At Upward Students, middle and high schoolers find a place to belong, build friendships, and grow in their faith.

We gather every Wednesday night from 6:00–8:00 pm in the main building at the Upward Flat Rock campus. Dinner is free, and the night is packed with fun games, live worship, and teaching that helps students connect Jesus to their daily lives. Students then meet in small groups where they can talk honestly, ask questions, and be encouraged by leaders who care about them.

Before and after service, there’s plenty of time to hang out—whether that’s playing 9 Square, throwing a football, video games, or just relaxing with friends in a space designed for students.

On Sundays, instead of offering a dedicated service for students, we offer a different ministry opportunity where students can worship with their families and use their gifts to serve throughout the church in areas like children’s ministry, guest services, or tech.

Each year we also create life-changing experiences through retreats and trips like Accelerant (Winter Retreat), Summer Camp, Missions Trips, and Fall Retreat.

Want to know more? Contact our Student Pastor, John Bivens, at (828) 692-2942, or follow us on social media to see what’s coming up next.

Planning to come check out Upward Students?

We would love to have you! The form below is our first time student form where you can give us your (the student) infromation as well as your parents so we can keep in communication. You can fill out the form ahead of time OR you can fill it out when you arrive on a Wednesday night.

Our goal in students is to see every student who attends grow in their faith in Christ and as a disciple of Him. One big way to grow as a disciple is to serve. That's why we are very intentional in offering opportunities to serve. Below there are two forms:

1. Is for any student who wants to serve at UCF. Fill out that form and we will help you get connected to the right ministry leader.
2. Is for any student who wants to be on our Student Worship Team. This will begin the conversation of what it looks like to serve on the worship team.