FLOOD High School Youth Group

by Bryan Simmons on March 06, 2025

Every Wednesday night at 8 p.m., the Youth Room comes alive with laughter, energy, and meaningful conversation as FLOOD—our high school youth group—gathers for a time of connection, fun, and faith. With a mix of wild games like Traffic Jam, Trash Can of Doom, Count to 20, What If?, and the ever-intense Death Ball, there's never a dull moment.

Beyond the games, FLOOD is a place where high schoolers can be real with each other. We take time to share the highs and lows of our week, encouraging one another in whatever joys and challenges life brings. It’s a space where students know they’re not alone—where friendships grow deeper and faith becomes more personal.

Each week, I lead a discussion on why Jesus matters in our everyday lives. We tackle real-life topics, exploring how faith shapes our decisions, relationships, and outlook on the world. And, of course, no youth night is complete without free snacks and drinks to keep us fueled for the fun and conversations!

Attendance has been steady, with 6-10 high schoolers joining each week, and it’s been exciting to see a few students invite their friends. Looking ahead, I’m hoping to host a lock-in toward the end of the programming year—an overnight event filled with games, worship, and plenty of late-night fun!

If you're a high schooler looking for a midweek boost, come check out FLOOD. We’d love to have you join us!

About the Author

Bryan Simmons

Pastor Bryan grew up in the Minneapolis area of Minnesota. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management at Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, where he met his wife, Tricia. Bryan and Tricia were married in January of 2004 and had their oldest son, Logan, in 2005.

Before becoming a pastor, Bryan set out to succeed in business so that he could run a philanthropic foundation, helping those who help others. During a struggling economy, Bryan found himself in data management with Wells Fargo, in the marketing department of an up-and-coming medical device manufacturer, doing finance, accounting, and draft work for his father’s startup engineering company, and even becoming a business broker, matching sellers of companies with potential buyers. By the end, he worked for his father-in-law as an auto mechanic and considered running his own auto shop one day.

Before long, Bryan answered God’s ongoing call to ministry. It was there at Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, IA, that Bryan and Tricia had their youngest son, Luke, in 2009. Since then, Bryan served Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Jackson, MN before coming to Bethesda in 2015. Bryan’s favorite thing about Bethesda is the people and their desire as believers to make Christ known through the work that they do and the organizations that they support. He looks forward to meeting new people and can’t wait to work alongside you for the sake of the Gospel.

Pastor Bryan is also an author, publishing a daily blog he wrote leading up to the 500th anniversary of the Reformation which he called, Ninety-Five Reflections: Martin Luther's 95 Theses Yesterday and Today.