Building a strong foundation in basic Christian truths while nurturing a faith that is personally meaningful, relevant to everyday life, and strengthened by genuine friends and wise, gentle mentors.

Who We Are

The Mustard Seeds is a Christ-centered youth community helping young people grow a strong, lived faith from small beginnings via supportive family, peers, siblings, churches, and community leaders.

Inspired by Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed, we believe that small acts of curiosity, questioning, patience,  courage, wholesome humor, and thankfulness, with short prayers & brief conversations about life from a Christian perspective with peers & quality mentors help children grow a deeply rooted, resilient faith life. We provide a safe, joyful, and supervised, patient environment where youth are known, respected, and encouraged to grow at their own pace.

Attending any of our events is FREE, though we request free-will donations at times to help cover the cost of supplies. Our suggested donation reflects that cost. We are happy to serve those who financially need assistance so ALL youth & families can fully participate.

Our Mission, Vision & Purpose

Mission
To nurture life-long, Christ-centered faith, character, and joyful service in youth through a safe, respectful, and supportive Christian community.

Vision
Youth growing into compassionate, confident, challenged, but authentic followers of Christ—rooted in God’s love, personally connected to Jesus, knowledgeable of His Teachings, and prepared to serve and lead others with humility and courage.

Why We Exist
Faith formation doesn’t happen by accident. In a world full of noise and pressure, young people need a place that is:

• Safe, non-coercive, with a real life focus, not the pressure of unrealistic perfection

• Rooted in Scripture and Christ’s example

• Relational, joyful, and hope-filled, competitive only in fun

By offering an additional/supplemental faith formation space, a fun "lab/practice" time with peers so students can learn, develop, and live out the teachings of Christ, the Mustard Seeds offers an essential ministry and has a unique approach in our area. We hope you will give us a Mustard Try and join us...one time, many times, all the time. Any time is great, but the more you come, we think the the better you will feel. What we offer is an intentionally relational, intergenerational, and a rooted-in-a-lived-out faith, fun and meaningful culture.

Who Is Part of The Mustard Seeds Community

The Mustard Seeds is a whole-community made up of:

• Mustard Seed Participants
  Interested Students in Grades 3–8 who may want to learn who Jesus was, is, what His basic Teachings are about, how they apply to their life now and their future, how faith becomes real. and how to best connect with Him and learn more. 

  • Registering to be a Mustard Seed? Click here.

  • Wanting to RSVP(sometimes required) for a particular gathering? Click here.

• Mustard Seed Young Adult Volunteers (Grades 9–12, up to age 17, vetted and trained) 

Young Adult Assistant Leaders-High School or Homeschooled students of this age who assist during gatherings by giving small groups of 3rd-8th participants more individualized quality time while modeling respectful, trustworthy, light-hearted, sensitive, attentive behavior & fun. They model what it means to listen, follow directions, and be prepared.   

Young Adult Mentors-youth assistant leaders who are 24-7 intentional role models who work through their own struggles & doubts, are part of an advisory council & are given more training and have a more consistent role. 

• Mustard Seed Adult Volunteers (18+)-vetted & trained college students, parents/guardians, church volunteers, and community members

Adult Assistant Leaders assist the main leader with supervision & observation of participants and 9th-12th grade young adult volunteers and support the 9th-12th grade leaders. They model targeted behavior, guide towards the stated aim, help clarify directions, and provide needed security and confidence boosting. They are another adult set of eyes and ears, and a contact that also provides VIRTUS security for the main leader.

Adult Mentors-Adult Assistant Leaders that are more involved and further trained to provide faith counsel to participants & fellow volunteers & are given more training and have a more consistent role.                                            

Adult Helpers-Adults willing to do one-time tasks, such as pick up pizza one night, provide a donation or scholarship, do a one-time supplies run, and provide occasional support to more involved or continual administrative, financial, advisory, and advertising support. 

Interested in volunteering? Click here.

• Parents/Guardians/Caregivers of Mustard Seeds--Supportive, open partners, and the students' primary source for faith formation.

• Supportive Church and Financial Partners-contact the lead volunteer

Our 3 Different Types of Gatherings

(Wednesday) Mustard Community Nights 

Typically, once per month, once the group is established

• Games, Snacks & Drinks  It's helpful to BYO water bottle

• Conversations about the basic foundations of Christianity & Jesus' teachings w/discussions about their applications to life & how it becomes real

• Opportunities for brief prayer and individual quiet reflection times 

• Belonging-building a faith-based community of peers  & Faith Growth
  
  

Special Events & Outreach

Held on weekends, school breaks, summer days, or off-school times

• Faith-focused fun, outreach events, service projects, field trips

• Maybe in the future:  mission trips and youth trips

• Sometimes special events include celebrations for the whole family and times to learn more about what being a Mustard Seed is all about
  
  

Online-Real Life Combo Activities--check-ins, online group games, scavenger hunts, etc.

No Pressure Invitations to Join individual Churches' public events and times for worship & prayer, etc., with parent permission

Interested in Becoming a Mustard Seed?--Process

For Grades 3–8 Participants

Registration is required so all youth can participate fully and safely. If parents/guardians or students with an adult want to check out the Mustard Seeds to see if it is a good fit, that can be arranged by contacting the volunteer lead or attending a Kick-Off event with their children. Registration before solo participation allows the Mustard Seeds to communicate well and keep everyone on the same page. 

Registration includes:

• Expectations for youth and their parents/guardians, protocols, and acknowledgement of understanding

• The Cell Contact of the Lead Volunteer, general waivers, safety & agreement forms

• A Sign-up/RSVP step for specific Mustard Seed gatherings

• The code for a Mustard Seeds-Only group texting system through FlockNote, a church-approved company, to receive occasional text reminders and key pieces of information. 

Mustard Seed Donor Notices

In this space, we will let you know of any needed supplies it would be helpful if someone contributed. We may also post here any needs for scholarships or event financing. We are currently not a 501-c-3, but may I remind you that if you are a company and do give a donation, according to the IRS, you should take off your business taxes only the part that you receive nothing in exchange for, including your name associated with it, which can be construed as advertising, but do consult your CPA to be sure.

Safety, Communication & Care*

We are committed to:

• Clear drop-off and pick-up procedures
  
  

• Diocese-aligned safety protocols
  
  

• Two-adult rule and appropriate boundaries
  
  

• Open communication for concerns, questions, or positive feedback

Supporting Your Mustard Seed at Home*

We believe faith grows best when home and the community work together. As we discover helpful resources for families, we will link them here.

• Parent resources

• Conversation starters

• Faith practices for everyday life

• Other Family & Faith Supports