Welcome to GAP (Grades 8-12)

We envision a generation genuinely enjoying Jesus and helping others do the same.

At Gap Youth, we create spaces of Oasis where students can encounter the love of Jesus, build meaningful relationships, explore faith, and take their next step toward him.

Our Discipleship Pathway

Everything we do at Gap is designed to help students take their next step toward Jesus.

  • PLANT — Creating curiosity and a desire for more
  • ROOT — Connecting students to Jesus and his people
  • GROW — Learning to enjoy Jesus and become more like him
  • MULTIPLY — Helping others experience the life we’ve discovered in Jesus

Our programs may serve different purposes, but together they create a pathway for students to encounter Jesus, grow in community, deepen their faith, and begin helping others do the same.

If you have a student in Grade 5-7 or entering Grade 5 this year, visit our preteen page by clicking the button below.

Visit our Preteen Page (Grades 5-7)

 

Our Weekly Rhythms

Thursdays

Gap × Gap Jr. (PLANT → ROOT → GROW) — Launches September 17th

Grades 5–7 | 6:45–8:30 PM
Grades 8–12 | 7:00–9:00 PM
Our weekly youth gathering and the central rhythm of Gap Youth. Gap nights are a place where students can have fun, build relationships, encounter Jesus, explore faith, and be known by caring leaders.

Small Group Nights Out (ROOT)

Several times throughout the year
Every few months, small groups will step outside their usual Thursday routine for an activity together. These nights are designed to strengthen relationships between students and leaders and help students become more deeply rooted in community.

Sundays

Flipt (GROW)

Grades 5–7 | During the Sunday service
A space for younger students to explore Scripture, ask questions, and learn what it looks like to follow Jesus in everyday life.

Church Worship Service (GROW)

All Ages
At church, our youth and young adults all sit together in the same section on the far right row of the auditorium and connect with each other afterwards. On communion lunch Sundays, we also sit at the same table together in the gym.

Tuesdays

Surge (GROW)

Grades 8-12 | 3:15-5PM
A deeper-dive bible and discipleship gathering in a leader’s home where students have space to study Scripture, ask questions, and explore what it means to follow Jesus in everyday life. Please email Jacob for the address.

Email Jacob

Monthly

Community Events (PLANT)

Grades 8-12
Throughout the year, we host special events in the community—bowling, swimming, movies, and more. These events are designed to be easy to invite a friend to, creating opportunities for students to build community, meet leaders, and begin exploring faith.

Gap Leadership Collective (Multiply) - Launches October 4th

Grades 10-12
A monthly cohort for students who want to grow as leaders and use their gifts to serve others. Students have opportunities to help lead portions of Thursday nights while developing practical leadership skills.

Special Events & Trips

In addition to these regular rhythms, we run a number of special trips and events throughout the year designed to help students encounter Jesus in new ways, deepen their faith, and build stronger relationships with their peers.

Major events this year include:
Winter Retreat: January 22nd–24th
Mexico Missions Trip: March 12th–21st

Additional events and registration information will be shared throughout the year.

Upcoming Youth Events

Youth Blogs

Mexico Missions Trip 2027: Interest Meeting

September 23, 2026 | by Jacob Harder

There's Room for You in SDBC Kids

September 16, 2026 | by Kaitlyn Parker

A New Year for Gap & Gap Jr.

September 10, 2026 | by Jacob Harder

Radical Hospitality throughout the Summer

September 2, 2026 | by Troy Weatherly

Come Partner with Us

July 30, 2026 | by Jacob Harder

Opportunities to Love Students & Families This Summer

June 4, 2026 | by Jacob Harder

Think You Have What It Takes to Be Champion?

June 2, 2026

Our Biggest Carnival Yet!

May 21, 2026 | by Kaitlyn Parker

Pray for Mexico

March 12, 2026 | by Jacob Harder

Going All Out and Everyone's Invited!

February 19, 2026 | by Scott Bayley

View All

Connect

If you’d like to stay up to date with what’s happening in youth ministry, subscribe to our parent newsletter by clicking the button below.

Sign up for Our Parent Newsletter

We also post upcoming events and updates on Instagram. Follow us @youthsdbc. 

If you have any questions about our youth ministry programs, email Jacob Harder, our Pastor of Youth and Young Adults.

Email Jacob