Throughout 2025, something remarkable has been unfolding among the students of Christ Church Plano. Across Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights, Bible studies, retreats, and summer gatherings, students have been showing up—not only in greater numbers, but with deeper hunger, growing confidence, and a willingness to lead.
According to Canon Travis Wilson, who leads Family Ministry and Adult Discipleship, the Lord’s movement among students has been both wide-ranging and deeply personal.
“It has been incredible to see the love of the Lord gathering people of all ages to himself,” he said. “From new families coming into the church, to students leading students in Bible study, it has been incredible to witness God at work.”
One of the clearest markers of that work has been the way students themselves have initiated discipleship. Canon Travis recalled a moment early in the fall, when “two sisters approached me expressing a desire for a girls bible study.” That conversation led to the launch of an eight-week girls’ Bible study led by Lizzie Morgan and Erika Donison, where “every Monday for 8 weeks, middle and high school girls gathered and found community in God’s Word.”
The fruit multiplied quickly.
“That study led to several guys in the youth requesting a study of their own,” he said.
Soon after, the boys’ Bible study launched as well. One evening, when Canon Travis had to be absent, a student stepped forward.
“One of the teens said that he would lead… I met with him and coached him to lead the Bible study and he did it for the very first time!”
That theme—students stepping into ownership—has echoed across the ministry. Lizzie Morgan, Associate Youth and Young Adult Minister, has seen it firsthand.
“I have seen the Lord at work most in the students’ hearts when it comes to their willingness to both dive into Scripture and become more involved with helping to serve,” she said. “There seems to be a real hunger, which is very awesome to see.”
That hunger has translated into leadership.
“We have a few young ladies and gentlemen who have started to lead Bible studies for their peers,” Lizzie shared. “We also have a few students who are getting more involved with leading worship and praise.”
She noted that these steps often require courage, adding, “These students are really taking steps of faith and leading in ways that could be very intimidating at times.”
Beyond weekly rhythms, student ministry in 2025 has been marked by milestone moments and expansive programming. Canon Travis highlighted the launch of an eight-week Youth Confirmation Class, an extraordinary VBS supported by 148 volunteers, and God’s provision of “the perfect summer camp venue.” Students were also shaped through fall retreat, midweek mentoring on Wednesdays, and Monday Bible studies, while younger students were formed through the new Explorers Program for kindergarten and first grade.
College students, too, have been discipled by diving into God’s word each Sunday together, alongside the Priors Program, a ten-month formation experience for young adults.
In addition, the Family Ministry team launched a new initiative, Parents Circle, where parents can gather to build relationships and learn together—and from each other—how to raise their children in the love of God.
For Erika Donison, Family Ministry Intern, this year has been deeply life-giving. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this tired, but I’ve also never felt more alive in my faith,” she reflected.
Having grown up in Christ Church Family Ministry herself, Erika has witnessed growth that goes far beyond attendance.
“Over the past couple of years, the ministry has grown significantly—not just in numbers but in spiritual depth,” she said.
Erika described watching students engage deeply through “Sunday mornings, Bible Studies, Wednesday nights, Summer Camp, and Fall Retreat,” calling the ministry “a family in Christ: loving, encouraging, and walking alongside one another.”
Like Canon Travis and Lizzie, she pointed to the girls’ Bible study as a defining moment, saying, “Each Monday, I watched these girls lean into their faith, ask thoughtful questions, and care for one another in such Christ-centered ways.”
Across the board, leaders have noted that growth has come not through pressure, but through the Spirit’s prompting.
“We did not push for anyone wanting to lead Bible studies or worship right away,” Lizzie said. “The kids sort of came to us about it first.”
Canon Travis echoed this, saying, “Growth has really looked like students taking ownership of the ministry in a profound way… being equipped and empowered to share that faith.”
As the year draws to a close, the invitation to prayer remains central. Leaders ask the congregation to pray for students and families as a new year of ministry begins, for Bible studies relaunching, and for continued wisdom as students step into leadership.
Erika summed it up simply: “Please pray that our students continue building their lives on the foundation of Jesus and his word.”
