How to Start an Inner-City Youth Ministry
Many inner-city youths need a diversion from the crime and gangs they are faced with every day. They need a way to keep on track, moving toward their goals and growing in a safe environment. They need the backing of a group of peers and adults who are facing the same decisions and pressures in order to avoid making decisions that will be destructive to them, like turning to drugs. An inner-city youth ministry offers them a place to go that is safe and supportive, while also allowing them to interact with kids their own age, help their local community through volunteer projects, and explore their Christian beliefs. If your church does not currently offer a youth ministry that serves an inner-city area, start one.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Church organization
- Youth leader
- Police liaison
- Donated video games, television sets and computers
Instructions
-
-
1
Contact the leaders of your church. Invite them to dinner or just schedule a meeting with them at the church. Tell them you want to start a youth ministry and tell them your reasons why. Request their support so you can proceed.
-
2
Put together a planning team. Include people like church leaders, church volunteers, parents from the community and interested local school officials. Include local law enforcement as well, because they will know which children are most at risk in the inner-city, and that knowledge will be an asset when deciding how to target the children.
-
-
3
Work with the planning team to create a strategy to reach the youths. Give children incentives to participate in the ministry, like free food, activities like movie nights, group trips and competitive events like relay races. Use the activities to build a strong bond between children who need the support and strength of a group to help them resist peer pressure to join a gang, take drugs or otherwise go astray. Write down the complete plan once you determine it.
-
4
Present your plan to the general membership of the church, and tell them why the youth ministry is needed. Request their support and input on the inner-city youth ministry project. Tell them how much money you'll need and how much time is needed from volunteers. The support of the congregation is vital to keep the ministry running.
-
5
Enact the plan. Start marketing to the youths of your community, holding events and building membership. Ask youths who attend the events to invite their friends and request their input on future events and activities. This interaction will keep the youth engaged and coming back.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Generally once this project is ongoing, many new programs pop up as they are needed.
Any way you look at it, this is one project where it will take a village to raise its children.
References
- Photo Credit Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images
