9 Oct 2023

Encouragement for a Youth Pastor

By Ronald|2023-10-09T08:52:21-07:00October 9th, 2023|Leadership|0 Comments

October is a special month in the church calendar designated as Pastor Appreciation Month. This is a time when congregations express their gratitude and love for their pastors, and youth pastors play a vital role in the life of the church. As a youth pastor, you might wonder how to navigate this season with grace and humility. Here are four tips to encourage you during Pastor Appreciation Month:

Embrace the Love and Recognition: It’s easy to underestimate the impact of your work as a youth pastor. However, during Pastor Appreciation Month, it’s essential to accept the love and recognition that your congregation wants to shower upon you. Embrace the kind words, gestures, and gifts with gratitude. Understand that you are making a difference in the lives of the youth you serve, and your congregation recognizes and appreciates your dedication. Even if they don’t recognize you, remember the impact you will have!
Reflect on Your Ministry Journey: Take some time during this special month to reflect on your ministry journey. Consider how far you’ve come, the challenges you’ve overcome, and the growth you’ve experienced. Reflecting on your calling and your passion for youth ministry can rejuvenate your spirit and remind you of the reasons you chose this path in the first place.
Connect with Your Youth Group: Pastor Appreciation Month can also be an opportunity to connect with your youth group on a deeper level. Encourage open and honest conversations about their spiritual journeys, challenges, and aspirations. Spend time in prayer with them and let them know that you appreciate their presence in your life as much as they appreciate yours.
Seek Encouragement and Support: Being a youth pastor can be rewarding and challenging. During this special month, don’t hesitate to seek encouragement and support from your fellow pastors, mentors, or friends within the ministry. Share your joys and struggles with trusted individuals who can offer guidance, prayer, and a listening ear.

Pastor Appreciation Month is a time to remember that your congregation values and cherishes your role as a youth pastor. Or, at least we hope that’s the case! Embrace the love and recognition with humility, reflect on your journey, connect with your youth group, and seek the support you need to continue serving with passion and dedication. Your ministry is making a lasting impact on the lives of teenagers, and you deserve all the appreciation in the world.

Need some added encouragement and fun? Join Doug Fields and Josh Griffin as they unpack their week in youth ministry in real time! Learn from their mistakes and years of experience doing youth ministry. Fun, practical, and interactive!

Click here!

5 Oct 2023

4 Strategic Focuses this Fall

By Justin Knowles|2023-09-21T08:42:10-07:00October 5th, 2023|Leadership|0 Comments

Goals should be reachable on strategy but big enough where God needs to move fir it to happen. As leaders we can do our part by planning and creating strategies on how to be effective. Over the summer our ministry had decided to focus on a few main areas in our ministry to give a great start to the fall. We created a playbook which has our focuses laid out in detail per campus and a month into fall it’s awesome to see it in action. Is it perfect no. But provided a clear direction.

4 focuses:

1st Wednesdays – This is nothing new to Wednesdays but we wanted to get ahead. Part of a great event is the planning and promotion. If we want students to invite friends but we don’t have our plans in order early, how would they invite them to something they don’t know about. I feel one of the biggest downfalls of youth ministries is their lack of getting ahead and it causes people to do a bunch of last minute planning… which is never the best result. And getting ahead now allows for margin later.

Rosters and small groups – We had two focuses. For larger campuses groups can get too big. So we focus on getting groups to a 2:12 (leader/student) ratio. Multiplying groups off to make smaller ones means more intentional discipleship. And for smaller campuses, more options of groups. If a student comes and there is only one group for guys because of the size, and they don’t like it, where do they go? They go home. We are having a huge focus on being highly aware of how big our groups are in order to create more room for students who are coming.

Youth sections – We launched youth sections for connections on Sundays. We do not have any weekend services for youth. We want them in service in corporate worship or we want them serving on teams on the weekend. Our church has had a ton of new families and youth sections let them know there is something amazing happening on Wednesdays for the community and discipleship of our youth.

