Student Ministry
Follow Jesus, Fellowship Together, Further the Kingdom
Student Rhythms
6th Grade – High School
Sunday School
Sundays at 9:45 a.m.
The Well*
Life Groups
Sundays at 6:00 p.m.
Multiple Rooms
Mid-Week Worship
Wednesdays at 6:30-7:30 p.m.
The Well*
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. to play games and hang out.
*The Well is located in the red brick building across from the Worship Center.
The Mission of FBCO Students
The FBCO Student ministry exists to see all students FOLLOW Jesus, FELLOWSHIP with one another, and FURTHER the kingdom of God.
Everything we do—from Sunday mornings in The Well, to Mid-Week Worship and Life Groups—is designed to help students own their faith and become lifelong followers of Jesus.
Upcoming Student Events
Amplify
Amplify
Seniors Only
IGNT – Lime Night
IGNT – Lime Night
Dodgeball Tournament
Dodgeball Tournament
Compete. Costumes. Conquer.
Life Groups End of Year Party
Life Groups End of Year Party
Graduate Blessing Dinner
Graduate Blessing Dinner
Speak life. Launch strong.
Grad Sunday
Grad Sunday
Celebrated. Prayed over. Sent out.
NOLA Mission Lab
NOLA Mission Lab
Live on mission. Serve the city.
Summer Camp
Summer Camp
The BEST week of the year.
All events are open to 6th–12th graders unless noted. Registration required.
Common Questions
Where do Student Ministry events take place?
Most of our events happen in The Well or the Middle School Building. We often open the doors 30 minutes early so students can have a chance to hang out, grab a snack, and connect before things kick off!
What is IGNT?
Once a month during our Mid-Week Worship night, we do things bigger and better! On our IGNT nights, we have a dress up theme and food—giving everyone the opportunity to break the ice and have some extra fun.
What should my student wear or bring with them?
Students are welcome to bring a Bible with them to Sunday and Wednesday gatherings, but it’s not required. Encourage them to wear whatever feels most comfortable—but remember, they don’t have to dress up to impress anyone, and they definitely don’t need to try to draw attention to themselves.
How can I help my student get more involved in church?
The best way is to show up and stay connected! Encourage your student to come early and meet new people at weekly gatherings. Our Sunday evening Life Groups are an especially great place to connect with new friends 1:1—and talk about what it means to follow Jesus in whatever grade God has placed you in right now.
Our Staff
Paul Dunbar serves as the Student Pastor at First Baptist Church of Opelika (FBCO), where he is dedicated to helping the next generation know, love, and follow Jesus. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Angelo State University in 2005. During his college years, Paul met his wife, Leslie, and they were married in 2004. Together, they have been building a life centered on faith, family, and ministry.
Paul and Leslie are the proud parents of four daughters—Rorie, Ryanne, Rheaganne, and Rhettleigh. One of Paul’s greatest joys is watching his girls grow, pursue their dreams, and discover who God created them to be.
Paul began serving in full-time ministry in 2010, responding to God’s call to invest in the local church and the spiritual formation of students. In 2024, he earned a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, further equipping him for gospel-centered leadership.
Outside of ministry, Paul enjoys spending time with his family, riding his Harley, hunting, and going on dates with Leslie. Whether at church, in the outdoors, or on the open road, Paul’s desire remains the same—to love God wholeheartedly, lead his family faithfully, and help others experience the transforming power of Jesus Christ.
Sawyer serves as a Student Ministry Associate at First Baptist Opelika, where he loves helping students connect the dots of living for Jesus in their everyday lives. Originally from Trussville, he attended Liberty University and previously served as a year-long resident intern with the FBCO student ministry.
In his free time, Sawyer enjoys hanging out with friends and playing golf and disc golf—a sport he competed in while at Liberty University.
As a Student Ministry Associate at First Baptist Opelika, Bree loves building relationships with students and watching them grow in their faith. She graduated from Mississippi College in 2022 with a degree in Chemistry and Medical Sciences. Prior to joining FBCO, Bree worked as a surgical aide at Thomas Hospital and taught high school math and chemistry at Central Christian School.
Originally from Fairhope, Bree enjoys coaching basketball and volleyball at Lee-Scott, playing sports like basketball, pickleball, volleyball, and softball, and cheering on Alabama football. She also enjoys walks, hanging out with friends, and following college basketball and softball.
Jenny supports the student ministry team in sharing the gospel with students each week. She earned both a B.S. in Human Development & Family Studies and an M.Ed. in Adult Education from Auburn University. Before joining FBCO, Jenny worked at Auburn University for nearly 10 years.
An Opelika native, Jenny has been involved in baton twirling for over 30 years and currently serves as the Majorette Instructor at Opelika High School. She enjoys mentoring students, sharing her passion for twirling, and being an active part of her community.
Grace Corley is the Student Worship Intern here at FBC Opelika.
Caroline Fisher is the Girls’ Ministry Intern here at FBC Opelika.
Jack Hayes is the Guys’ Ministry Intern here at FBC Opelika.
Need Help or Have a Question?
Our team would love to help you find the answer you’re looking for.
