The Cove – Youth Ministry

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What's The Cove?

The Cove exists to help students know Jesus, understand God’s Word, and build a faith that’s their own. Our goal isn’t for students to borrow someone else’s faith. We want them to build a faith that’s their own. We immerse students in Scripture so they can answer four questions that shape every follower of Jesus: Who is Jesus? Who does He say I am? Can I trust Him? How do I follow Him?

We believe the Bible is God’s Word and that it tells one unified story leading to Jesus. Every week we open Scripture together, ask honest questions, and learn how God’s truth shapes the way we live. Whether a student has been following Jesus for years or is just beginning to explore faith, they’re welcome here.

We believe students grow best in relationships. That’s why our ministry is built around biblical teaching, small groups, service, and simply spending time together. Our hope is that students leave The Cove grounded in Christ, equipped to study Scripture for themselves, and ready to continue growing wherever life takes them.

Click here to keep up with us or learn more!

How We Grow

Sunday Nights @ The Cove

Join us every Sunday from 5:00–7:00 PM for dinner, worship, teaching, small groups, games, and community.

5:00: Check In & Hang Out

5:15: Games & Announcements

5:30: Teaching

5:50: Small Groups

6:20: Dinner

6:50: Pickup

Sunday School | Sundays at 9:00 AM

Middle and high school students meet in The Cove (connected to the gym) for Scripture-centered teaching, discussion, and reflection.

Late Start Bible Study | Every Other Wednesday, 8:00–9:00 AM

A smaller, discussion-focused Bible study held in The Cove or the community. These offer a meaningful way to begin the school day grounded in God’s Word. Check the calendar for dates and locations!

Fellowship, Service & Discipleship Opportunities

Throughout the year, students are invited into special events, service opportunities, trips, retreats, and conferences that help deepen faith and strengthen community.

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 for rising through graduating high school students with hundreds 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.

I’m Torsten Hallman, and I serve as the Student Ministry Director here at Lake Murray Presbyterian Church.

I’ve spent more than 12 years working with students through education, coaching, and ministry. Before joining LMPC, I taught and coached in the Chapin community while also serving as a part time Youth Director in Newberry. Those experiences taught me that students need adults who genuinely know them, care about them, and are willing to walk alongside them through every season of life.
One of my favorite parts of ministry is building relationships with students and their families. Whether it’s talking before Youth, showing up at a game, grabbing breakfast before school, serving on a mission trip, or simply catching up after church, I believe some of the most meaningful conversations happen outside of a lesson or a Sunday night.
I love seeing students connect the truth of Scripture to their everyday lives. Some of my favorite nights are the ones where students ask hard questions, wrestle with a passage, or make a connection they’ve never seen before. Those moments remind me that God is at work, and it’s a privilege to be part of that process.
Outside of ministry, my wife, Lacey, and I are raising our two children, Mills and Maren, and we’re grateful to call LMPC home. It’s a privilege to serve this church, and I’d love the opportunity to get to know your family.