“The student building is a place where students can meet Jesus, grow in their faith, and be supported by friends and mentors who care about them,” Student Minister Hayden Gilliam said.
A space designed for students
The new student building at First McKinney offers a dynamic space designed to engage students both socially and spiritually.
The new community lobby welcomes everyone, serving as a front door for neighbors, families and visitors. It also anchors the entrance to the new student building, providing a place to hang out, catch up with friends and settle in before activities begin. Nearby, the arena serves as a multipurpose space for sports and large-group events, which build teamwork and friendships.
Along the hallway, breakout rooms provide smaller, more personal spaces for discussions and one-on-one mentoring. Here, students can ask questions, receive guidance and connect with adult mentors who support their spiritual and personal growth and guide discipleship.
“The No. 1 factor for positive youth development is having a good adult mentor,” Gilliam said. “What excites me most about the breakout rooms is that students know there will always be a consistent, caring adult there for them—someone they can trust, ask questions, and rely on for guidance and support.”
The centerpiece of the building is the student worship center, which gives students opportunities to lead worship and actively engage with Scripture in a modern, interactive environment.
Student ministry service times
Middle school (grades 6-8):
- 9:15 a.m. on Sundays
- 6:15 p.m. on Wednesdays
- 10:45 a.m. on Sundays
- 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays
The new student building was designed to meet a growing need within the church and community. As McKinney continues to expand, the number of students involved in First McKinney’s ministry has increased, creating a demand for more dedicated space.
“These teenagers are not the future of our church; they are the church now,” Gilliam said. “This is the first time in over 150 years that First McKinney has built a dedicated student ministry building. The student building gives us a new way to bring Jesus into the lives of students.”
Meet the Minister Hayden Gilliam
Gilliam is a McKinney native with lifelong roots in the church. He grew up at First McKinney, where his parents attended, and first felt called to ministry at 15 during a church event. Over time, he explored different ministry paths before discovering his passion for student ministry.
Gilliam studied Youth Development at Texas A&M, focusing on mentorship and youth engagement, and gained hands-on experience through a youth internship at First McKinney under the guidance of longtime Youth Minister Grant Byrd.
“God showed me that my gifts were meant for student ministry,” Gilliam said. “Now, I get to pour into students, help them grow in their relationship with Jesus and guide them in taking their first or next steps of faith.”
Gilliam emphasizes compassion and connection in his work.
“I want every student to know they have someone who cares about them, who will walk with them through challenges and who will celebrate their growth,” he said.
Learn more
First McKinney invites all middle and high schoolers to be part of its growing student ministry. Regular Sunday and Wednesday services are open to everyone.
“Everyone is welcome here,” Gilliam said. “Whether you’ve been part of the church for years or you’re just curious about faith, we want you to know there’s a place for you at First McKinney.”
Students and families interested in getting connected can find more information about programs, service times and upcoming events by visiting www.firstmckinney.com/students.
The above story was produced by Community Impact's Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel, with information solely provided by the local business as part of its "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