Schools – I know this is a youth ministry staple. I don’t know about others, but CA schools are like prisons. Feels impossible to get on, but it isn’t. Post Covid, we lost all connections and we are focusing on getting them back and being in school. I know that not every student will come to SCY but every student can know at that school what SCY is about.

Is this all ground breaking stuff? Nope. But I’d like this something we have prayed about, something metrics have revealed to us, and something we are striving for as a ministry in hopes to see Jesus move through us and our amazing leaders.

Justin

28 Sep 2023

Creating a Website for Your Leaders

By Justin Knowles|2023-09-21T08:36:49-07:00September 28th, 2023|Leadership|2 Comments

No matter the size of your church, we all have one thing in common – we want our small group leaders to win in discipling the youth in our churches!

Though there are many things that can get in the way of this, I want to highlight one: distributing valuable content to group leaders.

You can email a link to YouTube videos or podcasts on helping your leaders grow or engage student culture, share a quick blurb to them on Instagram about what God is doing in your ministry, or shoot them a text on what to expect that night. Let’s be honest though – the vast amount of information can become a tad overwhelming if everything was over email (Do your leaders even read those?), text, or social media.

Whether you have five volunteer leaders or have to manage a hundred plus leaders, we can all agree that we don’t want to overwhelm and overload our leaders. Rather, our job is to SIMPLIFY the process for them.

The way we decided to simplify the process for our youth leaders across our 9-campus youth ministry is to build a website that has everything a leader in our youth ministry may need.

Why A Website?

If your church utilizes G Suite (Google Suite) you can (and should) create a website for your leaders to be informed of what’s going on in your ministry. Here are three reasons why:

It’s easy to set up.

Literally. I set it up in one day. Just make sure you’re logged into your Google account and go to https://sites.google.com/new to create a page.

It’s easy to manage.

You can post YouTube videos, upload videos from your phone to encourage your group leaders, share documents from Google Drive, embed podcasts and Vimeo videos – and so much more!

It’s adaptable.

Need a page with training videos? You can do that. Need to post some announcements with graphics? That’s possible, too. Need to have pre-registration for an upcoming event? It’s easily set up through Google Forms and posted to your website. Need a llama for tonight’s petting zoo? Sorry, you’re on your own for that…

Set-up and Managment

You may wonder – how do I do this? What does it take to do this? Glad you asked. Here’s what we’ve learned in setting ours up:

Get G Suite.

https://gsuite.google.com/ – just do it! It’ll be worth it because it already includes so much such as email, sharable drive, webcasting, and so many other features that I have yet to use.

Get a domain.

Honestly, this is what I know the LEAST about and in fact is OPTIONAL. For example, our church as a whole uses the shortlink “move.sc/” to easily move our people to certain things (marriage, men and women events, start a group, camp registration, etc.). We utilized this to easily send our group leaders to a website to access everything they need (see it at move.sc/scyleader). Again, this is optional and I know nothing about it – so have your tech-savvy communications director or website designer help you out. If you skip this step, simply send your leaders a “published link” provided from the G Suite Website application.

Load everything into an organized, shareable folder.

Put everything you want on the website into one well-organized folder and make sure the sharing preferences are set to “anyone with the link can view.” Keeping it organized will help you in the long-run. Ours is organized by year and series (i.e. Website Folder > 2019 > Own It Series). The sharing preference mode makes your leaders able to view but not edit your file or access your drive. They’re still able to print and add it to their own Google Drive (if they want to).

Prepare beforehand.

We currently organize our series into 3 weeks (typically). All content is prepared beforehand so that as we enter INTO the series everything is prepped and ready to go. We make discussion guides for JH and HS, a video with a preview of that week’s topic, a host guide and teaching video (see those at move.sc/youthhost). We clearly date everything (especially file names, i.e. “HS Guide_FOR_Love Your Enemies_8.28.19” which is “Guide Name_Series Name_Topic Name_Date of Teaching”) and have the topic of discussion clearly communicated.

Keep it up-to-date and with new content.

