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Junior Member
 
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Last Login: 6/9/2008 7:40:08 PM
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I need some help. I just recently began as youth director at a new church. This church is larger than my previous church in that we have about 40+ youth involved. I have the "joy" of leading the middle boys small group. I've never seem anything like these boys! First off, I have about 12 in my small group which is way to many. Second, they take absolutely nothing serious. I had them fill an information page and they didn't even do that right. I've never had this problem. I've been in YM for about three years so I know a little about middle boys, but I'm stumped with this.
I also have some concerns that have already been mentioned here about them joining together with the senior high. As far as at development level, they have no business being with the SH. When they meet together (which is only on Sunday nights), they outnumber the senior high 3 to 1. This makes the senior high not want to come. Now I'm all for the high schoolers making a good impact on the middlers, but not at the expense of pushing the high schooler out.
Any suggestions?
Thanks and God Bless!
joshld.wordpress.com
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Forum Expert
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Last Login: 3/14/2010 11:34:28 AM
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Josh,
Going into a larger setting you really need have a solid and biblical game plan of what you want to accomplish, a timeline and action plan or you will grow overwhelmed and misdirected.
If at all possible keep the JH and SH separated. They are at different learning curves and social differences. And with the JH outnumbering the HS at such a huge percentage, I would definitely keep them separated. As far as getting information on them, ask their parents to fill it out for you and gather it from another source like a Sunday School teacher or former worker.
Be patient. JH is a great age group but completely unique. Stay focused. Develop a solid and biblical plan and articulate it well. Be prayerful. They are His kids...love them that way.
Matt McCage
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Forum Guru
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| You definitely have a tough class, wow. Here are two suggestions: 1. This probably wont go over very well with the parents, but tell the boys your time is too limited to waste. You have a God given job to get them ready for spiritual battle. They don't have to come to the group but if they're going to come they need to be willing to participate and cooperate with the learning process, or else plan something else with their parents for that time. Be stern. 2. For those that remain: Talk (teach a lesson) about Spiritual gifts. Give them a Spiritual Gift sment test. They'll be shocked to learn that they actually have any spiritual gifts. Show them the verse that says God has planned good works for them to do and they need to be prepared. See if you can encourage the use of their gifts during the group time. As an example of this, I have one boy who sed high for healing and miracles. I have him pray for the kids who have prayer request of that nature. He is taking this responsibility very seriously. It's cool to see. So, let me know how it goes. Kevin
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Junior Member
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Last Login: 12/16/2009 10:49:05 AM
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| If you can recruit a volunteer to help maybe you could split the group in half to make it more mangeable. Middle school boys have a lot of energy, so it might be a good idea to plan some opening physical activities, and it would be even better if the opening games could relate to what ever your lesson is. Actually, you could combine those ideas. Divide the group in half but have both small groups meet at the same time. An opening game could be team based, and pit the two small groups against each other. Jr. High boys thrive on competition, so that would be a plus for them-and create something they want to come to-and if they all want to be there that might also help decrease some of the trouble making.
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Junior Member
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Last Login: 6/9/2008 7:40:08 PM
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Thanks for all of the advice! We have thought about breaking the group up into two smaller groups. That's probably going to be our best option. In our small groups we have a lot of activities that we do. They enjoy the activities, but it keeps them wound up. It almost seems it's better to be completely serious with them. I tried a more "serious" approach last night and they seemed to pay attention.
I know that they are getting more out of our time together than I realize. I just need to be patient with them. It's a challenge, but who said that youth ministry is easy?
God Bless
joshld.wordpress.com
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