Catalyst is officially underway, and this weekend Bellevue’s middle school and high school students are more than just gathering for another event—they’re stepping into a focused time of discipleship, community, and spiritual growth.
This year’s Catalyst weekend is bringing students together for worship, time in Scripture, Life Group conversations, and powerful teaching from Pastor Ben Mandrell and Brent Crowe—all with an atmosphere of energy, joy, and connection that makes student ministry come alive. At the heart of Catalyst is a simple but powerful truth: Fun and faith were never meant to compete.
“There’s a misconception that more fun means less teaching, and that’s not true,” Middle School Ministerial Assistant Brandan Bowers said. “If you keep the energy and the fun up and keep the teaching strong, you get the best of both worlds.”
Throughout this weekend, students are experiencing high-energy activities, shared moments of laughter, and meaningful community. And that joy is contagious—filling every corner of the room.
“As believers, we have been saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, so we have every reason to be joyful,” Bellevue’s Middle School Assistant Director, Sam Morris, said. “We should be having the most fun in the world—but always in a way that reflects how we love God and love one another.”
While many student events focus on first steps of faith, Catalyst is designed to help students take the next step in their walks with Christ.
“It’s our most discipleship-focused event,” Sam said. “We clearly share the Gospel, but a majority of what we talk about is geared toward believers taking another step in their faith—not necessarily the first one.”
That’s why this weekend’s breakout sessions are centered on real-life faith—trusting God in difficult seasons, navigating family struggles, living on mission, and learning how to apply biblical truth in everyday life.
“We want to sharpen their faith,” Sam said. “Not just teach them what to believe—but help them live it.”
Catalyst isn’t about creating a temporary spiritual high—it’s about cultivating lasting transformation. That’s why small groups and one-on-one conversations are woven throughout the weekend. Leaders become mentors who stay connected with students long after the event ends, walking alongside them as they navigate the challenges of living out their faith.
“We’re not praying for a moment—we’re praying for a life change,” Brandan said. “The God students encounter here is the same God who meets them in their everyday lives.”
As Catalyst continues this weekend, the prayer isn’t just for powerful moments—it’s for lasting faith, deeper trust, and students who leave equipped to live boldly for Christ in their schools, homes, and communities.
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