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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 3/27/2007 7:37:49 AM
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| Hi, I am a newly appointed Youth Director for my church in the south suburbs of Chicago, IL. I have the worked with the youth ministry for 5 or more years. Our youth has dwindled down to about 7 - 10 members. Now I have the task of "resurrecting" our youth ministry back into life. I am having a "Cookie Social" this week to bring them back together but I don't want to get them together and not Inspire them to Come Back. I don't want to disappoint them or let them down as others have done in the past. (I have been the Girls to Women ministry director for 7 years, and I have been active with the girls.) Another part of my problem is the boys. I have had difficulty in getting men to volunteer with the young men. My question...What can I do to inspire the youth to come back to fellowship? And does anyone have any ideas that I can utilize for our Friday night social? Lastly, how do I get the men of the church to volunteer in the ministry to give direction to our young men? Help! Min. Nickey
Min. Nickey
"He who walks with the wise grows wise." Prov. 13:20 Exercise daily...walk with Jesus!
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Forum Expert
Group: Awaiting Activation
Last Login: 6/25/2008 12:28:58 PM
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Hi, my dad used to be the youth Pastor, but now is Senior Pastor. When he was a youth Pastor, he would have a yearly campout in the mountains or in the beach. They would do bible studies, play bibical games, sing worships songs and just have fun. They also did a Talent show, with the theme: Using your Talents for God. It was lots of fun.
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Forum Expert
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Last Login: Today @ 10:38:05 AM
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| I would encourage the teens to make the Youth Group their own and personalize it. If some teens would like to start a ministry within the Youth Group, be accepting of it and help them to reach that goal. During Youth Group, you could have some guy games, like football or ultimate frisbee, and some girl games. Also, have games for the whoel Youth Group. I would also plan a summer event such as a camp or missions trip that the teens could grow closer to God in and closer as a Youth Group. You can e-mail or PM me if you'd like some suggustions on summer activities. God Bless, Josh T. in Ohio
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Forum Guru
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Last Login: 11/18/2009 7:13:05 PM
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Hey, I think 7-10 kids is great. The one thing you offer that's unique is Bible study. Fun activities are good for the icebreaker but make sure you always do a solid Bible study on their concerns. Be consistent. "Same bat time, same bat channel (did I just date myself?). An occasional fun trip is great but should not be all there is. I've learned a lot from Group Magazine as well. They have a great free DVD on doing a good meeting.
Love them. Listen to them. Always tell them the truth. Pray, pray pray.
Email me if you want more.
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Forum Expert
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| battletested, I totally agree on the idea of a strong Bible Study. You could use many of the great resources that Group has for Youth Ministry and Bible Studies for Youth. God Bless, Josh T. in Ohio
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Forum Expert
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/5/2009 9:54:18 AM
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Easy ways to get the kids interested:
Host a movie night at your house or at the church--ask each kid to invite a friend. Provide snacks (popcorn, juice, chips) and pillows to sit on the floor.
Bowling--ask each kid to invite a friend. Meet at the church after to have snacks and "hang out"
Mini golf--ask each kid to invite a friend. Meet at the church after to have snacks, etc....
There is a theme here...hee hee...kids bring kids. Start w/ social type activities and then add bible based activities (eg: bible study) ALWAYS w/ snacks, etc. Allow time to socialize.
Above all, PRAY--He will send them your way!
Blessings! Kimberly
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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 9/1/2007 4:48:28 PM
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At my church we have games on the field every Sunday night and all of our youth guys think that that it fun. some games they play are football, frisbie, kick ball and things like that. Hope that helps!!!
*<3 katie*
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Forum Newbie
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 6/20/2007 11:36:20 AM
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As far as helping with guys, all it takes is one guy, that is willing to commit. I have an older single guy that attends all the sporting events of the local school (here in downstate Illinois), band concerts and such because he's got the time. I try to get to as many. I also have a female sponsor for the girls. She is not as active in getting to events, but she is a good one-on-one person and does her best during youth group.
More help?? c.randy@verizon.net
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Forum Member
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Forum Expert
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/9/2009 11:16:23 AM
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| If they own it, they will support it. Get them involved in the planning and carrying out of their youth group meeting. Get their input. Have you personally asked men (one on one) to get involved? I used to do the mass plea for help. I have come to realize I get better results when I ask an individual personally. It's easy to say "no" to an announcement but hard to say "no" to your face. I also quit asking for help, that is a sign of a sinking ship (Simply Strategic Volunteers) and started announcing incredible ministry opportunities. The result,
I started with 1 volunteer on our team and now have 20. A great blessing!
Andy
Reaching Students to Discover Life in Christ
www.theaddyouthpastor.com
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