How to organize a Youth Ministry

Today's youth are the most psychologically bombarded group in the world. From adverts to video games, everyone is telling our young people what to do. In this confusion, the youth learn not to trust anybody, not even their church. However, there are ways to keep young people interested in Christianity.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• What makes sense to young people
• Non-judgmental approach
• Involve your youth

1. LET YOUR CHURCH BE A BREEDING GROUND FOR EMERGING TALENT
   
   If your church is known to be a church that gives a chance to emerging talents in the arts and sciences, guess where the kids would be heading to? Church is serious business but it never hurts to have godly fun. You have to work with kids who drop out. Hook them up with Christians in the fields they want to train in. Don't ever give up on your youth. Let them see you as a part of their lives. Tell them you expect nothing but the best from them.

2. IT IS NOT ALWAYS ABOUT ADULTS, YOU KNOW
   
   Train your church members on how to relate better to the youth. Most adults think the youth are conceited. The youth think adults just don't get it. Begin to lead this charm offensive from the public. The youth must always feel wanted in the church.

3. GET REAL WITH THEM
   
   There should be no dilly-dallying about serious concepts about relationships and sex. You have to mince no words and still sound non-judgmental. Youth appreciate people who tell them about the pros and cons. They feel comfortable around people who trust them to do the right thing.

4. ESTABLISH A MENTOR PROGRAM
   
   Men in the church must mentor the young men. So must women coach the younger ones. I personally think that too much co-ed concepts have crept into Christianity. There should be men-only programs where men can bare their souls to each other and hold themselves accountable. Women in the church should be able to teach young girls how to comport themselves and how to distinguish love from lust.

5. ASK THE YOUTH FOR SUGGESTIONS AND GIVE THEM PROJECTS TO DO
   
   Make the youth the center of your program. You cannot solve a problem you have no idea about. Get feed back from the youth and hold them accountable to their word. Make your youth knowledgeable enough to make the right decisions.

6. BE FAIR TO EVERYONE
   
   One thing young people are very sensitive to is the concept of justice. If you are unfair in your dealings with the youth, forget about it. Your program won't work. Set rules and apply them equally.

7. EQUIP YOUR YOUTH MINISTRY TO BE AUTONOMOUS
   
   The youth should be able to generate enough activities to keep them busy for the Lord. Provide your youth ministry with all the support they need and let them be creative with their Christianity. Trust me, your church will be grooming future leaders who will not be afraid of taking initiatives.

[jennen]

on 12/27/2008 I believe that if you take this theology to the streets, you will have the youth follow you to the church in mass mobs!!! and the parents will follow the youth... 5*