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 moments that help mark the path – moments to pause, ask questions, grow deeper, and take another step.
Each milestone is designed for a different stage, but they all share the same goal:
To help students grow as disciples of Jesus and develop a faith that is truly their own.
Each milestone builds on the one before it, while also standing on its own. If your student missed an earlier milestone, they can jump in right where they are.
Through biblical teaching, meaningful conversations, adult mentors, and relationships with peers, each milestone creates space for students to grow in faith and develop a relationship with Jesus that is truly their own.
Together, we’re helping students build a faith they can live out now and carry with them into what’s next.
Here’s how the journey unfolds:
CONFIRMATION
What do I believe?
6th Grade (and above, if you have not been confirmed)
Sundays, January 31 – May 2 • 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
How do I live what I believe?
8th Grade
Sundays, February 7 – April 25 • 9:30 – 10:30 am
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
Why do I believe it, and what do I do with my questions?
10th Grade
Sundays, January 17 – May 5 • 6:00 – 8:00 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
How will I deepen my faith and live it out in what’s next?
12th Grade
Sundays, January 17 – May 5 • 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Capstone is a senior-year experience designed to help students grow in their faith and prepare for life after high school. Through Christ-centered conversations, meaningful relationships with peers and mentors, hands-on experiences, and practical preparation for the transition to college and adulthood, students are encouraged to see this next chapter as an opportunity to grow, serve, lead, and live out their faith.
Capstone is more than preparing students to graduate. It is about preparing them to live faithfully. Our hope is that students leave Capstone with a deeper relationship with Jesus, stronger connections within the church, practical tools for navigating life after high school, and the confidence to lead and serve wherever God calls them next.