Middle School

We exist as a student ministry to partner with families in the proper discipleship of their students who will, in turn, make disciples wherever God may lead them.

 

FIRST TIME GUESTS

We love to have new guests come hang out with Glade Students!  On Sundays and Wednesdays, our middle school gatherings are hosted in The District (down the hallway at the opposite end from the Worship Center).  We'll make introductions and connections to other students and to leaders in Middle School ministry.  Come join in the fun and get ready to study the Word of God!

If you would like to plan a visit with us on either a Sunday or a Wednesday, please email David Watkins and we would love to ensure that your student has the best experience possible.

email David Watkins

MEET DAVID WATKINS

David Watkins is the Middle School Director at The Glade Church.  He has been on staff since February 2022, but has been a member at The Glade since 2009.  He has worked with students for over 20 years and loves middle schoolers and builds relationships with them through activities on campus and by going to their "turf" and seeing them do the things they enjoy.  David is also always ready to share about the good news of Jesus Christ.

David has the pleasure of leading an amazing group of Middle School Leaders.  Coming from diverse backgrounds and experiences, each leader brings a unique perspective to the team. Some are parents of students in the ministry, while others are mentors with a passion for walking alongside young people as they grow in their faith. What unites all our leaders is their deep commitment to building strong, Christ-centered relationships with students. They serve as role models, guides, and trusted friends who are always ready to listen, pray, and encourage. Whether leading a small group discussion or worshipping together, these leaders create an environment where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to live out their faith. Their dedication extends beyond Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Our leaders consistently invest their time and energy into making sure students not only connect with God but also with each other. 

SUNDAY MORNINGS

Sunday mornings are one of our primary gathering times where we meet from 9:15-10:30 AM. Our meetings take place in The District, where we begin with a group rally and announcements that pertain to Middle School Ministry. From there, students divide into grade-level small groups of boys and girls. This is a time for students to develop deep and meaningful relationships with their peers and leaders, share what is going on in each other’s lives. It’s also an opportunity for leaders to invest in students and for everyone to dive into scripture together and spend time in prayer. All of this is done in hopes of engaging your student in a healthy, safe, and thought-provoking environment where they can deepen thier faith.

We study the Bible using a curriculum called "The Gospel Project."  A Christ-centered, chronological Bible study that takes our students on a three year journey through the storyline of Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation to see how Christ connects with all of Scripture. Along the way, students will discover the big picture of what God has been doing throughout redemptive history, and what it means for them.

 

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS

At 6:30 PM every Wednesday night during the school year, we host an on-campus worship service for Middle School students that’s designed to help them connect, grow, and have fun. The evening kicks off with hang-out time from 5:30–6:30 PM, giving students a chance to relax, make friends, and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. At 6:30 PM, students enter The District for a worship service geared specifically toward them, featuring engaging music, relevant preaching, and opportunities to connect with God and others. The service wraps up at 7:30 PM, and many times we've got some fun planned afterwards too! Whether your student is familiar with church or just checking things out for the first time, we’d love to have them join us for this exciting evening!

FATHER-SON DISCIPLESHIP

These groups exist to glorify God through discipleship of our sons by modeling discipleship of our own.  Fathers and mentors will do life together, grow together, and disciple their sons.

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LEADERS

Leader Application Form
 
Family Ministry Safety Manual
 

 

APRIL LEADER MATERIAL

 

Midweek at The Glade

Midweek at The Glade

Wednesday nights are for going deeper. Whether you're just starting to explore your faith or you've been walking with Jesus for years, there's a place for you here.

Adults can choose from a variety of courses designed to spark meaningful conversations and dig into Scripture together. Students gather for worship and community in a space made just for them. And preschool and kids? They've got their own worship and learning experience too.

Whatever your age or stage, there's something for everyone on Wednesday nights. Come as you are and leave more rooted in the Word and connected to your people.

Adult Classes

Grow deeper in Scripture, community, and faith. There's a place here for where you are right now.

Systematic Theology

Eddie Ross & Johnny Rivera

Explore the core doctrines of the Christian faith through Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology, tracing what Scripture teaches about God, salvation, the church, and the Christian life. This class helps connect biblical truth to everyday faith so you can understand what you believe and why it matters.

Biblical Doctrine

Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands

Erica Pearson

Discover how God uses ordinary people as instruments of His grace in the lives of others through Paul Tripp's Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands. This class explores practical, biblical ways to love, encourage, and speak truth into one another's lives as part of everyday discipleship.

Discipleship

Friends & Sisters

Ramona Moore

Build meaningful, Christ-centered friendships through the Friends and Sisters Bible study from Lifeway Women. Together we'll explore what Scripture teaches about loving, honoring, supporting, and investing in one another as women growing in the family of faith.

Women's Study

Journey to Freedom

Kerri Tracy-Safaian

Walk through the biblical path toward healing and freedom in Christ through Journey to Freedom by Scott Reall. This class helps participants identify areas of spiritual strongholds and learn practical steps toward repentance, renewal, and lasting freedom.

Healing & Renewal

Mom Life

Joy Mercer

Build meaningful friendships and grow in your faith alongside other moms through MomLife, a gospel-centered gathering designed for moms in every stage of motherhood. Through teaching, conversation, and community, this class encourages moms to support one another and pursue Christ together in the everyday joys and challenges of family life.

Moms

GriefShare

Wendy McGee & Lynell O'Reel

Find comfort, understanding, and hope alongside others who are navigating loss through GriefShare. This Christ-centered support group provides biblical guidance and practical tools to help you process grief and move forward with hope.

Support & Care

Spanish as a Second Language

Esteban Brown

Learn conversational Spanish in a relaxed, community-focused setting. Whether you're brand new to the language or brushing up on the basics, this class is a great way to grow a practical skill while building relationships across the cultures represented in our church family.

Language & Culture

Students

High School — Hangout begins at 6:00 PM. Programming begins at 6:30 PM in the Student Life Center.

Middle School — Hangout begins at 6:00 PM. Programming begins at 6:30 PM in The District (Middle School Room).

Children

Children's programming begins at 6:30 PM in the Children's Wing. Check-in opens at 6:15 PM.