26 Aug 2024

Integrating Technology and Faith in Youth Ministry

By Ronald|2024-08-05T14:15:37-07:00August 26th, 2024|Youth Ministry Ideas|1 Comment

I’ve been doing youth ministry long enough to remember when cell phones became ubiquitous. Before that time, we would often need to make sure that a student who didn’t have a cell phone could call home and reach their parent. Sometimes, even that parent didn’t have a cell phone, so there wasn’t any good way to contact them.

Now, cell phones and technology seem to be an inevitable part of ministry. I know some youth pastors want to remove all technology from youth groups to focus on the in-person aspect. I can understand the motivation there. I enjoy going for long stretches without my phone to be more focused.

But our students aren’t us! They grew up with phones as much a part of their lives as we did with TV. So, how can we use technology to help students grow in their faith? Let’s explore a couple of ways.

Bible Reading Plans

Encourage your students to do a Bible reading plan on the YouVersion app. It’s great when you have accountability for reading your Bible together. This free app lets that happen without buying into any program or putting down any money. As a youth group, you can advertise that you will be doing a certain plan during the month and get students to join you. You can even see other students’ comments on the plan. If our phones will send us notifications anyway, why don’t we have them notify us to read the Bible?

Social Media Application

It’s always great to have real practical steps that students can take after they hear a youth group lesson. What if we started incorporating social media into our application? What I mean by that is, is there something a student can do on social media to put the faith lesson into practice? Can you encourage students to post a Bible verse on their personal page? Can you ask them to share a youth group video that invites their friends to church? Social media doesn’t have to be a scourge on our society. We could use it as a tool for good!

Give Students Tools to Grow

I know I like creating resources for my students. But we don’t always have to reinvent the wheel! Is there a podcast that you find personally encouraging? Is there a Spotify playlist that you use to connect with God? Sharing these with your students can show them how you are personally growing in your faith and can encourage them to do the same. You can record your youth group lessons and put them into a podcast or YouTube video for your students to digest later. Or you could do a quick 5-minute recap for your students so they can listen back to what they learned. Bonus points for sending it out to your small group leaders, who will be rehashing the lesson for students!

How would you use technology for your student ministry? How could you incorporate phones into students’ faith journeys? I’d love to hear your suggestions!

12 Aug 2024

Setting Spiritual Goals for the New School Year

By Ronald|2024-07-22T13:34:49-07:00August 12th, 2024|Leadership|21 Comments

As the new school year kicks off, it’s a great time to help your students set meaningful spiritual goals. The start of a new year brings fresh opportunities for growth and reflection. Here’s how you can guide your students in setting and achieving their spiritual goals for the year ahead.

Begin by hosting a goal-setting workshop. Gather your students and provide a space for them to reflect on their personal faith journeys. Encourage them to think about what they want to achieve spiritually over the coming year. Whether it’s developing a daily prayer habit, reading through the Bible, or growing in a specific area of their faith, help them articulate clear and achievable goals. Provide resources and tools, like goal-setting worksheets or journals, to support them in this process.

Next, pair students with accountability partners or small groups. Having someone to share their goals with can provide motivation and support. Create a system where students can check in regularly with their partners or small group members to discuss their progress, share challenges, and celebrate successes. This not only helps them stay accountable but also fosters a sense of community and encouragement.

Finally, establish a system for tracking and celebrating progress. Regularly check in on the students’ goals and celebrate their milestones. You could implement a progress tracking system using journals, apps, or a bulletin board where students can mark their achievements. Host milestone celebrations or recognition events to acknowledge their hard work and progress. This will help keep students motivated and focused on their spiritual growth throughout the year.

By guiding your students in setting spiritual goals, providing accountability, and celebrating their progress, you can help them make the most of the new school year and grow in their faith. Here’s to a year filled with spiritual growth and achievements!

Need to set some goals of your own? New to Ministry? We’ve got a great conference for you!

29 Jul 2024

Transitioning from Summer to Fall

By Ronald|2024-07-22T13:17:58-07:00July 29th, 2024|Youth Ministry Ideas|4 Comments

Can you believe summer is already wrapping up? It feels like just yesterday we were gearing up for camp and mission trips. As we bid farewell to those sunny days, it’s time to shift our focus to the fall season. Here are some tips and strategies to help make that transition smooth and successful for your ministry.

