13 - 17 July
2BC Students
Where students go to connect with God and one another
Welcome to 2BC Student Ministry!
The Second Baptist Student Ministry exists to help students grow as disciples of Jesus Christ by engaging them in worship, discipleship, missions, and authentic community. We seek to cultivate a Christ-centered environment where students experience belonging, discover their God-given purpose, and join in God’s work of bringing His Kingdom “on earth as it is in heaven.”
Our vibrant and relevant ministry equips students to develop a confident, lifelong faith that is rooted in Christ and lived out in everyday life. Through the regular rhythm of Sunday morning Bible study, Wednesday evening gatherings, and Sunday Night Live, students are encouraged to deepen their relationship with God, build meaningful friendships, and discern God’s calling for their lives.
Throughout the year, retreats, mission experiences, and special events provide opportunities for students to encounter God in new ways, serve others with compassion, and grow through shared experiences that strengthen both their faith and their relationships with one another.
Weekly Email: We have a weekly email full of upcoming events and information. If you are not receiving this email, please contact 2BCStudents@secondbaptistrva.org.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for Student Ministries, a vital ministry to middle, high school, and college-aged students at Second Baptist Church. We maintain a solid base of volunteers who assist, teach, serve, chaperone, and build healthy relationships with students, but we’re constantly seeking new volunteers as well. Working with minors requires a special level of thoughtfulness, intentionality, and care, and we require a background check for all adults working with minors through church ministries.
You can learn more about our Safe at Second program here.
Student Ministries Volunteer
Upcoming Events
Stay tuned...
Sunday Night Live
Sunday Night Live (SNL) is our weekly gathering for students in grades 6–12, meeting Sundays from 6:00–7:30 p.m. We kick off the evening by sharing a meal together before diving into a night filled with games, creative activities, biblical teaching, and small groups. Every part of the evening is designed to help students grow in their faith, build meaningful friendships, and experience the love of God within a welcoming community.
Weekly SNL gatherings resume on August 23rd. This fall we’ll be journeying together through the book of Isaiah, discovering God’s holiness, faithfulness, and His invitation to trust Him in every season of life.
MidWeek
Just One Second is our Wednesday night gathering for students in grades 6–12, meeting from 6:00–7:00 p.m. Designed as a midweek time of encouragement and connection, the evening features group games, challenges, and plenty of fun alongside meaningful opportunities for spiritual growth.
Students engage in interactive Bible teaching, explore what God is doing around the world through the lives of missionaries, and discover practical ways to live out their faith each day. Throughout this school year, we’ll be focusing on what it means to serve Christ in and around our community, challenging students to recognize opportunities to love their neighbors, meet tangible needs, and reflect God’s Kingdom wherever they are.
Through fellowship, discipleship, and service, Just One Second encourages students to grow in their relationship with Christ while putting their faith into action.
Student Music
Student Choir – Sundays, 5:15 – 6:00 pm
Singing is one of the primary ways we express our faith and belief as Christians. In choir, singers learn to work together and teach others about God’s love. Student Choir is open to any Middle or High School student that loves music and wants to learn how to share that through singing. The choir learns a variety of music – choral, global, modern, etc. – and leads worship in a variety of contexts throughout the school year. Rehearsals occur each Sunday from 5:15 – 6:00 pm in the choir room. Special trips, choir tours, and excursions are planned throughout the year! Contact Rev. Taylor Vancil for more information.
Student Handbells – Sundays, 4:30 – 5:15 pm
Ringing handbells is a great way to expand musicianship skills and collaborate with peers, especially in preparing music for worship. No experience is required, though some general music reading skills are helpful. This ensemble meets on Sundays from 4:30-5:15 pm and is open to any middle or high school student. Performance opportunities include worship in the Sanctuary service at Second Baptist, as well as other venues in our local community. Contact Rev. Taylor Vancil for more information.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Music Ministry at Second Baptist. Use this form to indicate what areas of music ministry interest you most, then a music staff member will reach out to you. We welcome church members of all ages to sign up to volunteer; students under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult to volunteer.
In many cases, Music Ministry volunteers work with children or students and must complete a background check before serving in these settings. If you indicate interest in volunteering with children’s or student music, we will send you our Safe at Second background check link to fill out online along with any policies and training requirements related to the Children’s/Student Ministry. You can find out more about our Safe at Second program here.
Music Ministry Volunteer
College and Young Adults
Young adults are a vibrant part of the church and serve an important role within Second Baptist Church. College and Young Adult ministries at Second Baptist Church seek to continue a life-long relationship with Jesus Christ and to foster fellowship, discipleship, and engagement through missions. Life is vibrant for young adults, and we want to meet you where you are. We would encourage college students to inform the church office of their updated address to receive care packages and notes of encouragement. Local students and young adults, come and worship with us and dive deeper by connecting with our Sunday School class.
Meet our Minister of Students, Rev. Leah Gilbert Harlow!
A few of Leah’s favorite things:
Verse: Joshua 1:9
Concert: Little Feat and Avett Brothers (Red Rocks 2024)
Book of the Bible: Ruth
Movie: Wizard of Oz
Foods: Watermelon with mint, chai, salmon burger, tater tots
Coolest life experience: Completing a marathon
Restaurants: Little Nickle, Grisette, Baltiks (of course)