Children, Youth, & Teen Groups & Ministries
Join the vibrant YOUTH & TEEN MINISTRY at Tanner, where we ignite the spiritual and personal growth of our younger members! Led by Rev. Askia Stewart Jr., Associate Minister of Tanner, and supported by Rev. Angela Miller, Associate Minister of Tanner, our ministry is a hub of excitement and learning, crafted to cater to the diverse needs of our youth.
Dive into a wide array of activities and programs that are both enriching and fun. Celebrate with us at our Annual Day, a special event that showcases the talents and achievements of our young members. Experience the thrill of our annual End of Year Church Lock-in, an overnight adventure filled with games, worship, and bonding that you won’t want to miss.
Our ministry is not just about having fun—it’s about growing in faith and character. Participate in our interactive workshops and engaging church school classes that challenge you to think deeply and live faithfully. Whether you’re exploring your spiritual journey or seeking answers to life’s big questions, we provide a supportive and nurturing environment to help you grow.
Additionally, our Youth & Teen Ministry includes vibrant Cub, Boy, and Girl Scouts programs, where you can learn new skills, make friends, and take on leadership roles. Sing your heart out in the Jewel and Tanner Youth Choirs, where music and fellowship come together to create inspiring performances.
We also offer a variety of other programs and events throughout the year, designed to enrich the lives of children, youth and teens and deepen their connections within the church community.
Tanner's Youth & Teen Ministry, is more than just a group; they are a family that grows and learns together.
Tanner's YOUNG PEOPLE'S DIVISION (YPD), a dynamic element of our church's youth engagement initiatives for ages 2-26, is expertly led by Shnelle Stewart, our committed Local YPD Director and Tatiyana Mack, the YPD President. Central to the YPD's mission is a profound dedication to enhancing the lives of our young members by offering in-depth training and significant leadership opportunities that cover all aspects of church life.
Guided by the Women's Missionary Society, specifically the Sarah E. Tanner Women's Missionary Society, our YPD is seamlessly integrated into the wider mission of the Connectional A.M.E. Church's YPD. We are committed to fostering well-rounded individuals through targeted training in Evangelism, Christian Social Relations, and a variety of educational programs. These efforts not only strengthen our youth's connection to the church's mission but also deepen their appreciation of the rich history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the profound teachings of the Holy Scriptures.
Active participation in the objectives of the Connectional A.M.E. Church's YPD enables Tanner's Local YPD to nurture a supportive environment where young people can become informed, devoted members of the church community. Our programs are designed to instill a strong spiritual identity and purpose, encouraging youth to assume leadership roles and make meaningful contributions both within the church and their broader communities.
We invite you to join Tanner's Local YPD, a platform dedicated to empowering our youth with the necessary knowledge, skills, and experiences for spiritual and personal growth. Here, you'll be part of a welcoming community that supports your journey in faith, leadership, and service. Get involved today and be part of a vibrant group committed to making a positive impact in the world while growing in faith together.
Don’t miss out on our other exciting outings! Whether it's a retreat, a service project, or just a fun day out, these events are fantastic ways to connect with peers and make meaningful memories.
CHURCH SCHOOL | Ages 2-17
At Tanner, we offer a comprehensive CHURCH SCHOOL program tailored specifically for children and teens aged 2-17. Under the leadership of Co-Superintendents, Vernon & Zina Goode, our curriculum is designed to cater to the unique developmental needs of each age group, ensuring a varied and effective approach to teaching the Word of God and its application in their daily lives.
We provide six distinct classes, each structured to engage students in an age-appropriate manner:
- Beginners Class: For children who are potty trained up to 5 years old, focusing on foundational biblical stories and principles.
- Primary Class: For 1st to 3rd graders, introducing them to deeper biblical concepts and narratives.
- Junior Class: For 4th to 6th graders, enhancing their understanding of the Bible and its relevance to everyday situations.
- Intermediate & Teen Class: For youths aged 12 to 17 years, focusing on applying biblical teachings to the challenges of teenage life.
- L.I.F.E. Squad: Also for 12 to 17-year-olds, meeting on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sundays, this class emphasizes Living In Faith Everyday through interactive and practical faith-based discussions.
- T.W.I.S.T. – Teens Worshiping in Spirit and Truth: Catered to 12 to 17-year-olds and meeting on the 1st and 3rd Sundays, this group dives into worship and biblical truth in a dynamic, teen-friendly setting.
Each class is designed to nurture and grow our young members in their faith, offering them both the knowledge and tools needed to develop a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God. Join us and discover a supportive community where our youth can thrive spiritually.
At Tanner, our CUB & BOY SCOUTS MINISTRY offers an active and structured environment for young boys to develop valuable life skills, foster personal growth, and build strong moral foundations. This ministry is an integral part of our church's commitment to nurturing the holistic development of our youth through engaging, character-building experiences.
CUB SCOUTS, led by Rev. Richard Holmes, Associate Minister, welcomes younger boys and focuses on introducing them to the joys and responsibilities of scouting. Through fun activities and educational programs, Cub Scouts learn about teamwork, respect, and the importance of community service, setting the stage for a lifetime of leadership and active citizenship.
BOY SCOUTS, under the guidance of Rev. Gordon V. Gordon II, Associate Minister, is designed for older boys who are ready to take on more challenging projects and adventures. This program emphasizes self-reliance, public service, and the development of practical skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. Boy Scouts are encouraged to undertake projects that benefit their communities and the church, enhancing their sense of responsibility and their commitment to helping others.
The Cub and Boy Scouts Ministry at Tanner is not just an extracurricular activity; it is a vital part of our church’s mission to guide young individuals towards becoming conscientious, caring, and capable adults. Scouts are taught to live by a code that stresses honor, loyalty, and respect for others, reflecting the Christian values we cherish.
Participation in scouting provides these young boys with a supportive network of peers and mentors who are dedicated to helping them succeed. It's a place where they can explore their interests, confront their challenges, and celebrate their achievements in a faith-based community that values their growth and potential.
At Tanner, the GIRL SCOUTS MINISTRY provides a nurturing and supportive environment where young girls can grow, learn, and thrive. Led by dedicated troop leaders Diamond Williams and Mercedes Williams, our Girl Scouts program empowers girls by teaching them valuable life skills, fostering their personal development, and encouraging them to make a positive impact on their community.
Our ministry is designed to help girls discover their strengths and talents, build confidence, and develop a sense of responsibility through a variety of activities and community service projects. From learning practical skills and engaging in outdoor adventures to participating in civic duties and exploring their spiritual beliefs, Girl Scouts at Tanner are given the tools and opportunities to become leaders in their own lives and their communities.
The Girl Scouts Ministry is an essential part of our church’s mission to guide young individuals towards becoming thoughtful, caring, and capable adults. It emphasizes the development of character and ethics, aligning with Christian values such as kindness, respect, and cooperation. The program also plays a crucial role in fostering a community where girls can feel safe, supported, and encouraged to pursue their dreams with vigor.
Joining the Girl Scouts at Tanner means more than just earning badges and selling cookies; it’s about being part of a community that values growth, service, and fellowship. It's a place where girls can build lasting friendships, develop a strong sense of self, and learn to lead with integrity and faith.
We invite young girls to join Tanner’s Girl Scouts Ministry and experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from being part of a group that celebrates their potential and supports their journey towards becoming the leaders of tomorrow.
