We are the youth ministry of Heritage Church in Hattiesburg, MS.
WHO WE ARE
We seek to help all people discover and deepen their relationship with Jesus, while sharing His love with others.
THE HONOR CODE
Heritage Youth is a ministry built on one word: Honor. Honoring up, down, and all around. We honor those who are older than us and those in authority by respecting them. We honor down by setting the example for those younger, leading with love and integrity. And we honor all around by encouraging our classmates and treating those our age with respect. Living with honor isn’t just what we do; it’s who we are, because it’s how Jesus lived.
NOTETAKERS
We believe that notetakers are history-makers. Taking notes helps us remember what we hear, think about it later, and grow closer to God.
THE BIG FOUR
We are committed to helping youth (6th-12th Grade) know God, find freedom, discover their God-given purpose, and make a difference.
ONE | KNOW GOD - God doesn’t just want us to follow rules. He wants a real relationship with us. At Heritage Youth, that’s our focus. Whether you’re new to faith, have questions, or have been following Jesus for years, we are a safe and welcoming place to get to know God and grow closer to Him.
TWO | FIND FREEDOM - God designed us to live in freedom, and one of the ways He helps us do that is through people. Being part of a Discipleship Group (D-Group) gives you a chance to connect, grow, and do life with others who will walk with you, encourage you, and help you stay strong in your faith. It’s real community, and it can change your life.
THREE | DISCOVER THEIR GOD-GIVEN PURPOSE - You’re a vital part of God’s plan, and your life has real meaning when you discover your God-Given Purpose. At Heritage Youth, we’ll help you explore your spiritual gifts and understand how God made you to make a difference.
FOUR | MAKE A DIFFERENCE - God’s ultimate plan for your life is to make a difference in the lives of others. When you do, the Bible says you’ll experience real joy. At Heritage Youth, we want to help you live out your calling by using your gifts and talents to serve in the church and the community.
VISION FOR 2025-2026 | FAN THE FLAME
This year, we’re not just trying to keep the fire going; we’re going to fan it into flame. (2 Timothy 1:6) That means helping our youth grow in their faith, calling, and God-given purpose.
Our vision centers on 7 Logs that keep the flame burning: God’s Word. Prayer. Worship. Community. Calling. Obedience. & Endurance.
Please join us in prayer as we step into this new school year, believing that God has even greater things in store for us.
Click Here to download the Roadmap for the 2025-2026 School Year.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
Whether you’re brand new to church, have followed Jesus for years, or are just looking for a fresh start, you belong here at Heritage Youth.
WEEKLY SCHEDULE
SUNDAY MORNINGS | 9:00 A.M. Small Groups/Sunday School
Every Sunday morning from 9:00 A.M. to 9:40 A.M., we gather upstairs in the youth Small Groups/Sunday School Rooms for a time of connection and growth. Our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders meet together, while our 9th through 12th graders have their own separate study.
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS | 5:30 P.M. Youth Room
Heritage Youth meets every Wednesday night from 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. upstairs in the youth space. We offer a dynamic and welcoming environment where 6th-12th graders can connect, worship, and grow together.
Our evenings are packed with fun games, powerful worship, and relevant teaching for both middle school and high school students. We also have grade and gender-specific D-groups, providing a space for deeper discussions and building strong, supportive relationships.
PRAYER BREAKFAST
We believe in starting our day with prayer, community, and a focus on God. Join us for a short devo, group prayer, and a chance to grow together before school.
WHERE & WHEN | 7:00 A.M. - 7:45 A.M. Sumrall, Purvis, & Oak Grove
We meet for prayer breakfast at Ward’s in Sumrall on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, McDonald’s in Purvis on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, and Topher’s near Oak Grove High School every Thursday from 7:00 to 7:45 AM.
WHAT TO EXPECT
We believe that everyone is created on purpose, for a purpose, and with a purpose.
WORSHIP
Worship that centers our hearts on Jesus.
