Welcome to Next Gen Ministries!

Next Gen is an incredible place to find authentic community for middle school or high school students. Our vision: We want to be a place to belong, where students, believing in God and trusting in his Word, are becoming passionate disciples of Jesus Christ.

We offer many opportunities to help your teenager find a place to belong and to grow as a disciple. Below you will find information on our weekly gatherings as well as upcoming events and retreats. You can also sign up to receive our weekly parent emails, sign up your student to be prayed for in our Pray For Me campaign, learn about our Next Gen staff and see what is coming up in the months ahead on our calendar.

Contact Melissa Contact Alex

Life Groups

Middle School and High School Life Groups meet almost every week throughout the school year. (During the summer we have The Noise and High School Summer Group). Life Groups are the perfect place for your child to build community and live out the Christian life together with their peers. The purpose of Life Groups is to care for each other and grow as disciples of Jesus. We offer Life Groups that are based on grade level and geographic location. 

Join a Group

Melissa Bennett

Student Minister, Daniel Island

I have been doing youth ministry in some way, shape or form since 1998 and in June 2015 I joined the staff of Holy Cross and the Next Gen team. I am passionate about teaching students God’s Word, helping them learn how to read the Bible for themselves, and steering them in the direction of Jesus as they navigate this world…and adolescence!

I am married to the Rev. Jonathan Bennett and together we have three children: Hannah, Caleb and Lizzie. In my free time I enjoy: sewing, baking, cooking, reading novels, exercising, playing games, and being active.

Cell: 843-469-2201

Contact

Alex Hays

Student Minister, Sullivan's Island

Alex went to Church of the Holy Cross as a middle school student after a friend invited him when he lost his dad. He has been either a part of, volunteering or working in youth ministry in some capacity since 2012. Alex believes in and values building students and families relationships based on the unchanging love of God in the middle of a world that often pulls us apart. He loves hiking, all sports Minnesota, running, the water, animals, and eating. Alex married his wife, Ceiledh, in on April 17th, 2021 and have the sweetest little puppy Nala.

Cell: 843-469-9469 

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