Students

Middle School/High School

We love students at Good Shepherd! In student ministries we encourage each other, pray together and help students build a relationship with Jesus. Experience Sunday Night Ministries, retreats, serving opportunities, events such as the annual dodgeball tournament, mission trips, Bible studies and small groups. Students are always encouraged to bring friends.

FUEL offers activities for 6th-8th-grade students and families.

IGNITE is for our high school students and families.

Come be a part of FUEL and IGNITE! To get involved, see the links and information below.

CURRENT STUDENT REGISTRATION FORMS, INFORMATION AND UPDATES

Email Leader
Sunday Nights Grades 6-12

6:30-8:30pm, Sundays September - April

Middle School (FUEL) and High School (IGNITE) students have separate worship venues. Sunday Night Ministry is a student-led night of worship. The student ministry bands lead their peers in song. The night includes games, scripture-based message, small groups, prayer and connect time. We have a stellar team adult leaders that give their Sunday nights to serve these students in spiritual conversations, encouragement and prayer. All adults: We have several serving opportunities available for group leaders (lessons and materials are provided), special event planning and service teams (tech, check-in, welcome, etc.). If you are an adult interested in partnering with us to serve students as they come to know and love God, please send us an email.

Student Worship Bands

FUEL Band is for 6th-8th grade students.

IGNITE Band is for high school students.

Students have the opportunity to lead their peers in worship on Sunday nights and other events such as retreats and children's ministry events. The band is always looking to build the team with musicians (keyboard, drums, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, etc.) and vocalists. 

If you are interested in participating in this opportunity, please send us an email.
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Confirmation Affirmation of Baptism
Confirmation ministry is intended to help students identify more deeply with the Christian community and participate more fully in its mission. The process of confirmation or “affirmation of baptism,” culminates in ninth grade with “FaithWalk Journey” and the Affirmation of Baptism worship service. Students 9th grade and older may participate in Faithwalk Journey. Parents and students participate in together in classes, plus a student retreat. The program runs September – April. Lessons are based on big questions of faith and core biblical concepts. Students have the chance to share their story of knowing God “faith journey” through a unique, hand-crafted Faith Expression Project.
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Parents of Teens Small Group Support
Parents – you are not alone! Good Shepherd desires to partner with parents to see all families pursuing authentic faith and living on mission with Jesus.  To help you feel equipped and supported, our Student Ministries offer monthly Parent Gatherings (at the same time as FUEL and IGNITE) focused on a specific topic relevant to being a parent in our modern culture. Topics have including handling conflict, teen mental health, technology and social media, building a faith routine at home, and more! This is also a great time to ask questions about Student Ministries with staff members face-to-face.
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Special Needs Support In Children and Student Ministries
Our goal is for all children and students to be able to successfully participate in all ministries with their peers. Based on each child’s individual needs, we provide:
  • One-on-one buddies
  • Coordination with staff and small group leaders
  • Accommodations (visual schedules, fidgets, etc.)
These supports are available in all children and student ministry opportunities and special events. If you have any questions, please click the "Email Leader" button below. CURRENT CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES REGISTRATION FORMS AND UPDATES CURRENT STUDENT REGISTRATION FORMS AND UPDATES
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Week Nights Grades 6-12

Middle School Discipleship: FUEL Midweek

This group meets on Thursdays, 7-8:30pm during the school year, starting in September. Middle School students have the opportunity to dig deeper into their biggest questions of life and faith, and join in discussion with leaders and peers. 

High School Discipleship: Ignite Midweek

This group meets on Thursdays, 7-8:30pm during the school year, starting in September. The night includes games, scripture-based message, small groups, prayer and connect time.

High School Discipleship: Pathfinders

Want to grow deeper in a relationship with God through scripture reading, group discussion, weekly challenges, life application of Christian principles, leadership development, as well as building deeper relationships with peers? Pathfinders is a small group of students desiring more and developing as leaders in their ministry, church and community. This group meets on Mondays at the conclusion of the DELTA retreat.

Retreat Planning Team: DELTA Planners

Join the DELTA Planning team on Monday Nights (10 weeks beginning in August). We pray, plan, and engage in team building activities in preparation for the FaithWalk Journey DELTA retreat in November.   Registration will be listed here when details become available.
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Dodgin' for Dough Dodgeball Tournament Fundraiser

What is Dodgin’ for Dough?

This annual fundraiser is an opportunity for our community to rally behind our students and support their desire to serve. Your donations help fund important missions and community outreach opportunities that are integral to students’ spiritual growth. 2019’s dodgeball tournament helped fund these incredible mission experiences:
  • Workcamp: High School students completed home repairs and other projects in Erie, PA.
  • Hearts in Motion: 25 young adults served villages in Zacapa, Guatemala.
Next Tournament: January 31 & February 1, 2020 Where: Good Shepherd Church, Naperville  

3 Ways to Get Involved

  1. Play

Round up 6-8 friends and create your team. Complete rules can be found HERE. The tournament is divided into 4 specific brackets.
  • High School Games - Friday, 6:00-9:00pm
  • 4th/5th Grade Games - Saturday, 9:00-11:30am
  • Middle School (grades 6-8) - Saturday, 12:00-2:30pm
  • Adults - Saturday, 3:00-5:30pm
Sign your team up HERE

  1. Volunteer

The success of this event is dependent on volunteers who work before, during and after the tournament to help with jobs like:
  • Event preparation
  • Team check-in
  • Concessions
  • Scorekeeping
  • Facility upkeep
  • Referees
  • First Aid
Sign up to Volunteer HERE

  1. Donate

Sponsorships promote your business while helping our students fulfill their desire to serve! Complete details can be found HERE. Donations are also greatly appreciated and can be sent via check, payable to Good Shepherd Church, to the address below, or you can donate online using the GIVE NOW module on your right.
Good Shepherd Church - Dodgin’ 4 Dough
1310 Shepherd Dr
Naperville, IL 60565
Sign up to sponsor a team HERE

Questions?

Please email Student Ministries with any questions using the button below.
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Eternal Impact Summer Ministry Event - Grades 6-8
An amazing 4 night ministry event for incoming 6th - 8th graders with Food...Fun...Faith...Fellowship! This camp for middle schoolers is held in June every year. REGISTRATION WILL BE LISTED HERE WHEN DETAILS ARE AVAILABLE.
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Family Worship Events
All of our family ministries work together to create a worship experience geared towards the ENTIRE family (parents, kids, teens and grandparents, too). In addition to the services, family worship events may include an optional meal, encouraging fellowship time with our community.

Purpose/Vision of Family Worship:

Connect families in community to engage in activities that foster a heart posture toward God in everyday life.

Annual Events:

  • Ash Wednesday
  • Summertime Family Worship
  • Back-to-School Worship
  • ADVENT Night

Upcoming events will be listed here when details become available.

For more information, reach out to our ministry leader by using the button below.
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