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Recently in our small group training my goal was to emphasize the culture of relational youth ministry we are trying to create in our church. I want to talk more about it this week here on the blog, but know it would be best if we agree on a definition first. Here’s my take:

Relational Youth Ministry is any step toward building a relationship with a student in your small group. It could be big, it could be small – either way, it is an effort toward truly living in community and sharing life together.

I want our ministry to be known for this! I want our students known, loved and cared for. It all takes time – but not as much as you might think. You went to a students’ water polo game? Amazing. You couldn’t make it to the game, but sent them a text asking if they won or not? Still incredible. You thought about them, or prayed for them while they played? I’ll take it! Leaders this week talked about simple ways they connected with students – from road trips to camp outs, from birthday parties to a “good luck on the SAT” text. All make a difference and build relationship.

Too often we default to the big ideas and instead should be happy with any and all steps. Some weeks they’ll be huge steps. Some weeks, small ones. Some weeks your students will go backwards. But as a small group leader, commit to relational youth ministry and build community with the students God has entrusted to you!
JG