The most important thing you can do for your leaders is to keep the site up to date on events, teaching materials, and any other dated content. If it’s old, take it down. If it’s not a series you’ve begun, simply use the “Hide From Navigation” in the individual page’s side-panel menu. In fact, make it easy on yourself – find a page format that works for you and stick to it for every series. Simply “Duplicate Page” in the page’s side-panel menu and change the content.

In fact, challenge yourself to put up a new training video once a month (easily done via your phone, uploaded to your drive or YouTube) and utilize Google Forms to receive “graded answers” from your leaders based on the video’s content. This way you know if they may struggle to grasp a concept or perhaps you didn’t communicate the topic well enough (be humble enough to admit this).

Get feedback.

If it’s hard to navigate, your leaders won’t want to use it. Get feedback from them as you’re getting it set up so that it can be an amazing tool for them to discipline their group. Don’t create it to the point that you think it’s awesome – create it to the point that your leaders think it is.

Other Uses

You could always use the website feature for other things, such as:

Parent website
Camp registration or interest list
Website for your youth to visit (dorky videos, memes, encouragement – whatever may gather them or their friends)
Personal blog or vlog

There are a ton more features and possibilities that are better left discovered by yourself.

The last thing I’ll say is this: When designing your site, always remember: simplify, simplify, SIMPLIFY. Your leaders will love you for it.

Justin

25 Sep 2023

How to Follow up Volunteer Training

By Ronald|2023-09-25T12:49:52-07:00September 25th, 2023|Leadership|1 Comment

We all know that training is a crucial step in equipping our volunteer leaders for effective ministry. It’s a time to share knowledge, build skills, and connect with one another. But what happens after the training? Well, that’s where the magic really starts to happen! Once a great training, like the National Day of Volunteer Youth Ministry Training concludes, what do you do next?

1. Express Gratitude

First and foremost, let’s express our sincere appreciation to our volunteer leaders. Tell them how grateful you are for their commitment and dedication to our youth ministry. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in making them feel valued and recognized for their hard work.

2. Recognize Their Efforts

Take the time to recognize the efforts of our volunteer leaders. Celebrate their successes, both big and small. Whether it’s a successful youth event, a breakthrough moment with a young person, or their unwavering dedication, let them know you see and appreciate their contributions.

3. Provide Feedback

Feedback is a powerful tool for growth. Offer constructive feedback to help them improve their skills and leadership abilities. Highlight what they’re doing well and gently suggest areas where they can grow. Remember, it’s all about helping them become the best leaders they can be.

4. Support Their Growth

Encourage our volunteer leaders to invest in their own growth. Whether it’s attending training sessions, reading relevant books, or seeking mentorship, let them know that their personal development matters to us. Offer resources and opportunities for them to expand their knowledge and skills.

5. Foster a Supportive Community

Our youth ministry teams should feel like a family. Create an environment where our volunteer leaders can connect with one another, share experiences, and offer support. Hosting regular meetings or gatherings can foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

6. Empower Them

Empower our volunteer leaders to take ownership of their roles. Encourage them to bring their creativity and ideas to the table. When they feel a sense of ownership and responsibility, they’re more likely to be motivated and engaged.

7. Be a Listening Ear

Sometimes, our volunteer leaders may need someone to talk to. Be that listening ear. Create a safe space where they can share their joys and challenges. Remember that we’re here to support them not only in ministry matters but in their personal lives as well.

8. Pray Together

Lastly, let’s not underestimate the power of prayer. Pray together as a team for the youth ministry, for each other, and for the young people we serve. Prayer not only strengthens our bonds but also reminds us of the greater purpose behind our ministry.

Encouraging our volunteer leaders is not just a nice thing to do; it’s an essential part of nurturing a thriving youth ministry. When our leaders feel appreciated, supported, and empowered, they can, in turn, pour that positivity into the lives of our students.

Let’s continue to inspire one another, share our successes and challenges, and build a community of youth pastors who are passionate about equipping the next generation. Together, we can make an incredible impact.

Need some resources for your leaders? We’ve got you covered!

