Youth Ministry

Youth ministry is more than fun trips. It's about the relationships built while being together. It's the transformed lives through the good news of Jesus. Youth ministry is vital because most decisions for Christ are made earlier in a person's life rather than later. We develop much of our identity in our teenage years, and we strive to make that identity rest in Christ.

We hope that you will join us as we strive to get closer to one another and Christ!

For more information, you can call Hunter Johnson at (662)402-2854 or email him at johnsonh@columbuscoc.com

Upcoming Events

WINTERFEST

February 13 - 15, 2026

Gatlinburg, TN

Youth Group

JUST FOR PARENTS

Everything you need to know about your child's involvement in our Youth Ministry

You still hold the most influential role in your child's life. The youth ministry wants to come alongside you to assist in that God-given role. We seek to do this by providing biblical teaching and faithful community.

We not only cover whole books of the Bible, but we talk about life topics on Wednesday nights to help you and students navigate life from a biblical perspective. A weekly email is provided with helpful discussion questions that you can have with your teen on these topics.

Our leaders also help to foster a faithful community for your teen. They spend time with your teens inside and outside of the classroom and have your back. Studies show that teens have resilient faith when multiple adults live out their faith with them. That's why we value and work with other adults in the church.

Resources for Parents

Check out these handy tips and share them with your family and friends!

Talking to Your Teen About Dating

Here’s a great discussion format and agreement form - provided by Orange - to help you talk about an important part of your child’s life

What to Say During a Tragedy

A Guide to Talking Your Child Through Life's Hardest Moments

Family Matters

Hear some incredible advice from Andy Stanley’s podcast, Family Matters, that will change the climate in both your home and workplace

Fast Web

Find Scholarships for College and Trade School for Your Child

Plugged In

Check out the content of the movies you’re thinking about seeing.

Common Sense Media

Check out the content of the video games and any other entertainment you may be considering.

Meet the Team!

Hunter has been the youth minister since 2019. He is a native of Columbus and grew up at the Columbus Church of Christ. He graduated from MSU with a degree in business but later felt that God was leading him into ministry. He later received his master's from Liberty University in Global Studies. He and his wife Anna Gaines have been together since they were juniors in high school and have two children.

The youth ministry is also blessed to have volunteers who contribute weekly to class and the youth ministry. James Couch, Gail and Wade Ward have dedicated their time year after year to the teenagers of our church. We also have Anna Gaines Johnson, Elesa Kilpatrick, Amy Crownover, and Julie Moore, who work specifically with girls ministry.

Vision for the youth ministry

Love. Welcome. Include. Hear. Give.

That all students are loved, welcomed, and included so that they can hear the message of Jesus and give their life to him evidenced by baptism and the development of spiritual disciplines.