0
Votes
Resolved
How and where to start with my youth group?
In our church we are currently w/o a senior pastor or a youth pastor. We are not filling the YP position until a SP is put in place. I am stepping in as a volunteer "youth pastor" for 4 months. If it goes well, I will continue another 4, and so on, until it’s time to find a permanent YP. We (my husband, a deacon, will be helping a little) know the youth pretty well. (15 kids in our YG). In the past few years, they have not done any icebreakers or games and their meetings have consisted of a video curriculum (for old people, lol) they said. We will be with the kids Sun and Wed nights. So, my question is..where do I start? Any advice, links, ideas, typical weekly agendas, would be greatly appreciated.
- 7 Answers
- In -- General
-
- by
-
- Alison
- 707 Views
- 3 years ago
Answers
|
0 Votes
I agree with Tim, yeah they may know you are a short term leader, but treat them as if they are your own and that you will be with them for life! Many good suggestions below as far as places to go for ideas. I do my best to love on my students and speak truth into their lives EVERY week! Not fluff, or feel good...but TRUTH! I am not their buddy, but I am their spiritual leader :) |
|
0 Votes
I would suggest the book "Sustainable Youth Ministry" by Mark DeVries as starter for you and the church staff/committee. Building a ministry is more than just bringing in a good youth pastor. Like others have said, don't make it seem like you are doing it just to fill in some time till they hire a "real" person. |
|
0 Votes
Some of the guys below given some good resources. The http://www.thesourcefym.com/ is great, and I think one of the best out there. |
|
0 Votes
Glad to hear you guys are stepping in to love on the kids! My one word of caution based on your description above is to not do this just because no one else will. Be careful about communicating to the kids, "We're only here until we can pay someone else to take over." That could easily build some walls because the kids will think, "This person is only here until they can leave, so don't connect to closely with them." I know you don't mean to communicate that -- just be intentional about NOT communicating it. Link Details: 3 years ago
3 years ago
|
|
0 Votes
I was in the same spot as you years ago, a huge pat on the back for being willing to love those teens! |
|
0 Votes
I'd begin with alot of love! Youth ministry already feels like the black sheep of the church family most times. W/o a Sr. and a Youth Pastor, I'd say those kids desperately need your relationship as well as whatever else you have volunteering with them to keep on getting together so that they KNOW someone's still caring for them and wants them to know Jesus. Icebreakers and videos are great. Use them. But I'd make sure your loving on them. It sounds like you know those students so nurture those relationships! |
|
0 Votes
I've been in youth ministry full time for 10 years and still my favorite resource is a free website called The Source 4 Youth Ministry. It has all kinds of games and ice breakers for any purpose, size of group, or size of venue. It has ready-made Bible lessons that are pretty easy to deliver without a lot of preparation time. It has movie clip illustrations if you want to use a movie clip. It also has lots of advice on planning events and trips and just things to think about if you've never done some of this before. Thank you for stepping up and leading the ministry. Your kids will be blessed, and so will you! Link Details: 3 years ago
|
