Youth groups are the pillar of the continuity of the Christian church. If you do not light the hearts of young people with the fire of love for God, children will live a less full life (or worse, they will be tempted by sin). For most young people, adolescence is a difficult time, and it is even more important to have a good program for such a group. Keep reading.
Steps
Step 1. Find a suitable place to meet
Many churches have a large hall available for groups that are part of them, but you can use a place where everyone feels comfortable. A large room, the park when the weather permits, or the beach in summer are all excellent locations to connect young people.
Step 2. Inform
Words are a great medium, encourage members to talk about the group to their friends. Place an announcement on the church bulletin board or Sunday news bulletin. If the church has a website, add an information link. Don't forget Facebook and Twitter, as they are very popular with young people.
Step 3. Break the ice
For many kids, youth groups represent the largest chunk of the friend base, and it's a wonderful thing if you allow that to happen. Organize games for socializing and getting to know each other, and encourage group discussions. Get the teens out of the "little groups" they formed earlier to create a bigger community. Make sure there are no left out or uncomfortable participants.
Step 4. Let the youth lead the group
Young people know what young people want. It is often wise to let 16-17 year olds form some sort of "core" or "leadership" to plan events. At this age they have a certain degree of maturity, they know how to organize and, hopefully, they have a sincere love for God.
Step 5. Sing the praises of the Lord
Guys like music, and if you can find the right style, even the shyest group member will open up. Create a nice atmosphere and use the music as a prayer. Those who usually never sing will find themselves doing it with joy when the Holy Spirit acts through them.
Step 6. If you are young, push for this change
Many groups are stranded because the kids are not involved. Love for God is contagious, so let them see the benefits His love has for you.
Step 7. Sign up or organize spiritual retreats
Away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, retreat can truly spark mind-blowing conversions and encourage teens to attend meetings regularly.
Step 8. Pray for the youth of Christendom every day
There is probably no more important thing for a religious youth group.
Advice
- Do not allow a "gang" to form.
- Don't be afraid to talk about God and religion, even if that's what many teenagers don't want to hear. Take the lead of the group, pray, sing, create an atmosphere and a state of mind in which the children are encouraged to fall in love with God.
- Try to notice shy guys and make them feel welcome.
- Encourage the growth of this friend base. The friendships that are established within the church usually do not lead to the wrong path.
- Remember that some kids may not have the money to participate in social activities like a pizza, the movies, or a trip to the amusement park. Try to organize a fund for these occasions.
- Bible study is not a classic teenage interest. But if you propose it right, you will have a group of young people who will be thrilled to learn the Word of the Lord. For this purpose, you might choose to gather in a small family-run bar where the kids feel at ease.
- Any disciplinary problem must be addressed immediately.
- Get to know your audience and plan lessons appropriately; it is easy to fall into the trap of the "teaching lesson" that leads the children to get distracted and not find the group and the church pleasant.
- Try to understand what the members of your group like, so you can organize your Bible study on the same wavelength.
