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Last Login: 5/19/2007 7:03:34 AM
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| | I am a Senior in High School/Freshman in College (Dual enrolled) and I have been at my home church for about 12 years (I'm 17 now). Our youth group, before I was in high school was limited to 9th grade to 12th grade... nothing over or below, with very strict rules. I was so excited the summer I was able to go to youth group and felt it was such a priveledge. We've had our high (15) and low (2) numbers of youth, but throughout the whole time I've felt it has been great. Here's the issue: now our youth group has middle school kids, me, one other high school freshman, and a 21 yr old (aside from our leader). I was wondering if anyone else had an age issue within their youth group, and how they 'solved it', or if there were any suggestions... I feel a bit on the 'leader' side of things when we go places, not that I mind helping, but I don't feel as though I am in the youth group, and I am not 18, so I don't think I am a leader/chaperone. |
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| | I know how you feel. I feel like a student leader all the time. I would say to back up from your role as a student leader and just have fun at the events that your Youth Group goes too but be helpful when needed. It's better for you to soak up what God wants you to soak up then to make sure that the other kids are where they're supposed to be at and if they are behaving. I would also encourage you and the other people in your Youth Group to bring their friends along to the different events if possible. Some events can have that happen and some events are for the uniting and growth of your Youth Group. I would also say to have an attitude of wanting to learn from the younger teens in your Youth Group. This can be hard but everyone is at a different time in their walk with God and a younger teen might help you with an area of your life that you struggle with. I hope this helps. God Bless, Josh T. in Ohio
 Group's Crocodile Dock VBS 2009  Date: To Be Determined |
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Last Login: 6/7/2007 8:53:35 AM
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| Hi, I'm a Youth Leader (aka Youth Pastor) and I had the same dilemma with my group. We had from age 12 all the way to age 18 which is a big span. We also experienced times of very small groups (3) so it was scary to change anything because our group had grown to 20 +. However the younger kids were getting to be a bit of a distraction and some of the issues we covered didn't really apply to their life or situations they came in contact with. Some of my older kids approached me about dividing and after some time I did ask our Pastor. We ended up making a whole new group of just 6 - 8 grade and both groups have exploded where we have almost 20 in each group. Ultimately it is God drawing them but I think part of the success is due to them feeling comfortable in their own age group and inviting friends because they enjoy it. Hope you can come up with a solution that fits your group! God bless.
"Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words"
~Ghandi |
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| Dear Sarah:
I hear your heart in your message. It would be great for you to have many kids your own age for support and camaraderie. Middle Schoolers are in a different place and respond to a certain style of teaching than older kids. They need they're own class.
transition to the next stage of maturity can be hard. There are actually grief and loss issues to deal with. But, leadership does not depend on age. You're always leading someone, following someone, and hopefully walking beside someone. Growth is sometimes unpleasant. God is maturing you.
I am impressed that you came to this forum and sought an answer to your question. That tells me a lot about you.
The area where I live has many small churches. Many do not have the resources or attendance to have their own youth group. They frequently lump everyone together. We've come to view our body of believers from these many churches as all together. The kids gravitate to the group where their friends are. It doesn't matter which group they attend as long as it's a good, Biblical, learning environment for them.
I suppose another suggestion would be to get some of your school friends together and start your own home group. You'd probably need to talk this over with your parents because they need to be involved too. But, I would be excited to see you use your leadership gifts to get some unchurched kids into the word.
That's all I've got. Stick with your faith. You won't always be in this situation. I will pray for you.
Kevin
 http://sundayschoollessonconnection.com/ Help and encouragement for Christian Youth Leaders plus free lesson plans to download. |
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Last Login: 7/13/2007 4:31:27 PM
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| | My suggestion or idea would be to definitely split the age groups. I would do this even if you only have a couple kids in one group to start. As for the 18 - 22 year age, I often deem those years as the lost years. Churches generally are not that great at ministering to this particular age range of which you almost are. Having something for this age group would be great too. Anyways, spliting the age groups will definitely help both groups grow as the leader can then focus on the particular age group he or she is working with. Steve
www.youthministryideas.net |
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| Hello, that problem is also in my daughters youth group. I have been a youth sponsor now for about 3 years and I have seen ages from 11 to about 21 years old that attend. You would think it would create a problem but I really haven't seen one yet. The younger kids know they cannot talk or play or else they will be separated. For the most part, they seem to behave quite well. We have anywhere from 75-100 youth every Wednesday night. From what I have seen, the older kids have testimonies that many share. I think it's great for the younger kids to hear about what happens when you choose to walk either outside or inside of God's will. I think they listen more to them sometimes than us old people. (ha,ha) Our church also has a boys and girls group that meet on Sunday mornings for the middle schoolers. It would be great to have a group for the 18-22 year olds. Does your church have service the same night? Maybe you could go to the "Big House" as our youth leader calls it. Just remember, no matter what, God is blessed by your attendance.
lezell |
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