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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/31/2007 3:17:38 PM
Posts: 2,
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Ok so I got an internship to come be the youth guy at a church. The problem is though that I can count the young people in the church on one hand. And young just for reference means under 50. So in a sea of white how do I attract and make a youth group from literally nothing. I need to make a start this summer for my replacement but I have not had much success. I had a summer kickoff and some junior high kids came but they were from other churches mostly. I had a paint ball trip and 7 kids came because the pastor's sons invited them. Then the church got a kid to play in praise band for sunday morning. So I have 3 youth. kind of. I've been asking them to invite their friends and move from there. But so far I haven't had much luck. What kind of events do I need to host, or things do I need to do if I don't really have anything to start with. I do have money and facilities to work with but no game plan Ism just throwing events calling people and crossing my fingers. If anyone has some advice that would Rock! Thanks.
Phillip Meece
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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 10/17/2007 8:09:22 PM
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Well, we had a very small group, and there may be a day you look back and wonder why you were unhappy with 3!! ha!
I think the one thing we did that helped get things going was committing to meeting with the youth once a week. It gave some structure and we just continued to add kids. Then we've made an attempt to make our VBS 'sticky' so to speak. In other words, we'd have 10-15 visitors for VBS and we'd make a real push to get one or two that become regulars after VBS.
When we started, we had 5-6 kids in youth. that was about 2 years ago and now we have 15-20 pretty regularly.
There's no switch to flip, be patient and trust the Lord to use you where and how appropriate.
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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 9/4/2007 2:28:29 PM
Posts: 1,
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| Remember it is all about building relationships (not programs or events) with the students God has given you. Spend time hanging with them outside the church walls, get to know them, build a level of trust of friendship. Then after awhile have them invite a friend or two the next time you get together with them. I know what you are thinking . . . this takes time and you are right. It is not about how many students attend your ministry event, ultimately it is about God choosing you to pour into the hearts of those He sends your way. Youth ministry happens every time you love a student in the name God. Hang in there, God is good . . . all the time.
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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/22/2007 5:18:51 PM
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I may not be a youth leader but i am a youth and our youth group was not very strong in the beginning either with about 4 or 5 and then we had a few fun meetings and invited nearby churches youth groups to have lock-ins or Barb-B-Qs and more people started coming and we are now at about 13 or 15 other youth also inviting the older members to help out may bring them some joy as well
Gods peace
Scott
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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/31/2007 3:17:38 PM
Posts: 2,
Visits: 4
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thanks for your responses, I have 5 or 7 kids that come sparadically but are starting to be interested. I am now passing on my job to a good friend of mine while I go back to school. Any advice on how to support this transition and I don't mean for me I'm happy for the church/my replacement I just don't know how to get the kids excited about their new leader....
Phillip Meece
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