportunity for sophomores, juniors, and seniors to grow in their faith and practice servant leadership
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Student-Led Bible Studies: At 6PM before youth group on Wednesdays, several of our older students lead separate girls' and boys' bible studies
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Student-Led Prayer: Students can meet at 9AM before Sunday school for a devoted time of prayer over the youth group and other prayer items
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1:1 Discipleship: Many of our students are either discipled by older students, leaders, or other adult members of the church.
Our Leaders
John Pappas
Youth Pastor - Serving since 2016
"I’ve been in full time youth ministry for over 15 years. My passions are God, my family, and competing in just about anything. I love youth ministry, because I’ve seen how Jesus transforms students lives through His Word and I am passionate about investing in the next generation"
Stefanie Pappas
Serving since 2016
"I have always loved working with youth! They are so fun, passionate, and I love seeing their growth. The teenage years are so pivotal and can lay the foundation for the rest of their lives. I love getting to be a part of helping point them to Jesus as they tackle huge issues, make life decisions, and grow in their faith."
Jack Culley
Serving since 2024
"When I was in middle school and high school, I always desired someone in the church in the next stage of life to guide me and give me advice. I did not find that in those life stages, but I did in college. To me having that was such a blessing and greatly assisted my spiritual growth. I serve in the youth group to be that for the students. It’s incredibly rewarding seeing the students grow from year to year and being able to be a part of that"
Annie Stimmel
Serving since 2022
"I serve in the youth group, because I care about the future generations and desire to see them grow up to become Godly men and women. I love being able to make connections with the students and point them to Christ in their every day lives. The Bible tells us to go and make disciples of all nations, and working with youth is an avenue I feel that the Lord has gifted me in to carry out the Great Commission!"
Connor Keirsey
Serving since 2020
"I realized my need for Jesus in high school in large part due to the ministry here at Anchor Student Ministries. It is my passion to reach the next generation to show them the same love and leadership that led to the growth in my walk with Christ"
Isaac Mishne
Serving since 2015
"I love helping with the youth because I remember how much my youth leaders helped me grow when I was that age. I also believe this is such a crucial age for kids to really be grounded in their faith before they leave for college or whatever path they take after high school. There is no better way to help them than come along side them and shine the light of Christ into their lives."
Julia Dafforn
Serving since 2020
"Working with students has been one of my greatest passions, as it combines both the fun and silliness of youth group life with the privilege of walking alongside them in their spiritual growth over time. This ministry so special to me because of its unique blend of camaraderie and authenticity. This type of vulnerability and connection opens the door for God to do incredible things. Serving in this way has truly been one of the greatest blessings, and I’m excited to see how the Lord moves in and through this ministry in the years to come."
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Noah Carpenter
Serving since 2020
"I serve with the youth group because I love the energy and excitement the students bring. It’s a joy to use my spiritual gifts to disciple them and help guide the next generation in following Christ."
Dave Scott
Serving since 2022
"I was really impressed with what I saw in the group when they shared up front in the church. With 40 years of experience teaching high school (35 of those teaching physics and AP Physics), a couple decades of teaching science apologetics in churches and Bible studies, and 46 years of trying to live out my Christianity, I hoped I might have something to offer in youth group. In the past three years, I’m sure I have received more from the group than I’ve given"
Marlissa Stauffer
Serving Since 2016
"I serve because Michael suggested it, but I got a call from God to work with youth and college students when I was in college. I did that as a high school teacher and now as a college professor. In addition, I was tremendously impacted by my youth pastor and my youth group. Many of us are still friends today."
Mary Lake
Serving since 2025
"I serve because as I have grown closer to the Lord, I felt Him call me to help lead those younger than me closer to Him!"
Michael Stauffer
Serving since 2016
"I started because I wanted to support our new (at the time) youth pastor, especially since our daughter was going to be moving into the youth group in a few years. I wanted her to be in a healthy, thriving ministry. I’ve stayed because it’s encouraging to be around so many young people that are serious about their faith and because they represent the future of the church."
Sophie Keirsey
Serving since 2021
"I used to be a student in Anchor Student Ministries and am so blessed to have the opportunity to pour back into the ministry that helped shape me. I aim to be someone the students can lean on by providing a listening ear, openly sharing encouragement as well as lessons learned from my mistakes, and living out my faith as a young professional and wife."
Tracy Barker
Serving since 2014
"I was asked by a friend about 11 or 12 years ago if I wanted to be a leader in the youth group. Since I have no kids of my own, I wasn't sure, so I prayed about it. I felt the Lord telling me to get involved. I don't make it on a lot of the trips, but I make an effort to be there consistently on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. Getting to know the kids and seeing them grow in their relationship with the Lord is what makes it so enjoyable."
Check us out on Instagram!
@nwcyouth
