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| | | Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 1/29/2008 12:31:55 PM
Posts: 3, Visits: 6 |
| Here are the basics:
I have been at a church for almost 6 years, and a long story short, I am leaving. My current position was more concerned about office hours and programs, whereas my new position is much more concerned with meeting the kids where they are. That said, I don't know how to do that. Sure, I realize you spend time with them at home, at school, at ball games, etc, but how does that play out.
It may be a stupid question, but I need to know what the typical "relational youth ministry" schedule looks like. I would like to IM or speak to someone on the phone who has experience with this type of ministry. I seriously desire to do well, but I'm an introverted type, and it doesn't come natural. I am also very scientific, so for someone to walk through with me their basic weekly schedule would be very helpful.
Thanks in advance for your help. Please post tips here and if you have time to IM or phone me, pm me and we can set something up.
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| | | Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 1/29/2008 6:57:22 PM
Posts: 3, Visits: 5 |
| | Each person finds their own niche. I'm still finding mine, but I have realized that it is absolutely essential to find some way to connect with each kid...even if it's simply that you both like clouds shaped like snoopy. Video games, ball games, church, etc are just about you modeling for them what a life in Christ is to be about. Don't expect to get to know them quickly. You'll be there over a year before you'll be able to really start getting into the reality of most of the kids lives. Don't give up...you've only just begun. God bless!
The things that are obvious are only obvious to those to whom it is obvious. |
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| | | Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 1/29/2008 12:31:55 PM
Posts: 3, Visits: 6 |
| | Thanks for the reply. I think that is going to be the hardest thing to relay to the parents and staff: the fact that I can't be superman and walk in and change the world. It takes time to establish rountines and patterns. Just like you said, you have to find something that you relate to with each kids. They point about the clouds really isn't that far-fetched, as I have found thing way more silly than that with some kids. I guess the big thing I would like is what a typical month looks like for someone. For instance, if you calendar frequently, what did November look like? or even last April? I chose strays months, because I just want to get a feel for what day-to-day structure looks like in a successful youth ministry. |
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Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/9/2008 7:40:08 PM
Posts: 19, Visits: 61 |
| | I have the same questions. If I told my church leaders that I was going to abandon all programs and just play video games with youth all day then I would probably get fired! How do you spend time in the week building relationships? I think it depends on the number of students that you have. Say you have 30 youth that come faithfully. It would be very difficult for you to develop strong relationships with all of them. My recommendation would be to get adult youth leaders to help you develop relationships. You can do this by breaking up the students into small groups and allowing the small group leader to sort of act like their pastor. Another idea it to give every child an adult to mentor them. At my church we provide every 6th grader going through confirmation a mentor to meet with weekly or bi-weekly. This gives them a good adult role model. (of course, you want to pick the mentors wisely and prayerfully; maybe even let the 6th grader pick) I pretty much play the role as a youth director. I'm not the only youth pastor in a sense although I'm the only one paid. Sunday school teachers, small group leaders, parents, and others are all involved. You should make it known that you aren't doing youth ministry alone and you expect others to be involved. You can't do it alone. Trust me. I've tried and failed. Weekly schedule: Here's my goal: 15 hours with Youth: small group, worship service, lunch at school, sporting events. 15 hours prep: sermon preparations, personal development, (this is important, if I don't do this right, I won't have anything to give to the youth) rarely will I get this much time to do this. 10 hours administration: you can never escape this! Planning, future planning, recruiting, etc. these are give and take but I think they are reasonable. Bottom line: to develop good relationships, delegate. God Bless,
joshld.wordpress.com |
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| | | Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 1/29/2008 12:31:55 PM
Posts: 3, Visits: 6 |
| | Great post, thanks. I like that schedule. I can see where I'll probably be putting more time in the admin part early on, since I'm the first paid youth guy this church has had. They already have a great system of volunteers, so it will be mainly maintaining that, and getting to know the kids. Now, if I can just get over my introversion, I should be okay. |
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Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/9/2008 7:40:08 PM
Posts: 19, Visits: 61 |
| Yeah...I'm an introvert too. It's hard for us introverts. I just try not to be someone that I'm not. Introverts can build relationships too, it just takes us longer. Whenever I'm in a crowd at church, I try to find a few youth or parents to get to know. Early on, don't feel like you have to build deep relationships with everyone. It takes time. Good luck and God bless!
joshld.wordpress.com |
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