Xtreme Camp
A summer experience filled with activities, time with friends, worship, and Bible teaching designed to help students grow in their relationship with Jesus.
Ministries · First McKinney Church, Texas
First McKinney Students | Middle & High School Ministry
Helping students take their FIRST or NEXT steps toward JESUS.
Students at a Glance
First McKinney Students is the Student Ministry of First McKinney for students in grades 6–12, helping them take their first or next steps toward Jesus. Students connect through Sunday groups, Wednesday nights with worship and Bible teaching, grade-based small groups, and opportunities throughout the year including camps, DNOW, serving, and other events.
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Middle School
Sundays at 9:15 AM
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High School
Sundays at 10:45 AM
Sundays: Worship, the Bible & Your People
New here? Start in the Student Building, where our team will help you know where to go and connect you with other students. Sundays begin together with worship and Bible teaching before students gather in grade-based small groups to build relationships, ask questions, and talk about how God’s Word applies to their lives.
Middle school students meet at 9:15 AM, and high school students meet at 10:45 AM. Students attend worship with the whole church during the other hour. For families looking for a youth group in McKinney, this Sunday rhythm gives students a place to grow with their peers while also worshipping and participating as part of the larger church family.
Wednesdays in the Student Building
Wednesdays give students time to hang out, build friendships, and grow in their faith. The Student Building is open from 6:00–9:00 PM, with space to play basketball and other games or just spend time together before and after the main gatherings.
Middle School meets from 6:15–7:15 PM, and High School meets from 7:30–8:30 PM. Each gathering includes student-led worship, Bible teaching, and plenty of fun along the way. Come for the gathering, stay to hang out, and bring a friend with you.
A Space for Students
The Student Building, opened in September 2025, gives middle and high school students a place of their own at First McKinney. Designed for worship, Bible teaching, small groups, activities, and time together, the building creates space for students to build relationships and take their first or next steps toward Jesus.
For families looking for a youth ministry in McKinney, the Student Building is home to Sunday groups, Wednesday nights, and special events throughout the year, giving students a place to gather, grow, serve, and invite their friends.
Big Moments Throughout the Year
Weekly gatherings are the foundation, but throughout the year, students have additional opportunities to grow in their faith, build relationships, serve others, and take their next steps toward Jesus.
DNOW
A discipleship weekend centered on Bible teaching, small groups, worship, and meaningful time together.
Backyard Bible Clubs
Students in grades 6–12 have opportunities to serve and lead as they help kids across McKinney learn about Jesus through Bible teaching, crafts, games, and music.
Mission Trips
High school students can take their faith beyond McKinney through opportunities to serve others and share the good news of Jesus.
Vocational Ministry Weekend
High school students who are exploring a call to vocational ministry have an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and consider how God may be leading them.
For Parents: What You Can Count On
We believe parents play a vital role in their student’s discipleship, and Student Ministry comes alongside families as students grow in their relationship with Jesus. Through Sunday groups, Wednesday nights, and events throughout the year, students have consistent opportunities to build relationships with leaders and peers, study the Bible, and take their first or next steps toward Jesus.
First McKinney Students is led by Student Minister Hayden Gilliam, alongside associate ministers and volunteers who complete background checks and ministry training before serving with students. Parents and students can also sign up for text updates to stay informed about upcoming gatherings, events, registration, and other important information.
As a youth ministry serving middle and high school students, we want parents to know what is happening, who is investing in their students, and how we can come alongside their family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Student Ministry
Students and parents ask us these
First McKinney Students is the Student Ministry of First McKinney for students in grades 6–12, helping them take their first or next steps toward Jesus. Students connect through Sunday groups, Wednesday nights in the Student Building, camps, DNOW, serving opportunities, and other events throughout the year.
Middle School students meet at 9:15 AM, and High School students meet at 10:45 AM for large-group worship and Bible teaching followed by grade-based small groups. Students attend worship with the whole church during the other hour, giving them time each Sunday to connect with other students and participate in the larger church family.
The Student Building is open from 6:00–9:00 PM on Wednesdays, giving students time before and after their gathering to play basketball and games, spend time with friends, and hang out. Middle School meets from 6:15–7:15 PM, and High School meets from 7:30–8:30 PM. Each gathering includes student-led worship, Bible teaching, and time to have fun and build relationships.
Absolutely. Students are encouraged to invite friends to Sundays, Wednesday nights, and special events throughout the year. If a friend is new, our Student Ministry team will help them know where to go and connect with other students. If you’re looking for a youth group where students can grow in their faith and bring friends along, there’s a place for both at First McKinney Students.
Xtreme Camp is a summer camp for students filled with activities like rock climbing, a lakeside waterpark, games, and late-night fun, along with worship and Bible teaching. It gives students dedicated time away from their normal routines to build friendships, grow in their relationship with Jesus, and have a lot of fun together.
DNOW (Disciple Now) is a weekend designed to help students grow in their relationship with Jesus through worship, Bible teaching, small groups, and meaningful time together. DNOW 2026 is Nov. 19–22, giving middle and high school students an opportunity to step away from their normal routines and focus on their faith and relationships with one another.
Yes. Students in grades 6–12 have opportunities to serve locally, including helping lead Backyard Bible Clubs across McKinney, where they help kids learn about Jesus through Bible teaching, games, crafts, and music. Middle and High school students also have opportunities to participate in mission trips, serving others and sharing the good news of Jesus beyond McKinney.
Parents can sign up for First McKinney Students text updates for timely information about schedules, upcoming events, registration, and other important Student Ministry news. Parents can also subscribe to the monthly Student Ministry newsletter for a look at the month ahead, making it easier to plan for upcoming gatherings, events, and opportunities. Have a question or need more information? Contact the Student Ministry Team. We want to keep parents informed and come alongside families as students grow in their relationship with Jesus.
Student Minister Hayden Gilliam leads First McKinney Students alongside associate ministers who serve different age groups and a team of volunteer leaders who complete background checks and ministry training before serving with students. Together, they invest in students and help them build relationships as they grow in their faith.
That’s OK. Your student can start with a Sunday group or Wednesday night, whichever feels most comfortable. When you arrive at the Student Building, let one of our Student Ministry leaders know it’s your first time. We’ll help your student know where to go, introduce them to other students, and make getting started a little easier. Bringing a friend is always welcome, too.
Your First or Next Step
Students: Come this Wednesday, bring a friend, and see what First McKinney Students is all about. The Student Building opens at 6:00 PM, so there’s time to hang out before the gatherings begin. Come for student-led worship, Bible teaching, fun, and a place where your questions are welcome and relationships can grow.
Parents: Sign up for Student Ministry text updates and the monthly newsletter to stay connected and plan ahead. If you have questions before your student comes, Contact the Student Ministry Team. We’re glad to help you know what to expect.
Wherever you are in your faith, there’s a place to begin. First McKinney Students is here to help students take their first or next steps toward Jesus.
