SBC Life

Youth groups are more than just weekly gatherings. For many students they’re a place to grow, make friends, and even leave an impact on the community. At C.E. Byrd, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) has become exactly that: a group where students find connection and purpose. But it raises a bigger question. Are youth groups mostly about personal faith or do they create a ripple effect that reaches far beyond school walls?

Mrs. Cox, the sponsor of FCA at Byrd, is confident the impact goes well beyond the classroom. “For our homecoming float last year, we didn’t just throw out candy,” she said. “We put stickers on them with a QR code that could lead people to learning about Jesus. Same with water bottles during testing and buttons for sports teams. We are planting ‘seeds’ everywhere we can, knowing the Holy Spirit will grow where fertile.” What might seem like a small gesture, she explained, can actually touch a lot of people.

But the changes aren’t just outward. Youth groups also shape students on a personal level. Mrs. Cox has seen it over and over again. “I’ve watched people go from not believing, questioning who they are, to becoming a believer and then just thriving and flourishing.” For many students, the youth group has become a safe space. A place to ask questions, step into leadership roles, and build confidence in ways regular school activities sometimes don’t always offer.

Students themselves notice the differences and affects that youth group is having on them. Senior at Byrd, Hannah Winklepleck shared, “Having people who are there to build you up in all areas and having a prebuilt community when I first came to Byrd gave me a sense of belonging.” Mary Allen, the past president of FCA, agreed. “Being in a youth group gave me an amazing Christ-centered group of friends I have been able to learn and grow with, and I have met mentors who have taught me how to be a better Christ follower and in turn, a better me.” For both, the youth group wasn’t just about faith it was about friendships, encouragement, and becoming the best version of themselves.

The effects reach beyond the school of Byrd as well. Jesse Shadburn, the youth pastor at First Methodist, has shown us research that supports this idea. Shadburn explained a study called The Power of 4, which found that teens who read the Bible at least four times a week reported major drops in harmful behaviors, like excessive drinking, gambling, and anger issues. They also felt less lonely and more forgiving, Shadburn stated, “It’s not just about avoiding the bad stuff, It’s about building a proactive faith, sharing your beliefs, serving others, and becoming more confident in who you are.”

Youth groups also make a difference through our community. Whether it’s volunteering at shelters, tutoring younger kids, or organizing donation drives, these group’s activities give students hands-on opportunities to give back to the people around them. Along the way, students will meet people outside of their usual circles and see the value of serving others and their communities. Research even shows that teens who volunteer are more likely to keep doing into adulthood, meaning the impact lasts long after just high school.

At the end of the day youth groups offer something a lot of us who are unsure about ourselves are looking for, a place of belonging. Whether it’s through Bible study, volunteering, or just hanging out with friends, groups like FCA give students support, encouragement, and a sense of community. Not everyone will connect with a youth group, and that’s okay but for many at Byrd, FCA has become more than just a meeting, it's a place to grow in faith, build friendships, and discover who they want to be.