Meet Interim Youth Co-Directors Kristen and Jacob!
Kristen Crawford is a graduate of Emory University's Candler School of Theology where she earned her Master of Divinity in 2022. She also holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Georgia (2011) and is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Georgia. She currently serves as the Complex Director (CD) of the Undergraduate Residential Center and Summer Complex Director at Emory University's Clairmont Campus, where she supports and mentors college students throughout their residential experience. Prior to her work in higher education, Kristen spent more than 15 years serving in youth ministry throughout the North GA Conference, most recently as Youth Minister at Cannon United Methodist Church in Snellville. Kristen is married to the Rev. Dr. Kevin Crawford, an ordained deacon in the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference of the UMC. You can reach Kristen at kcrawford@decaturfirst.org.
Jacob Hinckley is one of the mainstay volunteers in DFUMC’s youth ministry with significant church and youth ministry experience. During the school year, Jacob is library media assistant at Arabia Mountain High School. Jacob previously served as the Community Connections Coordinator and the Interim Youth Director at Tuskawilla United Methodist Church, the Youth Director at Thomasville First United Methodist Church, and as the Director of Operations at Chamblee United Methodist Church. Jacob is married to Vanessa, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who also serves as a youth ministry assistant with DFUMC’s youth. You can reach Jacob at jhinckley@decaturfirst.org.
Sundays
youth sunday school
9:45-10:45AM
During the school year, our sixth – twelfth grade students are invited to come at
9:45am for engaging faith conversation.
youth sunday nights
6:00-8:00PM
All 6th-12th grade youth are welcome to join us each week for a shared meal, small group discussion, and games. 6th-12th graders are also invited to sing in our Youth Choir, which meets on Sunday nights as a part of Sunday Night Youth a couple times a month. Drop off and pick up is outside the gym.
Safety
In accordance with the United Methodist Book of Discipline, Decatur First UMC requires those working with children/youth or vulnerable adults to complete a background check and safe sanctuary training, every two years. Click the button below to learn more about the DFUMC Safe Sanctuary Policy and/or take the steps to become certified.