Program Planning: Keeping the Momentum Going

First things first, let’s talk about planning. Transitioning from the relaxed vibe of summer to the busier fall schedule can be a bit tricky, but with some thoughtful planning, it doesn’t have to be stressful.

Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to plan your fall programs. Start brainstorming and organizing well in advance. This gives you plenty of time to fine-tune details and address any potential hiccups.
Consistency is Key: Keep some of the successful elements from your summer programs. If a particular small group format or event worked well, consider incorporating it into your fall schedule.
Get Input: Involve your team and even your students in the planning process. Fresh ideas and perspectives can lead to innovative programs that resonate well with everyone.

Engaging New Students: Making Them Feel at Home

Fall often brings new faces to our youth groups – new students starting high school, kids moving into the area, or those just curious to check out what we’re all about. Making them feel welcome is crucial.

Warm Welcome: Create a welcoming atmosphere from the moment they walk in. Friendly greeters, a tour of your space, and introducing them to current students can make a big difference.
Icebreakers: Plan some fun icebreaker activities to help new students feel comfortable and start building relationships. Games, small group discussions, or team-building activities are great for this.
Buddy System: Pair new students with a “buddy” from your current group who can show them the ropes and be a friendly face they can turn to.

Parent Involvement: Building a Supportive Community

We all know that parents are key partners in ministry. Keeping them in the loop and encouraging their involvement can enhance your ministry’s impact.

Clear Communication: Send out a detailed calendar of fall events and programs. Consider using newsletters, emails, or even a dedicated app to keep parents informed.
Volunteer Opportunities: Invite parents to get involved in various ways, whether it’s helping with events, leading small groups, or simply providing snacks. Their involvement can enrich the experience for everyone.
Parent Meetings: Host a few parent meetings throughout the fall to discuss your plans, gather feedback, and address any concerns. This shows that you value their input and partnership.

Transitioning from summer to fall doesn’t have to be daunting. With a bit of planning, a focus on welcoming new students, and strong parent involvement, your ministry can smoothly shift into a new season full of growth and excitement. Here’s to an amazing fall!

Want to train your volunteers for the Fall in the best way possible? Let’s go! Check out the National Day of Volunteer Training below!

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25 Mar 2024

Empowering Students in Evangelism: The Power of ‘Who Is Your One?’

By Justin Knowles|2024-03-25T09:04:17-07:00March 25th, 2024|Youth Ministry Ideas|10 Comments

When it comes to evangelism, many students find the concept overwhelming. The idea of going out and telling all their friends about Jesus can seem daunting. There’s a common misconception that evangelism requires boldness, public speaking, or street preaching. However, there’s a simpler and more effective approach that breaks down this big idea into something more manageable and realistic: “Who Is Your One?”

“What is ‘Who Is Your One’?”

“Who Is Your One” is an initiative we have been doing in our ministry that encourages students to be intentional about reaching out to a friend they already have who doesn’t know Jesus. It’s about nurturing existing relationships, being there for them, praying for them, inviting them to church, and engaging in conversations about faith. The goal is for students to demonstrate their own relationship with Jesus through their friendship, ultimately leading their friend to a deeper understanding of faith.

This approach to evangelism is rooted in Jesus’ own interactions with people. He often spent time with individuals, inviting himself into their lives and showing them love and acceptance, regardless of their background or beliefs. It’s a relational approach that students can relate to and implement in their own lives.

Why “Who Is Your One” Matters:

In our ministry, “Who Is Your One” has been instrumental in driving growth and impact over the last two years. By encouraging students to focus on just one person, we’ve seen a significant increase in effectiveness and engagement.

How We Implemented “Who Is Your One”:

Vision Series: At the beginning of the school year, we introduced the concept of “Who Is Your One” through a dedicated vision series. This series laid the foundation for why this initiative is important and challenged our students to take action.
Business Cards: We created business cards with the prompt “My one is ________,” allowing students to fill in the name of their chosen person. These cards served as a daily reminder and were also shared with small group leaders for accountability.
Leader Training: We provided training for our leaders at the start of the school year to equip them with the tools and understanding to support their students in reaching their “one.”
Curriculum Integration: We integrated “Who Is Your One” updates into our curriculum, ensuring that the topic was regularly addressed in small group discussions.
Storytelling: We shared stories of success from our campuses, highlighting instances where someone’s “one” had come to church and started a relationship with Jesus. These stories served as inspiration and motivation for students.
Celebration: We celebrated students and leaders who embraced the “Who Is Your One” initiative, both privately and publicly. Recognizing their efforts encouraged others to follow suit.
Service Integration: We made sure to incorporate “Who Is Your One” into every service, reinforcing its importance and keeping it at the forefront of our ministry culture.

