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| | | Forum Newbie
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Last Login: 1/31/2008 5:10:05 PM
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| | I supervise our church's nursery. We have a mix of adult/parent/youth volunteers, and usually we have adults and youth serving together. However, this year we were short on volunteers and a group of 4, 17-18 year olds came forward to help 2 sundays a month in one of our services. They only want to serve if they can all serve together. They have done a reasonably good job this year. Lately I have noticed that two of the youth seem very disengaged. They do only what is required and spend the rest of the time talking to each other. How can I address this situation without causing tension? Thanks for your help! Janet |
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| | | Forum Expert
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Last Login: Today @ 6:44:41 AM
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| | Sounds to me like they are getting bored with the routine. I suggest some on the job training to inspire and enliven their time in the Nursery. Group's Children's Ministry in the 21st Century has an excellent chapter on Nursery/Preschool with some awesome interactive finger players and songs that the teens could do with their little ones. Sometimes giving them novel and new activity ideas that teach the children about God's love and the Bible reinforces with the workers that they aren't just babysitting but they are building God's kingdom! With teens, it's best to come into the classroom and demonstrate a few activities while the teens observe, then let them practice leading the new activity... the little ones LOVE repetition, so everyone benefits! Check out Groups new resources for Preschool at www.group.com! Surely you will find ideas that will help revitalize the teens' ministry time in the Nursery.
Lisa B from NC |
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| | | Forum Guru
Group: Moderators
Last Login: 3/14/2008 3:59:12 PM
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| | I think a direct conversation with your teen volunteers--one on one--is in order. I love that you value them and their contribution. I think they'll sense that! Mention specific ways you've seen them contribute...and let them know that you want their service to be meaningful and enjoyable. Note what you've observed with specific disengaged behaviors, and ask for their input into how they might enjoy their ministry more. Is there anything you can do differently? Who knows? The girls might be dealing with conflict with one another...and that's what you're seeing. Or perhaps something's going on personally that you'll be able to help your teens with. |
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| | | Forum Newbie
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Last Login: 5/11/2008 7:48:02 PM
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| | I think that both of the last posts are great ideas. You know them well, they may just be looking for fun, or they may just feel comfortable serving with their friends. Talking to them directly is a great idea because it shows you think of them as adults. Not everyone they work with outside of church is going to treat them like adults. This is one of the greatest frustrations for well-meaning young people. Let them know you are thankful for the commitment they are offering. Remind them that the time commitment is not very long and emphasize the fun they will have working with the other volunteers. I have a teaching assistant that is 14 years old and she loves coming because she feels effective. She is always willing to do extra things or do the lesson. Tailor your discussion to their personality. Find out what their hot-button issue is. Do they love making a difference? Do they want to have fun? Do they want a leadership position eventually? Do they enjoy creating activities for the kids? It may be a combination of all these things. Its great you have four people in that age group-they could be your ministry leaders in a few years. Let us know how it turns out!  |
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