18 Sep 2023

7 Reasons to Let Students Lead

By Ronald|2023-09-18T08:08:02-07:00September 18th, 2023|Leadership|4 Comments

You’ve got adult volunteers. That’s awesome! Train them, and you’ll see great growth in your student ministry! But what about your students? Should they be given extra responsibility and ways to lead and grow? Of course! Here are seven reasons why letting students lead and encouraging them to do so will benefit them and the student ministry as a whole!

Ownership of Faith:When students actively participate in the youth ministry by serving in various capacities, they develop a sense of ownership over their faith. It transforms their faith from something their parents or guardians believe into something they can call their own. By being involved in planning events, leading discussions, or volunteering in leadership, they start to see how their faith is relevant and meaningful in their lives.
Leadership Development:Serving in youth ministry provides an excellent opportunity for leadership development. As students take on responsibilities, they learn valuable communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. These skills are essential for their roles within the ministry and future endeavors, both in their careers and as responsible adults.
Spiritual Growth:Engaging in service within the youth ministry often leads to significant spiritual growth. Students can deepen their understanding of their faith as they study and share it with their peers. They are more likely to ask questions, seek answers, and seek a deeper connection with their spiritual beliefs. This active engagement can help them form a stronger, more resilient faith that can withstand the challenges of adulthood.
Mentorship Opportunities:When students serve in youth ministry, they often work alongside dedicated adult leaders who can serve as mentors. These mentors provide guidance, support, and encouragement, helping students navigate the complexities of adolescence and faith. These relationships can be instrumental in shaping their character and faith journey.
Building Community:Service in youth ministry fosters a strong sense of community among young people. They bond with their peers as they work together on projects and events. These connections can be particularly meaningful, as they share a common faith and purpose. It provides a safe and supportive environment where they can explore their spirituality and share their struggles and triumphs.
Empowerment:Giving students responsibilities within the youth ministry empowers them to make a difference. It sends a powerful message that their opinions and contributions matter. This empowerment boosts their self-esteem and encourages them to take an active role in their faith community and, later on, in society.
Passing on the Torch:When students serve in youth ministry, they become the role models for the younger generation. They set an example of what it means to live out one’s faith. This torch passing ensures the youth ministry’s continuity and growth, as younger students are inspired to follow in their footsteps.

Conclusion

Having students serve in their youth ministry is a win-win situation. It benefits both the students themselves and the broader faith community. It empowers students to take ownership of their faith, develop leadership skills, experience spiritual growth, and build a strong sense of community. It also ensures the future vitality of the youth ministry by creating a cycle of mentorship and inspiration.

Encouraging and supporting students in their service roles within youth ministry is an investment in the next generation of leaders and faithful individuals. It acknowledges that students have a valuable role in the church’s life and that their contributions are essential for its continued growth and relevance in an ever-changing world.

Need some help getting your students leading? We’ve got the tools for you!

7 Jul 2023

We Can’t Change Students

By Justin Knowles|2023-07-06T20:51:33-07:00July 7th, 2023|Leadership|24 Comments

One of the hardest things about a job as a youth worker/pastor is watching a student who used to be so involved not be anymore. A student who you have seen God make a complete 180-degree turn in go back to the ways they struggled with before and become more and more distant. What does one do with this? What can we possibly say in times like this? What can we actively do with this to move forward?

I’m going to be honest, I don’t know. It’s hard. I keep coming back to this verse:

How tremendous is the power available to us who believe in God. That power is the same divine power which was demonstrated in Christ when he raised him from the dead. (Eph 1:19-20)

Something I have learned more this year than in my previous years in youth ministry is that we have the power to change no one.

As much as we want to, we don’t have the power to do this. Here is what I have learned to do when this comes:

Pray– Prayer is simple, but it is not always easy. Patience is the key to prayer. Pray that God begins to soften their heart to be open to talking about what is happening.

Pursue– For students who are not coming like they used to because they know they are doing things that are not right, constantly pursue them. Let them know that you are thinking/praying for them and are there for them. Whether if they text back or not, they will know that you are still thinking about them.

