YOUTH MINISTRY

Our  Mission

Building foundations for lifelong discipleship through bible studies, missions, and fun.

We are rooted by the scripture, Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Our goal is for students to grow in authentic faith, build meaningful relationships, and to learn how much God loves them.

Sunday Mornings

9:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.

Students are encouraged to attend worship, and we offer a gathering time at 9:30 a.m. in Room 204 and 11 a.m. in the Youth Center. Middle and High School students gather with leaders for fellowship and Bible-based lessons. 

Sunday Nights

5:30–7:15 p.m.

Join us on Sunday nights from 5:30–7:15 p.m. in the Family Life Center and Youth Center. Doors open at 5 p.m. Students share dinner, worship, teaching, and small groups designed to help them grow in faith and community. Dinner is $5 and friends are always welcome.

Bring a Bible or we can provide one if needed.
Sunday Night Snapshot
  • 5:30 p.m. – dinner 
  • worship 
  • lessons 
  • small groups (based on age)

Wednesday Night Bible Study

Get Connected. Go Deeper.

Youth in 6th grade and up are invited to join us on Wednesday nights.
Bible Studies take place from 7–8 p.m. in the Youth Center, with doors open from 6–8:30 p.m. Each week, we dive into a book of the Bible, exploring it
chapter by chapter over several weeks.

Come early from 6–7 p.m. to play a game of 9 Square or hang out and 
connect before Bible Study begins!

Core Values

Discipleship is our foundation. 

We design every gathering with the goal of helping students grow in their faith. 

Relationships matter. 

Intergenerational community shapes faith. Students learn and grow best when surrounded by caring adults and peers. 

A home away from home. 

We create a welcoming space where students can be themselves and find belonging, authenticity, and support. 

Every student has God-given purpose. 

We encourage confidence, identity, and calling helping students become the disciples God created them to be. 

Challenge helps us grow. 

We stretch students in safe, meaningful ways, helping them build resilience, perspective, and a faith that lasts. 

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Ministry & Programs

Retreats
Each year, we offer age-specific retreats designed to help students grow in faith and community: 
  • Fall Retreat: Grades 6–12 
  • February High School Retreat: Grades 9–12 
  • Spring Middle School Retreat: Grades 6–8 
Mission Trips
Our mission opportunities help students put their faith into action. Students in grades 7–12 can join our domestic mission teams each summer in June and July, and students ages 16+ can serve internationally on our annual mission trip.

In August, Rising 6th graders are welcomed into our SERVE mission—a fun, foundational introduction to missions, retreats, and the rhythms of Youth Ministry. SERVE encourages fellowship and nurtures a heart for service. 
Confirmation
Confirmation is a time for youth to prepare and reflect on faith basics. It’s a special journey toward a personal relationship with God, Christ, and Methodist beliefs to be able to make a proclamation of what students believe. Classes begin in February for 6th–12th graders with a Confirmation Service on Palm Sunday.

 
Confirmation is a time for students to learn and reflect on the foundations of the Christian faith. It’s a meaningful journey that helps them grow in their relationship with God and understand Methodist beliefs as they prepare to make a personal profession of faith.

Click here to learn more.

Location

Weddington Youth Ministry occurs in our Youth Center, located within the Family Life Center on the Weddington Campus – Building D.  

Safety & Security

Your student’s safety is our highest priority. We ensure a secure, caring environment through background checked and trained volunteers who are dedicated to helping your child intentionally grow in their faith.

Meet the Youth Ministry Team. 

Bradd Blocker

Youth Minister
Bradd and his family have been active members of Weddington Methodist Church for over 19 years. He has a strong passion for leading, teaching, and mentoring youth and young adults, and he believes Youth Ministry is a meaningful way to invest in the next generation. Bradd is dedicated to helping middle and high school students grow in their faith and develop a personal relationship with Jesus.

In his free time, Bradd enjoys playing golf, working outdoors, and supporting youth at their middle and high school events.

Joanna McCall

Associate Youth Minister
Joanna and her husband, Dan, joined Weddington Methodist Church in 2007 and have been active members of the congregation ever since. Over the years, Joanna has served in a variety of volunteer roles, including the Praise Team, Children’s Ministry, and Women’s Ministry.

During their time at Weddington, Joanna and Dan have grown their family to include three sons, all of whom have been baptized and confirmed at the church. In 2023, Joanna felt God’s call to step out of a career in nursing and into full-time ministry. She joined the Youth Ministry team in March 2024, bringing a strong family-centered perspective and a deep passion for the study of God’s Word.

Joanna also has a passion for health, wellness, and movement, and she leads a women’s fitness class as part of her ministry at Weddington Methodist Church.

Tonya Tapp

Youth Ministry Assistant
Tonya has been an active member of Weddington Methodist Church since 2001 and has served on staff since 2012. As the Youth Ministry Assistant, she works closely with Bradd Blocker and Joanna McCall to support the ministry and spiritual growth of our youth.

In addition to her work with Youth Ministry, Tonya serves as a Stephen Minister and is a member of the International Missions Team, where she acts as a liaison to ministry partners in Bulgaria.

Outside of her role at Weddington, Tonya enjoys traveling and spending time with her granddaughter and other family members.

Upcoming Events

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