How to Participate in a Church Youth Group

You may be a middle-school student making the transition to high school, or you may be a high-school student looking to make new friends. Sometimes, even if you have been in a church for awhile, it can be difficult to start participating in a church youth group.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Know that no youth organization is perfect. Even church youth groups have their own little quirks about them. After all, every group of people is made up of human beings and no human being is perfect. Whether you are visiting around trying to find a church youth group to be a part of, or you are part of a church already, realize that it won't be a perfect experience all the time.

2. Call the church office and ask for a schedule of the church youth group activities. Most churches are happy to send a schedule in the mail. Look it over and put a check by the ones that particularly interest you. Mark your calendar. You must make a concrete plan to participate in a church youth group.

3. Consider attending mid-week activities in order to get into the groove of attending a church youth group. Most churches have Wednesday night activities. These are usually held at the church facilities or sometimes in a member's home. It's usually a laid-back time to relax and get to know one another. Attending this type of session is important for building relationships.

4. Participate in a church youth group by being yourself. Resist the urge to copy anyone else's personality. Relax and know that it is not wise to compare yourself with anyone else. Even the most popular and talented kids in the church youth group have their faults.

5. Appreciate the youth minister and adults who help chaperon the church youth group. They are working to provide a safe, wholesome experience that will provide encouragement for teenagers adjusting to the demands of life. At the same time, don't hesitate to tell your parents if anything happens in the group that makes you feel uncomfortable.