Youth are an essential part of our church community and the life of Vineyard. Our goal is to create a space where middle and high school students can encounter God, build lasting friendships, and discover what it means to follow Christ in their everyday lives.

Vineyard’s Approach to Youth Ministry
At Youth Group, we believe that faith is meant to be real, relational, and rooted in love. Through games, discussions, worship, and shared experiences, teens are encouraged to explore their faith, ask questions, and grow in their relationship with God and others. Our hope is that every student who walks through the door feels seen, valued, and invited into a community where they can be themselves while learning more about who God created them to be.

Who Youth Group is For
All students in grades 6-12 are welcome to join Vineyard’s youth group. We have one group for all 6th-12th graders, not separated by age or gender. For younger students, check out the Ark children’s ministry.

When is Youth Group?
Vineyard’s youth group takes place on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month.

On the 1st and 3rd Sundays, youth stay in the main service. On 5th Sundays, youth join the rest of our church family for a meal together (Feasty Fifth) in place of our regular service.

What to Expect
Youth group runs on the 2nd and 4th Sundays during the first half of our service (approximately 10:30-11:15). When arriving at Vineyard, youth can go straight to youth group (no parent sign-in required). The youth room is located down the left-hand hallway, just past the nursery. Volunteers and signage are available in the lobby to help you find the youth room.

The youth group gathering includes a mix of fun activities, meaningful conversation, and Bible-based teaching designed to help youth apply God’s truth to their lives.

Once the sermon is finished, youth leaders will escort youth into the auditorium to join the rest of the church family for communion and worship.

What to Bring
Youth don’t need to bring anything to the Ark except themselves! A Bible or Bible app on your phone may be helpful, but is not necessary.

Youth in the Service
If they’d prefer, teens are welcome to stay in the auditorium throughout the service rather than going to youth group. 

Safety & Security
Charlottesville Vineyard Church seeks to provide a safe and healthy environment in which young people can learn about and experience God's love. Our Child and Youth Safety Policy outlines the steps we take to protect the children and youth entrusted to our care. These include:

• All volunteers working with youth must pass a background check. Volunteers must also complete an application detailing their past experience working with youth, explaining why they want to work with youth, and disclosing any past neglectful, abusive, or violent behavior. All volunteers are vetted and approved by the Youth Leaders before being allowed to serve.

• In general, two background-checked adults are present in each classroom. In instances where this is not possible, classroom doors are left open and a volunteer will circulate outside the classroom area or be within easy reach. Under no circumstances will an adult be alone in a closed room with a person under age 18.

• If you have questions about youth safety and security at Vineyard, please contact our Youth Leaders, Clifton & Elise Wise.

Service Opportunities
Youth are welcome and encouraged to serve the church in ways that are life-giving to them and others. Many young people choose to volunteer at Vineyard in the Ark (children’s ministry), on the sound team, or in other roles, especially on the 1st and 3rd Sundays when youth group is not offered.

Join Us!
Whether you’ve grown up in church or are just beginning to explore faith, you’re welcome here. Come hang out, have fun, and experience the joy of growing in Christ together!