Before anything else, we want to help our youth hit pause, tune out the noise, and focus on the God who’s always with them.
MESSAGE
God’s truth, made clear for today’s youth.
Every message gives youth the truth about who God is, who they are, what following Jesus looks like, and how they can make a difference.
D-Groups
Don’t do life alone.
Every youth is placed in a discipleship group (D-Group) of their peers and an adult leader who is passionate about investing in the next generation. These groups process life, faith, and following Jesus together.
Life can get busy, and sometimes it's just not possible to make it to our Wednesday night gatherings.
But fear not!
We've got you covered. Whether you were caught up in work, had a prior commitment, or simply couldn't make it, we understand that you still want to stay connected and receive the valuable messages we share.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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FALL BEACH RETREAT
Monday, September 29 , 2025 - Thursday, October 2, 2025
Get ready for an unforgettable getaway this fall!
During fall break, we’re heading to Gulf Shores Beach Retreat for a powerful time of rest, connection, and encountering God in a fresh way.
This retreat will be an incredible opportunity for our youth to step away from the noise, be refreshed, and grow closer together as a group. Each night, Austin Mathis will lead us in a powerful teaching.
Every morning, we’ll gather for a short devotional before heading into a day packed with either beach time, putt-putt golf, or hanging out at some of Gulf Shores’ best spots.
You’ll enjoy free time, group outings, and plenty of time to laugh, relax, and grow closer as a youth group.
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BREAKTHRU
Tuesday, December 30, 2025 - Friday, January 2, 2026
BreakThru is known for being an incredible experience where youth encounter God in powerful ways each day. They’ll meet with their Small Group leader to discuss how God is speaking to them, and in those moments, we see Him doing “immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). It’s a place where youth surrender their lives to Christ, open up about the challenges of growing up in today’s culture, and find hope in Jesus.
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THE AWAKENING WEEKEND
Friday, February 20, 2026 - Sunday, February 22, 2026
Get ready for a weekend that will ignite your faith, fuel your purpose, and inspire you to make a lasting impact!
The Awakening Weekend is designed to help you uncover your God-given purpose and empower you to live it out in our community.
This weekend will equip you to make a difference through dynamic worship, powerful teachings, and meaningful connections.
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M28 CAMP
Dates Coming Soon…
Next summer, Heritage Youth is heading to M28 Camp at Lake Junaluska, NC!
Each day is filled with worship, biblical teaching, and free time to grow as a group.
During free time, we’ll have the option to go whitewater rafting, kayaking, zip lining, and more!
Camp includes lodging, meals, programming, and a pool pass.
M28 is for both students and adults, with everyone placed in Discipleship Groups to dive deeper into God’s Word.
We can’t wait!
HERITAGE YOUTH APP
Stay connected to Heritage Youth by downloading the Heritage Youth App.
To access the Heritage Youth App, you’ll need to download the ChurchFlare App first. Once downloaded, allow location access one time, and Heritage Youth will automatically appear as the first option.
From there, you’ll have access to past messages, powerful teachings, and real-time updates, all in one place. Whether you want to strengthen your faith or stay informed on upcoming events, this app is designed just for you!
Deepen Your Faith
Revisit past messages and dive into biblical truths that will challenge and encourage you.
Stay In The Loop
Get real-time updates and text alerts about upcoming events so you never miss out on what's happening at Heritage Youth.
Grow Together
Whether you're a youth looking to strengthen your faith or a parent wanting to support your child’s spiritual journey, this app is built for you!
At Heritage Youth, we believe God never called us to do life alone.
That’s why I’m here, to partner with you and your family during this season.
Whether your youth is just starting out or already deeply involved, we truly believe the best is yet to come.
This is more than just a ministry; it’s a family, and we’re excited to walk alongside you every step of the way.
I’d love the chance to connect with you personally.
Click the link below, and let’s see what God has in store this year.