The Impact of “Who Is Your One”:

By empowering students to own and embrace the concept of “Who Is Your One,” we’ve witnessed a transformation in how we approach evangelism. Students are better equipped and motivated to reach out to their friends, knowing that they have the support and encouragement of their community.

The beauty of “Who Is Your One” lies in its simplicity and accessibility. It doesn’t require fancy events or elaborate strategies. It’s about genuine friendship and creating a safe space where students feel comfortable inviting their friends to explore faith together.

“Who Is Your One” is not just a program; it’s a mindset shift that empowers students to be ambassadors of Jesus in their own circles. By focusing on one person at a time, students can make a meaningful impact and share the love of Christ in a tangible and relatable way. Let’s continue to nurture this culture of evangelism and support students as they embark on this journey of faith and friendship.

– Justin

Need help with a resource from DYM? We got you!

Want to get your students moving? Our faith is meant to be one of action. Get your students to understand these 3 key teachings from the life of Christ, all including the challenge to “GO”:

12 Mar 2024

Empowering Group Leaders: Key Strategies for Ministry Success

By Justin Knowles|2024-03-12T09:34:28-07:00March 12th, 2024|Youth Ministry Ideas|5 Comments

Group leaders play a pivotal role in the success of any ministry. They are the frontline ambassadors who carry out the vision and strategy, impacting the lives of individuals and families. However, to truly empower these leaders and ensure their effectiveness, it’s essential to provide them with clear guidelines on achieving success.

Here are 4 key elements we lay out for our leaders so they know if they are being successful:

One of the fundamental aspects of effective leadership is facilitating faith conversations. Leaders must be encouraged to steer discussions back to matters of faith, especially in small group settings. By using provided discussion questions and consistently pointing students back to Jesus, leaders can create meaningful opportunities for spiritual growth and reflection.
Follow-up is another critical component of successful leadership. Whether it’s reaching out to new students or responding to prayer requests, effective follow-up demonstrates care and commitment. By implementing best follow-up practices such as making personal contact after meetings, extending personal invitations for future events, and integrating students into group communication channels, leaders can foster a sense of belonging and connection.
Building connections with students’ families is an often overlooked but impactful aspect of ministry. Leaders are encouraged to make intentional efforts to connect with parents or guardians, as they play a crucial role in students’ lives. Whether it’s through simple introductions, sharing positive feedback about their child, or engaging in social media interactions, these gestures contribute to building a supportive community and partnership.
Engaging students beyond weekly gatherings is essential for building deeper relationships and fostering continuous growth. Leaders are encouraged to interact with students both in person and digitally throughout the week. By having faith discussions in various settings and leveraging digital platforms where students are active, leaders can create meaningful connections beyond traditional church gatherings.

Empowering group leaders requires providing them with clear guidelines and strategies for success. By emphasizing the importance of faith conversations, effective follow-up, building connections with families, and engaging students beyond weekly gatherings, leaders can make a significant impact in the lives of individuals and families. As leaders embrace these key strategies, they become catalysts for transformation and growth within the ministry, ultimately fulfilling its vision and strategy.

Need some resources to help empower leaders? DYM has got your back!

28 Aug 2023

4 Hacks to Communicate Better!

By Ronald|2023-08-28T09:20:48-07:00August 28th, 2023|Youth Ministry Hacks|6 Comments

Hey there, fellow youth ministry adventurers!

Picture this: You’re embarking on an exciting journey through uncharted territory. You have a map that guides you, but imagine if you were the only one with that map. You’d be navigating the twists and turns alone, right? Well, that’s where the power of communication comes in!
Don’t just hold your map close to your chest. Let others see the path and everything on it so you can get there together!

