Loganville, GA From shared meals to community service, the ministry founded by Connor Moore is growing with help from dedicated volunteers and generous local businesses.

Sometimes, building a stronger community starts with something simple: opening the doors, sharing a meal and giving young people a place to belong.

That is the spirit behind The Lion’s Den, a Christian youth ministry founded by Connor Moore that gathers at Trinity Prep. Each Friday, students in grades five through twelve can come together for an evening of basketball, volleyball, dinner, worship and lessons in faith.

The ministry partners with Trinity Prep but operates independently of the school. Its invitation extends beyond Trinity’s students, welcoming young people from throughout the community.

For two hours each Friday, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., the program makes room for friendships, fellowship and conversations that can help shape a young person’s life.

And the community is responding.

What began with a little more than 20 young people has grown into regular gatherings drawing 60 or more. Larger events have brought even more people together, including a summer cookout attended by approximately 150 people and a Halloween celebration that welcomed more than 300.

Those numbers reflect growing interest, but the purpose behind The Lion’s Den is personal: reaching young people, helping them grow in faith and giving them opportunities to care for others.

Seven volunteer leaders help carry that mission forward. Their work includes organizing activities, coordinating meals and planning special events, with Jen handling event planning. Each gathering depends on people willing to give their time and energy to the next generation.

A shared dinner is part of that effort. Sitting down to eat gives students another opportunity to connect, and local restaurants and businesses have stepped forward to support the ministry.

Among the businesses recognized by The Lion’s Den are Chick-fil-A in Monroe and Snellville, Whataburger, Tequila Street Taqueria, Pamendi’s, Zaxby’s in Monroe, Smokin’ Po Boys, Jimmy John’s in Bethlehem, Corner's Edge Butcher Shop, BIGGBY Coffee and Amici in Monroe.

Their support is part of the community effort that helps keep the program going. Home Depot has also donated lights and other supplies, while Taylor’s Towing brought vehicles for an event.

For a ministry run by volunteers, those contributions matter. A meal, supplies or help with an event can make it possible to welcome more young people and offer more opportunities to participate.

The Lion’s Den also encourages students to carry that spirit of generosity beyond their Friday gatherings.

Through its service group, Beyond the Den, students visit The Retreat at Loganville, a senior living facility, where they play bingo and other games with residents. Outreach efforts also include work involving a Monroe school serving students with autism.

Serving others gives young people a chance to put their faith into practice and discover that they have something valuable to offer their neighbors.

Families are part of the ministry’s growing community, too. A monthly parent night creates an opportunity for parents to connect with the program and the people investing in their children.

Looking ahead, The Lion’s Den hopes to expand its reach further by adding a special needs program. Qualified volunteers will be essential to helping that effort take shape.

The ministry is also seeking additional partners, volunteers to assist with events, food donations for Friday evenings and financial support. Its current fundraising goal is $4,000.

There are many ways for neighbors to become part of the story. A business can help provide dinner. A volunteer can lend a hand at an event. Someone with experience supporting young people with special needs can help the ministry prepare for its next chapter.

Each contribution supports the same goal: making space for local youth to build friendships, grow in faith and experience the care of their community.

Connor Moore started The Lion’s Den without knowing how large it would become. Today, its growth is being sustained by volunteers who keep showing up, businesses that keep giving and young people who keep coming through the doors.

At its heart, the ministry’s work remains simple and deeply human: share a meal, learn together, pray together and look for ways to help someone else.

For the young people gathering each Friday, that can be the beginning of something lasting.

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