Persist– We don’t know how long it will take, but we need to persist. I have seen this in my own ministry. I have gotten a random text from a student months after them not being around, but because they knew I was thinking about them weekly when things got hard, I would get a text to meet.

Prepare – If they reach out to you, be prepared for what is coming. Be prepared to listen. Listen well. Most of the time, I don’t say anything because I just want to hear what’s going on. I’m not quick to give advice unless asked. This is the first of many meetings to follow.

God has the power to bring people back to Him. We do not. God can still move in huge ways and we get to be a vessel in bringing students back to Jesus. What an awesome job we have.

– Justin

12 Jun 2023

Preparing Your Heart for Summer Camp

By Ronald|2023-06-09T12:41:58-07:00June 12th, 2023|Leadership|1 Comment

As a youth pastor, you play a vital role in shaping the spiritual journey of the young hearts entrusted to your care. Summer camp offers a unique opportunity to create lasting memories, deepen relationships, and, most importantly, help young people deeply encounter God. However, before you embark on this incredible adventure, preparing your heart for what lies ahead is essential. In this blog post, we will explore practical steps you can take to ensure your heart is ready to lead, love, and impact young lives at summer camp.

Seek God in Prayer: Before diving into the logistics and planning, spend intentional time in prayer. Seek God’s guidance, wisdom, and anointing as you prepare for summer camp. Pray for the hearts of the young people attending, your fellow leaders, and yourself. Dedicate specific times to intercede for each individual and commit the camp to God’s care. A heart surrendered in prayer will be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit throughout the camp experience.
Reflect on Your Own Spiritual Journey: Take a moment to reflect on your personal spiritual journey. Consider the lessons God has taught you, the challenges you have faced, and the growth you have experienced. Share transparently with God about areas that need refinement or healing. By doing so, you can empathize with the struggles and questions that young campers may bring with them. Remember that your authenticity and vulnerability will help create an environment where campers feel safe sharing their hearts.
Study and Meditate on God’s Word: Summer camp presents a wonderful opportunity to dive deeper into God’s Word with your students. However, you must be personally immersed in Scripture before you can effectively guide others. Spend time studying passages relevant to the themes or topics you plan to address during camp. Allow the truth of God’s Word to transform your heart, equipping you to share it passionately with your students. Memorize key verses that speak to the overarching message of the camp and reflect on their personal significance. This will help you have deeper conversations with students once camp comes around.
Cultivate a Heart of Servanthood: As a youth pastor, you are called to be a servant leader. Prepare your heart by cultivating an attitude of humility and servanthood. Consider the needs of others above your own and be willing to go the extra mile for your campers. Approach every task, big or small, with a servant’s heart. Serving others, whether through organizing logistics or sitting beside a homesick camper, will allow Christ’s love to shine through you.
Surround Yourself with Support: Recognize that you cannot bear the weight of ministry alone. Surround yourself with a community of fellow leaders who can provide support, encouragement, and accountability. Meet regularly with a mentor or trusted friend who can help guide you through the challenges and joys of youth ministry. Remember that being a youth pastor is a team effort, and you are not alone in preparing your heart for summer camp.

Preparing your heart for summer camp is essential in ensuring a transformative experience for yourself and the campers you serve. By seeking God in prayer, reflecting on your spiritual journey, studying God’s Word, cultivating a heart of servanthood, and surrounding yourself with support, you will be well-equipped to lead with love, compassion, and authenticity. As you embark on this journey, remember that God is faithful and will work through you to touch the hearts of the youth attending summer camp. May you be filled with anticipation and readiness as you prepare to impact lives for the glory of God.

17 Apr 2023

Building Strong Relationships with Senior Pastors

By Ronald|2023-04-18T07:05:44-07:00April 17th, 2023|Leadership|5 Comments

As we gear up for an exciting summer of ministry, I wanted to take a moment to encourage you all to check in with your senior pastor. They are your boss and your spiritual leader. It’s essential to have open lines of communication and make sure you’re on the same page as you serve together in ministry.

