4th Friday of the Month: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Location: Changes monthly. Contact Pastor Trace
Youth Connect is a monthly meetup focused on fun, friendship, and fellowship. Meeting on the fourth Friday of each month, this event gives students ages 12–16 a chance to hang out, laugh, and build community together outside of regular church gatherings.
Each month features a different activity from movie nights and beach hangouts to roller skating, game nights, or other local adventures. It’s a chance for students across San Diego County to reconnect with friends they may not see often and to meet new ones in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
In a world where everything moves fast and distances can keep people apart, Youth Connect exists to strengthen friendships and remind students that the family of faith is meant to enjoy life together. Whether it’s around a campfire, a bowling lane, or a board game, every connection matters and every gathering is a reminder that following Jesus includes joy, laughter, and shared life.
The location changes monthly. Please email Pastor Trace for more info: Trace@barabbas.com
2nd Friday of the Month: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Location: Church Campus
Youth Discuss is a monthly gathering where students talk openly about the world they live in and learn to see it through the lens of Scripture. Each month, kids ages 12–17 are invited to bring dinner to the church building and take part in honest, guided discussions about current events, global and local issues, and cultural changes shaping our generation.
From topics like gender and identity to justice, war, economics, or social movements, Youth Discuss gives students the space to ask real questions and engage real issues together. Rather than simply being taught about culture, students participate in shaping the conversation, learning how to listen well, respond thoughtfully, and apply biblical truth to what’s happening around them.
The goal isn’t just to share information, but to create a structured, respectful environment where discussion thrives and faith deepens. As in Acts 17:11, we want to be like the Bereans who were eager listeners that would “examine the Scriptures daily to see if these things are so.”
Through intentional dialogue and shared reflection, students grow in their ability to think critically, speak truth with grace, and live faithfully in the midst of a changing world.
Trace is originally from Chicago. Him and his wife, Jordan, moved to San Diego for a relocation for work, but ended up staying in SD for the church. He has served in the Children’s Ministry since 2016. Trace has a heart for evangelism and discipleship within the church and specifically with families. Trace has four young children, Wyatt, Charlotte, Wesley and Elliot. He enjoys cars, reading, hiking, and surfing.
Contact: trace@barabbas.com