
Ryan Oakes
Student Minister
HSM strives to be a place where students in grades 7-12 embrace a Kingdom Culture by experiencing true fellowship, following Jesus’ Kingship, seeking His will, and advancing His Kingdom.
Highland as a whole sums up these values in three words: Gather, Grow, Go.
Each Sunday during the school year, all students will meet in the Youth Room (1st floor Education Building) for announcements, Scripture reading, worship, and then split into grade specific classrooms. Adult leaders will teach and engage the students with God’s Word.
We hope to see you on Sundays!
Each Wednesday night, all students will meet in the Youth Room for a time of fellowship, worship, teaching, and small groups. Small groups are led by young adult leaders who have a passion for God's Word and for discipleship. On the first Wednesday of each month, we have TABLE Midweek. At TABLE, students meet in the Youth Room for food, fellowship, worship, and an extended time of teaching with no small groups. We hope to see you on Wednesdays!
Sign up for our parent email! Email to be added.
DNOW is our in-town winter retreat for students in grades 7-12 hosted by Highland and families all around Waco on Feb. 10-12. The worship gatherings, small groups, and activities at DNOW are designed for students to make memories, build friendships, and consider Jesus. It is a weekend you'll never forget!
Register here!
RE:GENERATION for Students is for anyone in grades 9-12 who is seeking God’s help with the brokenness in their life and is willing to do the work required by this 12-week program. By walking the steps of healing given to us by God through the Bible, many people have found freedom from personal struggles like anxiety, obsessive thoughts, grief, people pleasing, sexual sin, eating disorders, the pain of a broken home, depression, suicidal thoughts, the pain of abuse, anger, and many more. The groups will meet on Sundays from 11:20am - 1pm, starting Feb. 19 and finishing May 14.
Click here for more info and to register!
June 24 - July 1, 2023. More info coming soon!
July 9-14, 2023. More info coming soon!
There are two primary ways to serve with HSM:
Small Group Leaders: College students and young adults who want to disciple students weekly through small group discussion and attending our large group gatherings and events.
Adult Volunteers: Parents & adults serve HSM in a variety of different ways; such as, event chaperones, host homes, teachers, drivers, hospitality, and mentors.
If you would like more information about volunteering with Highland Student Ministry let us know by emailing
Student Minister
Girls' Student Minister
Events Coordinator / College and Student Ministry Assistant
Student Associate
Student Associate
Student Associate
Associate Gathering Pastor