First and foremost, remember to ask your senior pastor how you can be praying for them. They carry a heavy load of responsibility and need our support in prayer. Let them know that you care about their well-being and want to support them in any way you can. Prayer is a powerful tool that can strengthen your relationship with your senior pastor and show them that you value their leadership.

Additionally, share your summer plans with your senior pastors. Let them know about the upcoming events, trips, and programs you have planned for the youth ministry. This will give them a clear picture of what to expect and allow them to offer any guidance or input they may have. It’s important to keep them in the loop so that they can support you in your ministry efforts.

Moreover, ask your senior pastors if they’ve heard any good feedback about the youth ministry or areas that need improvement. Their insights can be invaluable in helping you gauge the effectiveness of your ministry and make necessary adjustments. Be open to feedback and willing to receive constructive criticism with humility and a desire to grow.

Remember, it’s healthy to check in with your senior pastors regularly, rather than assuming their time and expectations. Don’t hesitate to schedule a meeting with them to discuss your ministry, share updates, and seek their guidance. It’s a sign of respect and professionalism to proactively communicate with your leadership team.

In conclusion, let’s make it a priority to maintain open lines of communication with our senior pastors. Sometimes they can be intimidating, but don’t allow that to hamper a good relationship with them! By praying for them, sharing our summer plans, seeking feedback, and scheduling regular check-ins, we can strengthen our relationship with them and work together more effectively in advancing God’s Kingdom through our youth ministries.

Don’t have a summer plan yet? Use this calendar from DYM to get everything out there!

Summer Sticker Calendar

We get it, you need to communicate with your students and parents all about the awesome things you have planned this summer, but you gotta look good too!. We’ve got you!

This 8.5 x 11 summer calendar is fully customizable and ready for you to update with all the fun details of your summer. This fun sticker theme can be rearranged however you see fit, so if you’re not feeling the sandwich stealing seagull, but you want to give that strawberry more prominence, GO TO TOWN. This resource includes a fully editable Photoshop file, AND versions for Powerpoint and Word as well! So no matter your graphic skill level, your calendar will look awesome. Plus it will make YOU look awesome. WIN WIN.

2023 Surf and Skate Summer Calendar

A summer calendar that is 85% done for you and looks like you hired a professional graphic designer to do it for you? Yes, please! Just choose which file type works best for you (PSD, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint… they’re all there), make a few tweaks, and send it off to a printer! Bam. Done. The design is so beautiful that students will hold on to it as a keepsake long after the summer is over… well, maybe not, but at least their parents will know where and when to drop them off for your awesome summer events – best summer ever! Click here to get it!

20 Mar 2023

Students Need to Serve

By Ronald|2023-03-17T11:36:28-07:00March 20th, 2023|Leadership|2 Comments

We know student ministry is a big deal. It’s an important aspect of the church. It provides a platform for students to grow spiritually, develop positive relationships, and establish a sense of belonging. But we can supercharge this in a big way! To enhance the effectiveness of youth ministry, have students serve within the group. Serving enables students to take ownership of their faith, discover their talents, develop humility, and disciple others.

Serving creates ownership. When students are involved in serving within the youth group, they feel a sense of responsibility and belonging. They are more likely to take ownership of their faith and develop a deeper commitment to the ministry. This sense of ownership not only helps the youth ministry to flourish, but it also nurtures a greater sense of community and togetherness.

Serving lets students explore the gifting God has given them. Every individual has unique gifts and talents, and serving provides an opportunity for students to identify and utilize their gifts in a meaningful way. By serving, they are able to experience different areas of ministry and discover where their passions and strengths lie. This process of discovery can be a powerful motivator for students to pursue their interests and continue serving in the future.

Serving helps teach humility. When students serve within the youth group, they are exposed to a variety of tasks and responsibilities. These may include cleaning up after events, setting up equipment, or assisting with activities. Regardless of the task, serving helps students learn the value of humility and the importance of putting others first. It is through these acts of service that students are able to develop a servant’s heart and a willingness to serve in whatever capacity is needed.