Connecting with Parents:
Parents are like your trusty co-pilots on this journey. They’re just as invested in the growth and well-being of their students as you are. When you communicate your youth ministry plans, goals, and activities with parents, you’re not just informing them – you’re inviting them to be active participants in their student’s spiritual journey. Imagine the impact when parents know what their students are learning, where they’re going, and how they can support the process.
Think of how you can regularly communicate to parents! Is it a weekly email? A blog? Social media groups? Whatever you plan to do, make it consistent and let parents know how you primarily communicate with them!

Guiding Your Leaders:
Your youth ministry leaders are the compass that helps steer the ship. When you communicate your plans and goals clearly with them, you’re aligning everyone’s efforts toward a common purpose. They can better prepare, engage, and lead when they have a clear understanding of the destination and the path you’re taking to get there.
If your group is small enough, a text thread might serve as the best way to communicate with leaders. If it’s a little larger, think of using email. Same with parents: be consistent!

Engaging Your Students:
Your youth ministry participants are the explorers on this journey. When you communicate what’s in store for them – from upcoming events to the heart behind the teachings – you’re fueling their excitement and curiosity. Clarity breeds enthusiasm, and when students are excited, they’re more likely to actively engage and participate.
You can do this from the stage just as easily as social media. Just make sure when you communicate to students, you’re telling leaders and parents the same information at the same time!

Involving the Whole Church:
Your church is the ultimate support system on this journey. When you communicate your youth ministry plans and activities with the larger congregation, you’re inviting everyone to rally behind the youth. Whether it’s through prayer, encouragement, or even participation, involving the whole church community strengthens the bonds within your church family.
Your church may have a weekly bulletin, or a website, or just lots of posters everywhere. However your church communicates, make sure you’re on the same page and giving them all of the information that they need!

Navigating the Adventure Together:
In a youth ministry, effective communication isn’t just a tool – it’s a lifeline. It’s the bridge that connects parents, leaders, students, and the church community. It transforms your journey from a solo expedition into a shared adventure, full of camaraderie, support, and growth.

So, fellow adventurers, let’s remember the power of communication as we navigate the uncharted territories of youth ministry. Share your plans, goals, and activities with everyone onboard. Let’s journey together, united by a common purpose, and create a lasting impact that echoes through the years.

Stay tuned for more insights and guidance on this incredible journey we’re all on. 🌟

Need some help letting everyone know the game plan? Grab this fully editable calendar from DYM and look like a pro!

14 Aug 2023

Starting Off Small Groups Right

By Ronald|2023-08-14T10:47:41-07:00August 14th, 2023|Small Groups|3 Comments

As the leaves start to change and the air gets crisper (at least there’s a rumor cold air is happening somewhere around here…), it’s the perfect time to kick off small groups within your youth ministry. I’m excited to share some practical tips with you that will help you create an enriching and transformative experience for your students this fall. Let’s dive in:

1. Select Clear Topics and Themes:

Imagine sitting down with your small group, ready to dive into meaningful conversations. To make that happen, choose topics and themes that genuinely resonate with your students. Think about their needs, interests, and challenges. When you address subjects that matter to them, you’ll spark engagement and encourage everyone to actively participate.

Want to make it a double win? Get on board with your church’s vision statement and show how what you’re talking about correlates to that!

2. Recruit and Train Leaders:

Leaders are the heartbeat of your small groups. Identify individuals who have a passion for mentoring and guiding others. These leaders don’t have to be experts; they just need a heart that cares. Equip them with training, resources, and ongoing support. When leaders feel confident and well-prepared, their guidance will inspire great discussions and growth.

Check out some of the resources down below for more info!

3. Define Group Guidelines:

Creating a safe and open space is huge for effective small groups. Sit down with your leaders and craft clear group guidelines together. Address behaviors, confidentiality, and mutual respect. These guidelines set the tone for an environment where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, questions, and struggles.

Make sure students are on board with these guidelines and are willing to participate with these in mind!

4. Incorporate Prayer and Worship:

Picture your small group gathering around in a circle, connecting not only with each other but also with Jesus. Start or end each session with prayer and worship. It deepens the spiritual experience, reminding everyone that they’re part of something bigger than themselves. This practice also fosters unity and encourages students to explore their faith journey together.

Remind students they aren’t just here for fellowship! They’re here to experience the life changing work of God!

