As we look ahead to launching Youth Group and Kingdom Kids this September, we wanted to pause and reflect on what God has done over the past few months. From long bus rides to mountaintop worship, from hilltop cross moments to VBS mayhem, this summer was nothing short of miraculous. Here’s a look back at how God was moving through the youth and kids ministries of FBC Blanco—after the bell rang.

In June, 13 leaders and 57 students loaded up a charter bus and a passenger van for the 660-mile journey. We rolled out around 11 PM and by 1 PM the next day, we arrived and dove straight into one of the most powerful weeks our youth group has ever experienced.

Sure, we were exhausted. But we were hungry to see what God would do.

The theme of the week was “No Other Name” based on Philippians 2:9–11, and that name, Jesus, was front and center. Zip lines, water slides, hikes, and even a 5K (which our group showed up for big time); the Gospel was woven in. Each night, we gathered as one big family, sharing stories, struggles, and breakthroughs. Seeds were planted. Chains were broken. Lives were changed.

And what felt like all too soon, we returned home, ready for the next chapter.

Our leaders regrouped to launch into a weekend retreat for 3rd–5th graders. Some of the same leaders from Glorieta were back, joined by seasoned volunteers and older students who had just been to youth camp, now stepping up to disciple. They shared stories, sang songs, led games, and showed these young hearts what it looks like to follow Jesus.

From July 14–18, over 80 volunteers came together to serve 170+ kids under the theme "Magnified" Psalm 34:3. The two weeks prior, our church slowly transformed into a magnified wonderland thanks to the tireless work of our Kid's Ministry Director, Stephanie Hudson, and her army of volunteers. You could feel the excitement building before the first kid even checked in.

This wasn’t just a week of Bible stories and goldfish crackers. It was a full-on, gospel-heavy, joy-filled, heart-shifting experience. Every single day, our kids were invited into a bigger story and shown how they fit in it.

Our volunteers poured themselves out. They prayed, taught, listened, cheered, comforted, and served like it was the most important week of the year. The kids learned that the God who made everything still wants time with them. That the One who calmed storms also calms their worries. Even when they mess up, He still loves and forgives them.

It was evident—The Holy Spirit was present at VBS!

If we’re being honest, we’re still catching our breath. There are probably remnants from VBS in random corners of the church, but we wouldn’t change a thing. And now, as we roll into fall with Youth Group and Kingdom Kids ready to launch, we do it knowing that this summer was just as fun as it was foundational. And we’re just getting started!

If you're already looking forward to what's next in the Youth and Kid's Ministries, here are a few events that you can mark in you calendars as we head into the fall:

August 17 - Kidz Kamp BTS Breakfast: For Kidz Kamp attendees and their families.
August 20 - The Plunge: For incoming 6th graders.
August 25 - First 5th Quarter of the football season: For all students following final buzzer.
August 27 - Youth Group Kick Off Party: For students grades 6-12, let;s dive into fall in style!

September 3 - Youth Group and Kingdom Kids on Wednesday Nights Returns!
September 24 - See You At The Pole 2025 

Keep up with our events by following our Instagram & Facebook Pages:
Instagram:
Youth Page - @fbcyth
Kid's Page - @fbcblancokids
Church Page - @fbcblanco

Facebook:
Youth Page
Kid's Page
Church Page

We also prayed for the parents — for the inevitable void that will be left in their homes and hearts as their children step into the world. We asked God to fill those spaces with His hope, His strength, and His unshakable peace.

Gary also challenged us — the church — not to just be pew-sitters, but active participants. Praying, supporting, investing in the lives of these young people. Because that's what the Church is called to do: to be the hands and feet of Christ.

Today, we didn't just celebrate the end of a chapter. We commissioned a new generation to go out and prosper in all that they do. And let me tell you — if today was any sign — their futures are bright.

To our seniors: We love you. We’re proud of you. And we’re with you, every step of the way.
Keep chasing Jesus. The best is yet to come.

*Cue the shouts of hallelujah*

Adam Painter is officially our new Senior Pastor, and we couldn’t be happier. After his sermon on January 5th, the congregation overwhelmingly voted him in—and it’s easy to see why. Adam’s passion for Jesus and his down-to-earth style make him a perfect fit for our church family. (Seriously, his sermon game is strong!)

This decision has been a journey for us all. The selection process took time, careful consideration, and many, many meetings. We understand that change can feel uncertain. Many of us had hopes and ideas for how this would go, and it’s okay if the process didn’t meet every expectation. What we can all celebrate is the dedication and prayerful effort of the Pastor Search Committee (PSC), who worked so hard to find the right person for this role. Adam is here because they felt God’s clear leading, and we’re confident that he’s the right fit for us. Let’s come together as a church family to support and encourage him as he steps into this new chapter!

Meet the Painter Family

Meet the Painter Family
Adam’s life centers around faith and family. Adam and his wife, Shannan, enjoy exercising together as well as fitting in a weekly date night to keep the fire in their marriage strong. They have four kids: Tyler (21), Joren (18), Brody (12), and Selah (9). The oldest, Tyler, is planning to get married in the middle of February up in Missoula, Montana where he and his fiancée will be living. Adam was asked by Tyler to officiate the wedding, which he is humbly honored and excited to do. Joren is a senior in high school and is finishing up his diploma through Liberty University's online program. The Lord has laid a desire on Joren's heart to potentially follow the path of becoming a youth pastor in the future. Brody and Selah are currently in 6th and 4th grade. They both will be active in the Upward basketball program at Bulverde Baptist Church the next two months. Adam is coaching his daughter's team for the third consecutive season.

A Few Fun Facts

Adam’s ministry has been shaped by influential Christian teachers like John Piper, Tim Keller, and Matt Chandler. In his free time, he enjoys sports like basketball and golf—and yes, he’s always up for a good game of pickleball. If you’re looking for a pastor who can preach a powerful sermon and sink a three-pointer, you’ve found him.

What’s Next?

Adam's aspirations for FBC Blanco include being a church body that is hungry for the Word of God, and not just to understand it, but to live it out. His hope is that our walks with Jesus Christ would never be lukewarm, simply going through the motions, but that we would passionately follow in Christ's footsteps, being doers of the Word (James 1:22). Adam trusts that the goals ahead for FBC Blanco are all achievable knowing God can "do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20). Adam confidently expects that God is not going to merely bear a little fruit in the future in and around Blanco, but much, much fruit when we as believers cling to Jesus as the True Vine (John 15:5)! We’re thrilled to see how God will work through Adam and his family as they become part of life here at FBC Blanco. Let’s welcome them with open hearts and prayers as they step into this new chapter with us.