Serving allows students to disciple others. One of the key aspects of youth ministry is discipleship, where young people are mentored and encouraged to grow in their faith. By serving within the youth group, students have the opportunity to disciple others in a practical way. They can lead small groups, mentor younger students, and share their personal testimonies. These experiences not only strengthen the faith of those they are discipling, but they also deepen their own faith and understanding of God’s love.

Serving lets students worship. Do you have a musical portion of your service? Let students lead in getting it off the ground. There’s something really special about watching students lead their peers in worship. Also, it allows them to connect to God in a special way that they may not otherwise. God has given your students musical talents and abilities. Show them a way to put those skills to use as a form of worship! Not just in song, but with a song is a pretty cool way to serve as well.

Having students serve within the youth group can have a significant impact on both the youth ministry and the students themselves. Serving creates ownership, allows for the exploration of gifting, teaches humility, and allows for discipleship. By providing opportunities for students to serve, youth ministries can encourage the development of responsible, committed, and passionate youth who are eager to make a difference in their communities.

Ronald

Student Leadership Team Application

We use this is the application to begin a conversation with students interested in joining our Student Leadership Team. The application (and other forms) are fully editable to suit your ministry’s needs and includes sections on qualifications, expectations, and references.

Sermon on the Mount Prayer Stations

This is an interactive prayer station experience on what Jesus has to say about being a leader for the Kingdom of God. It takes the students through Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount from the perspective of leadership through 12 different stations. This resource includes complete instructions for each station in WORD and PDF, a list of all the supplies you will need, other needed resources for the stations.

6 Mar 2023

Spring is tough, but so are you!

By Ronald|2023-03-06T13:40:14-08:00March 6th, 2023|Leadership|13 Comments

As a youth pastor, I’ve learned that every season has its own challenges, but there’s something about spring that can be especially tough. For starters, spring tends to be a very busy time of year for students, with end-of-year exams, sports, and other extracurricular activities all competing for their attention. And on top of that, the weather is finally starting to warm up, which means many students are itching to spend more time outside and less time cooped up indoors.

All of these factors can make it difficult to maintain consistent attendance at youth group meetings, which can be discouraging for both the youth pastor and the students who do show up. However, I’ve also learned that with God’s grace, it’s possible to minister well even in a hard season like spring. Here are a few things that have helped me stay focused and effective during this time of year:

Prioritize relationships: When students are busy and distracted, it’s more important than ever to prioritize building relationships with them. Take the time to check in on how they’re doing, ask about their lives outside of youth group, and show a genuine interest in who they are as individuals. When they feel seen and valued, they’re more likely to stay connected to the group and to the church as a whole.

Keep things fresh: Spring can be a great time to mix things up in youth group and try new activities or events. Consider planning an outdoor scavenger hunt or a service project that allows students to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather while still connecting with each other and serving the community. You could also try incorporating more interactive elements into your lessons or discussions to keep students engaged and interested.

Be flexible: It’s important to remember that not every student will be able to make it to every meeting, and that’s okay. Rather than getting discouraged by low attendance, try to be flexible and adaptable in your programming. Consider offering different meeting times or formats that might be more convenient for students with busy schedules, and don’t be afraid to adjust your plans if something isn’t working.

Lean on prayer: Ultimately, our ability to minister well in any season comes from God’s grace and strength, not our own abilities. Make sure to spend time in prayer both individually and as a group, asking for wisdom, guidance, and perseverance. Trust that God is at work in the lives of your students even when you can’t see it, and rely on his power to sustain you through the challenges of ministry.

While spring can be a challenging season for youth ministry, it’s also a season of growth and renewal. By leaning on God’s grace and wisdom, and by staying focused on building relationships and serving our students, we can minister well even in the midst of busy schedules and distractions. May we always remember that our ministry is ultimately about pointing students towards Jesus, and may we trust in his power to bring about lasting transformation in their lives.

Ronald