MILESTONE PROGRAMS
At First Methodist Mansfield, we believe discipleship is about helping students mature as followers of Jesus. Growing in faith is a journey, and along the way, there are defining “milestones” that help mark the path. Each milestone builds on the one before it, reminding us of God’s faithfulness and pointing us toward what’s next.
From 6th grade through 12th grade, our Milestone Programs create intentional spaces for students to explore faith, practice discipleship, and discover who God is calling them to be. These programs bring together teaching (what we believe), apprenticeship (learning from mentors), and immersion (life in Christian community). Students don’t just learn information about God – they practice a way of life with God.
Here’s how the journey unfolds:
CONFIRMATION
Owning your faith and beginning the journey.
6th Grade (and above, if you have not been confirmed)
Sundays • 12:30 – 3:00 pm
Explore the Christian faith in a meaningful and intentional way alongside peers and mentors through our Confirmation program. Students engage with the essential beliefs and practices that shape a life of faith. This spiritual formation experience includes weekly sessions and a weekend retreat designed to help students thoughtfully reflect on their beliefs and begin to take personal ownership of their faith. This program culminates with a Confirmation Service, where students affirm their response to God’s grace and proclaim faith in Christ and their baptismal covenant.
FOUNDATIONS
Where belief becomes practice.
8th Grade
Sundays • 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Grow deeper in your faith by exploring the core beliefs and practices that shape the Christian life. Students learn how God shapes us through the means of grace and calls us to holy living – with purpose. Foundations helps students practice a faith that is real and relational, preparing them to follow Christ with a faith that is personal, practical, and rooted in God’s transforming love.
ALPHA
Big questions. Real conversations. Deeper faith.
10th Grade
Sundays • 12:30 – 2:00 pm
Deepen your relationship with Jesus through open and honest conversations about life and faith in a way that is fun, authentic, and rooted in grace. Over several weeks, students gather with peers and mentors to engage in interactive sessions and honest conversations about some of life’s biggest questions – Who is Jesus? Why did He die? How does God help us overcome evil? What’s the purpose of life? This environment creates space for students to bring their questions, wrestle with doubts, and grow in their understanding of the Christian faith. Along the way, they are invited to take meaningful steps in their journey with Christ and discover how faith shapes everyday life.
CAPSTONE
Faith for what’s next.
12th Grade
Sundays • 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Grow through faith-based principles integrated into practical experiences with peers and mentors. The goals of Capstone are to: PREPARE Seniors for life as Christ followers after high school, CONNECT students with God and with their peers, SERVE those within our ministry, congregation and community, and LEAD through different avenues of Student Ministry and First Methodist Mansfield. We accomplish these goals by combining deep Christ-centered discussions with hands-on activities that help develop important life skills.