Youth ministry

Back to School Ideas for Youth and Children’s ministries

Summer often means special activities, vacations, and some time away from the routine of the rest of the year. As back to school time approaches, it’s important for us to think about how to set up the next season of our minsitries. Sometimes the best way to transition is to host a fresh ministry experience such as:

  • Back-to-School Backpacks: Partner with a local school or shelter and donate backpacks filled with school supplies to school-age children.
  • Snacks for Teacher Workday: Bible study classes or small groups select a local school, prepare and deliver baskets of snacks with a note of thanks and a prayer for the upcoming school year.
  • First Day, Moms Pray: Host a tea for moms just after they drop their kids off for the first day of school. Seat them by school or child’s grade level for fellowship. Pray for the moms and the children.

(credit: https://www.christiancopyrightsolutions.com/blog/back-school-ideas-church-fall-programs/)

Many churches I know through a back-to-school bash to kick off the school year. Sometimes though, it’s best when we don’t think party or hype, but something a little different. Here is a whole article with some different ideas about hosting a transition experience:

http://www.rethinkingyouthministry.com/2009/08/8-back-to-school-ideas-not-spelled-p-r.html 

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The Reality of Post-Christian Youth Ministry

I found this article to be hopeful and realistic about youth ministry in the context of Post-Christiandom. 

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​“...as we embrace doing ministry in our current culture we must remember that Jesus did not call us to efficient programs or growth models. Jesus calls us to himself and then sends us to people. There is no greater work than being sent by Jesus to a people who do not know him, being faithfully present with them, and inviting to share in the story God is working into our lives. This is the way of Jesus and it is the way of youth ministry in our post-Christian world.”

https://churchleaders.com/youth/youth-leaders-how-tos/318363-3-practices-youth-ministry-post-christian-world-jeremy-penn.html

Fundraising Ideas for Youth Groups and Beyond

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Looking for a way to raise funds for your next youth group activity or possibly toward 3WLN #3? Here is a website that lists 71 ideas that might help you find a creative solution to funding problems. Not all of these ideas fit every context, but hopefully there’s an idea in here that’ll help you along. 

http://www.studentministry.org/71-fundraising-ideas-for-youth-groups/ 

 

 

Youth Minsitry and the Christmas Season

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Here we are in the middle of November. Stores already have Christmas items for sale and every day I see more and more decorations being put up.  Also just around the corner are special events, parties, breaks from school, and many other things associated with holiday seasons.  Here’s a short video from a seasoned youth worker with some advice on how to approach the Christmas season.  

https://youthministry.com/watch-tips-on-enjoying-ministry-this-christmas/