Student Ministry


Common Ground is the junior and senior high student ministry at Elim for students grade 6–12. Its mission is to help students realize the relationship they were intended to have with God and others. We do this by nurturing a passionate relationship with Christ. Both age groups meet on Sunday nights at Elim, 6:00–8:00 p.m., for teaching, small groups, and games. Both junior high and senior high students usually meet in the Garden House at 6:00 p.m. Events are scheduled regularly for both junior and senior high students. For more information contact us at youth@elimefc.org.

Common Ground Medical Release/Waiver Form

Leader Meeting Permission Form

Common Ground Facebook page

Common Ground Instagram: ElimStudent

Meet our leaders

John Reynolds, Youth Director – I am a transplant to Washington. I have been working with youth ministry in some capacity since 2004, both with Churches and Para-Church organizations like Young Life. I have my Bachelor in Christian Ministry (Theology) and Non-Profit Management. My journey in ministry began when I personally experienced the transformative power of Jesus through Young Life (Lake Champion, NY 00). As a grateful beneficiary, I became deeply involved as a volunteer, intern, and staff working closely with students, and guiding them in personal growth and spiritual development. These experiences instilled in me a profound understanding of the importance of mentorship and the positive influence the Gospel can have on young lives.

My amazing wife Alexia has served as an LPN specializing in Alzheimer’s care and a early childhood educator. She has a deep passion for helping the most vulnerable people. She currently has taken on the calling to homeschool. We have four boys: Zane, Grayson, Johnny, and Jackson. We are all excited to be a part of the team here and look forward to what God instore for the future.

Gregg – I have been working with the high school youth group at Elim since 2012. I grew up in this exact youth ministry, which was an instrumental part of my teenage years. I love walking alongside our youth. I have seen firsthand the personal struggles that many of our teenagers go through, but I continue to see God work in and through them as they mature into adults with a faith of their own. In my free time I love traveling and photography.

Claire – I have been one of the junior high leaders since 2018. My absolute favorite part of youth group is getting to know the students and walking with them as they navigate life and start to understand more about their faith. I grew up as a missionary kid in Kenya and have many examples of how important faith is for daily life. I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve with the youth group.

Jane – I am a follower of Jesus, first and foremost. I have been in youth leadership for over 10 years. I am a retired social worker, with a child and family focus.

Ryan