5. Celebrate Milestones:

We all love celebrating victories, right? Well, your small groups should be no different. Recognize and celebrate milestones—whether it’s someone’s spiritual breakthrough, a goal achieved, or personal challenges overcome. These celebrations create a sense of accomplishment and belonging, making your small group feel like a tight-knit community.

As you embark on this exciting journey of fall small groups, remember that you’re not just organizing meetings; you’re fostering a space for growth, connection, and transformation. Keep these tips close as you create a nurturing environment for your students.

Need some resources to get your fall in full swing? Check these awesome Co-Leader resources out!

24 Jul 2023

Ministering to Students Who Aren’t Showing Up

By Justin Knowles|2023-07-13T13:16:16-07:00July 24th, 2023|Uncategorized, Youth Ministry Hacks|11 Comments

We just recorded a podcast for Youth Ministry Hacks (CLICK HERE to listen) about the importance of following up in youth ministry. Follow up is such an important aspect of ministry but something easily overlooked because it’s easy to miss to move on to bigger and better things.

One of the things I get asked the most about in youth ministry is what is the exact system we have set up in order to make sure student don’t fall through the cracks? Below is what we have set up right now. Does it work? If I am honest, we don;t know yet. We only really started the whole process in all phases about 2 months ago. It seems to be doing it’s job. I do know we will be looking at it and adjusting it as we go, but it seems to at least fill some holes we had noticed over the past two years of having lots of news students but not being at “sticky” as we have been wanting.

We are in a season where we have the ability to track who is coming to our campuses and we want to make sure we are effectively following up with every student who walks through our doors throughout the year.

We will run a weekly (new students), a monthly (this month vs last month) and a quarterly (CCB roster scrub) report.

The following is how we need to be following up with each group of students that we can run reports on:

1st Time Student Follow Up:

When a new student comes to SCY for the first time they fill out a QR code with their info. The info gets put into a list where the youth network team will then create a new student profile and put it in a queue for the youth lead to follow up with.

Here is how the process is set up in CCB:

Thursday
- “Glad you came” postcards get written up (cards have been provided) and addressed with a note and put in the mail.
- Follow up text from the lead.
- Follow up text from the group leader they were placed with the previous night.
- Parent email, introducing the lead and the ministry
Tuesday
- Queue will prompt a follow up invite with a text from the youth lead to invite back to groups the following night.
Thursday
- Youth lead will check to see if that student came back to groups.
  - If student did, connect with them and let them know they are so glad they got to come back and will help them get more connected in the ministry
  - If the student did not, they will keep them in the queue and invite them back the following week for 3 weeks.

Monthly CCB Report – Students who checked in last month but not this month

We have the ability now to run a monthly report of every student who checked into a group the previous month who has not come back the current month. This is a good way to follow up with kids we have not seen in a bit and a good way to see if any of the first time students have been plugged in.

Follow up should look like the following:

All follow up should happen within two weeks of receiving the roster by campus.
A “We miss you” postcard addressed with a note from the lead be sent in the mail.
A call or text to the student
- “Hey! We have noticed you have not been here in a few weeks. Just letting you know we miss seeing you! We hope you are good. Is there anything that we can be praying for you about or do for you and your family? We hope to see you soon!
- Something along those lines.
An email to the parent with a very similar text.
If the CP knows the family, they can reach out to the parents.

Quarterly CCB Report – Students who have checked in this year, but who have not come this quarter

We have the ability to run a report to see students who we have not checked in at youth for 3 months. This is a great opportunity to reach out to youth and parents to let them know we notice, to check in and invite back.

Follow up should look like the following:

A “We miss you” postcard addressed with a note from the lead be sent in the mail.
A call or text to the student
- “Hey! We have noticed you have not been here in a few weeks. Just letting you know we miss seeing you! We hope you are good. Is there anything that we can be praying for you about or do for you and your family? We hope to see you soon!
- Something along those lines.
An email to the parent with a very similar text.
If the CP knows the family, they can reach out to the parents.
That student should be removed from any CCB group roster so we can have accurate information in regards to youth rosters as they are a leading indicator for the success of youth at Sandals.

Whatever church management system you have, it really doesn’t matter, you can take this process and apply it. If your group is small or if it’s massive, the important part is being intentional with the process of follow up to make sure you are covering all bases and making connections with students.

Hope this is helpful.

@justinknowles3