Starting something Big and I need ideas!

[dwayne1115]

I have some great news everyone that I want to share with you. I have been voted into the office of a Youth Minister at my church. The Lord has really made me go through a whole lot to get to this point, but I feel that I'm ready, and will for the huge task at hand.
That all said, I need to come up with some ideas on how to get more Teens into the church. Right now I have have none, and I want some ideas what things Teens like, and what I could use as a hook to get them to come in.
I feel very strongly that Teens, and families Need the word of the Lord, and I feel that I can help steer young people in the right path if done right. If anyone has any ideas please let me know. Thanks, and God bless.

 

[GonzoLeaper]

Hey- that is awesome, dwayne1115! I trust God will use you to reach many teenagers for Christ at the church you're with.
I think one of the best pieces of advice I can give is to connect with the teenagers in your church (and then in your community) as much as you can, but in a nonconfrontational way if you know what I mean. That is- you might like to have some icebreaker questions at the ready for your first time out- (a friend of mine just recently started working as a youth pastor at church, so he's been going through this too.) You might try asking some simple get-to-know-you type questions and then also some goofy-for-fun questions and maybe a few serious spiritual ones mixed in. I would also recommend using candy and/or junk food of some sort. Most teenagers usually enjoy games (even goofy ones- but not too goofy- i.e. juvenile) and definitely junk food. You might try having the kids answer the questions on bingo boards and then offer the kids with a bingo a small prize- like a pack of M&Ms.
Or you could just ask kids to name something they learned about their partner (if you have them pair up to do this and answer questions about each other)- and then offer those who can name at least three things some marshmallows- but make them catch them in the air with their mouth as you throw them to them. [well- that might be fun with one- if they're missing them, I wouldn't torture them with it. lol]
Anyway- that's just a goofy icebreaker idea.
There's plenty of other things you can try- bowling, mini golf, arcades, and movie outings are always popular. Or do something fun at the church- maybe a themed movie night with discussion afterwards. Lock-ins are always fun- and crazy. (But you may not want to do that right away...) And of course, there's always good concerts to hit up- like Relient K and Switchfoot! ApologetiX is awesome too.
But more than just fun things- also get the teens involved in doing service projects for The Lord. Especially during the summer, there's all kinds of opportunities to do work with groups like Habitat for Humanity, Campus Crusade for Christ, World Changers, and others.
I would also suggest getting a FaceBook and Twitter account if you're not already on there and a cell phone with texting, as these may well be some of the primary methods teenagers may contact you with.
Most importantly- beyond any other kind of "hook" as such, just make sure to be diligently teaching the Word of God and helping the teenagers know how much Jesus loves them. Help them know how important and simple it is to know Christ as Savior by simply believing on Him as Lord and trusting His death on the cross and Resurrection as the payment for their sins and asking Him to come in and save them. There's nothing more important you can do than that.
For those in there who know Christ, help learn how to study to show themselves a workman approved (2 Timothy 2:15) and show them how to live out their faith and walk as Jesus walked. And show them the love of Christ evident in your life and help them and encourage them in showing Jesus' love to everyone they meet.
I'll pray for ya, man. God bless.
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

 

[Gonzo's Hobbit]

Have you considered Fuge or Student life Summer camp? I know it's a little late for this year but maybe next year. The youth have rec days, there are fun, meaningful sermons and lessons. They youth are split into groups so they can get to know other people. I'm not really describing it all that well but hopefully it looks somewhat interesting.

I know that the youth group at out church tries to do things more than just weekly bible studies and church. The youth leader tries to have movie nights, they've done lazer tag before, they host concerts for local bands, more outreach type things. They also try to do retreats or lockins every now and then. There's one they do that doesn't really cost all that much because it's bascially a big slumber party. Families from the church host groups (Middle school girls, middle school boys, high school girls, high school guys) that way it's a little more of a gathering than just a few hours or get together.
We've also found that media stuff gets people involved. If you've got anyone that's handy with video stuff you could make small videos that are engaging.

 

[Beakerfan]

Hey Dwayne!
Having worked/been in youth ministry for the past five years or so, here are some things I've found that work:

1. Start your weekly Bible-study night with a game or two. Make it a game that gets the kids off their feet and running around because it gets their energy out and ready to focus on the study. It also helps make the kids want to keep coming.

2. Get the kids involved in anything possible - let them help plan events, bring stuff, lead worship songs, or even lead prayer-groups.

3. Keep the study fairly interactive - if it is more of a guided open discussion or at least a lecture where the kids can feel free to ask questions or make comments when they feel necessary the kids will find it more inviting and interesting.

4. Don't be afraid to tell the truth - if you see the kids behaving in an inappropriate manner, use it as an opportunity to teach the whole group (i.e. start a study on modesty or purity)

 

[GonzoLover85]

Dwayne,

I'm also working in youth ministry, and it can be quite the challenge.

I've recently been planning for the new school year and I've discovered some things in my planning.

A)Once you've got people coming: if you're going to be teaching a lesson while they're there; try using video clips and physical examples of what you're talking about. The kids I work with have a very low attention span and I find they can focus better if their attention is switched from one thing to another quickly. Instead of having someone drone on for 20 minutes.

B) As Gonzo's Hobbit mentioned: Big events are a great way to get more people coming out.
Some things I've tried are:

• Laser tag allnighter.
• Paintball (surprisingly teenage girls were very gung-ho about this)
• Free Drive-in at your church (invite your community)
• Use a projector and a big screen (from your drive-in?) and have a Mario-Kart tournament or a family friendly video game competition.
• I'm not sure of your church's dotrine or rules... but have a dance/prom for the kids as fun night to get dressed up and dance.
• camping retreats
• free BBQ at the church for families

I've got lists of ideas if you want anything else.

C) As Beakerfan said... get the kids involved. Some kids just love to be told what to do, but for the most part. If it's possible, let the kids do the planning. For example, if you were to run a dance/prom.. let the kids pick the theme, give them a budget and let them get the decorations and set up. They're doing what they love and it's (usually) less stress in your life.