A Question
Time for my first "deep tought" post. The other day we had a meeting for the youth group leaders at the Vineyard. During a break we began discussing this issue. The options, as I see it are either A) Have a Wednesday night meeting with fun things like pool tables, XBoxes, lights and loud music, topped off with a teen-focused message with small groups at another time, or B) Have the service with the message, and then break up into small groups, all at the same night.
Option A makes it much easier for teens to invite unchurched friends, as small groups can tend to make teens nervous, especially if they are not Christian. On the other hand, small groups are great for challenging teens, showing them love, etc. Meeting in a small group at a time other than Wednesday night can be a time constraint.
A little over a year ago, our youth group used type A youth group and was starting up some small groups that met on different nights of the week. We then switched to type B. Our numbers dropped, but the teens who come are a lot more serious about growing.
What do you guys think about this? Let me know if you can think of an option C.
Every post needs a picture, so here's a picture of my shelf that I put up in my kitchen a couple weekends ago. Hey, some people have kids, I have a house.
posted by Jason at 7:06 PM
5 Comments:
Wow, great question. If this were my church, we would probably go with option A (but then, we are trying to connect with the community and reach out - we live for a chance to invite people into our community). BUT that takes me to this question: What is the mission of your youth group? TO save the lost, bring new youth in and get them connected? OR to disciple and raise leaders? Maybe both. Maybe option C can be this: games,loud music, etc for a time. A short message and "break out groups" that meet for the last 30 minutes or so. Give yourself permission to change or add/subtract something as time goes on. Maybe the break out groups will start as informal and not too deep (as not to scare others away). Not matter what, it seems small groups are necessary to forming/developing relationships and discipling. Maybe the night will be a little longer, but then you won't be trying to get kids together during the week. Hook 'em with the option A then end the night with relationship building small groups=kids are really connecting but not having to come back antoher night. Does that make sense?
9:33 PM
Jason,
Brilliant post. Brilliant beginning and ending.
I like Simone's idea. I think relationships are the most important part of youth ministry, so I think small groups should be part of the main meeting to ensure connection. They need to have relationships with people they trust and then they'll let those people influence them. I needed that influence when I was in high school.
Thanks for opening up your deep thoughts. And for being funny.
Denise
9:49 PM
i've talked to Steve about this same question, and pretty much i told him i have no idea. i never was in a youth group i didn't hate, and have never felt much of a burden or gift to minister to youth, so i have no clue. I like the idea of option A because of the outreach possibilities - but i sort of lean towards having a smaller, deeper ministry rather than a bigger shallower one. but that may just be how i'm wired...
Lahser High School footbal rules!
1:56 PM
In our feeble attempts to be "relevant", the gospel suddenly becomes irrelevant.
6:45 PM
Thanks for the input, guys. I think there are basicly a lot of ways to do this, and you just have to do what you feel God wants. And run with it. The bottom line is that we need to glorify God.
We actually just had a short meeting after youth group today where we were presented with a new format. In a few weeks we will be having an every other week schedule. Junior high will be having small groups one night while senior high has a large group. The next week they will switch. I'm optimistic. We'll run with it.
9:13 PM
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