Youth Ministry - Lake Murray Presbyterian Church

Faith flows. Life grows. Welcome to The Cove.

At The Cove, we believe students aren’t just the future of the church — they are a vital part of who we are right now. Their energy, questions, and gifts make our community richer and help us reflect God’s love in powerful ways.

We’re building a ministry where young people can dig into Scripture, experience the grace of Jesus Christ, and discover how faith connects to real life. In the middle of life’s pressures and challenges, The Cove is a safe, welcoming space where students can belong, be themselves, and grow as disciples of Jesus.

Here at LMPC, we partner with families to walk alongside students as they grow in faith, claim their identity as God’s beloved, and step confidently into the calling He has placed on their lives.

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Youth Experiences

Sunday Nights @ The Cove (5–7 PM)

Our weekly gathering brings the whole youth ministry together. Each part of the night is designed to help students connect with God and with each other in meaningful ways:

Hangout & Games (5:00–5:45) — basketball, ping pong, Switch, board games, and just time to be with friends. This isn’t just about having fun (though it is!) — it gives students space to relax, feel at home, and start building friendships that make the rest of the night more meaningful.
Dinner (5:45–6:15) — we eat together because sharing a meal opens the door for conversation and community. It’s a chance for students to slow down, laugh, and connect across grades.
Message & Small Groups (6:15–7:00) — a short, practical message from God’s Word that meets students where they are, followed by age-based small groups led by trusted adults. This is where students can ask questions, share what’s going on in life, and be reminded that they’re not walking their faith journey alone.

By the end of the night, students leave encouraged, challenged, and connected. Parents can be confident their student will be cared for, known by name, and welcomed exactly as they are.

Sunday School (Sunday Mornings – 9:30 AM)

Every Sunday morning at 9:30 in The Cove, we open the Bible together and dig in with thoughtful discussion. Students are encouraged to bring their questions, their doubts, and their real-life experiences. This is a time for learning, listening, and discovering how God’s Word speaks into everyday life.

High School Late-Start Bible Study (Every Other Wednesday, 8–8:45 AM)

On late-start Wednesdays, high school students gather for a midweek reset. Locations rotate between The Cove, local restaurants, and coffee shops in the community. It’s a short but meaningful time to read Scripture, talk about life, and start the day centered on what matters most.

Trips & Retreats

Some of the best moments in youth ministry happen when we step away from the routine and spend intentional time together. Each year, The Cove offers unforgettable experiences that help students grow closer to Christ and each other:

Awanita Valley Retreats — adventure-filled weekends in the mountains with worship, teaching, and plenty of outdoor fun.
Montreat Youth Conference — a week in the mountains with thousands of Presbyterian youth, powerful speakers, and inspiring worship.
The Great Escape — summer camp for middle school students filled with energy, laughter, and faith-building experiences.
Ski Trip — a winter getaway that combines the thrill of the slopes with meaningful time in God’s Word.

These trips are highlights of the year — ask any student, and they’ll tell you the friendships, faith conversations, and memories made are life-changing.

Meet the Student Ministry Director

Torsten Hallman serves as the Student Ministry Director at Lake Murray Presbyterian Church. He has more than 12 years of experience working with students in both education and ministry, and he is passionate about helping young people connect the gospel to their everyday lives.

Torsten taught in the Chapin community for ten years at Chapin Middle and Intermediate Schools, where he also coached middle school basketball and junior varsity soccer. He then taught Biology at Dutch Fork High School for two years. During this time, he also served as a part-time Youth Director at Central United Methodist Church in Newberry. Having spent his entire career alongside students, Torsten understands the pressures and opportunities they face and works to make Scripture fresh, practical, and relatable for them.

Away from ministry, Torsten enjoys life with his wife Lacey, who is the Director of Counseling at Chapin Middle School, and their two young children who attend the LMPC Day School. He values time with friends and family, enjoys sports, video games, and reading, and has a background in music. These interests give him many points of connection with students and families, helping them feel welcomed and known.