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Question for the Community: Ways to Kick Start a New Youth Ministry

by Seth Bartlette
Monday, January 21, 2013
All, Blog
7 comments

We’re counting on you to help us answer this question from a fellow youth-worker:

I am about to become a youth pastor of a small but growing congregation in Arkansas. The student ministry is very small (less than ten students). What do you recommend/advise I should do to create awareness of the churches' student ministry? What would be some good ways to kick-start growth in ministry? I am currently reading Doug's book, First Two Years, but would always appreciate additional advice.

Time to weigh in with your thoughts, YMG Team. Help Richard by commenting below. Thanks!

Tags:Question for the Community

7 comments

1

Tuesday, January 22, 2013 8:22 AM
I think the fact that you will be the "New Guy" will automatically raise awareness of the student ministry. I would take advantage of the fact that the church is small right now, and really get the know the students and their parents. Spend time with them, hear their heart for their teens, and share your heart for student ministry - be the family pastor, not just the student pastor.Small town ministry can be drastically different than big city ministry, but the one thing that remains the same is this - getting the support of the parents is vital! I know this is stuff you already know, nothing earth shattering...just a good reminder.
2
KevinWednesday, January 23, 2013 12:06 PM
Raise their visibility through service. Have the students take on a project or two around the church building. Also get them doing some small projects for church families. Try to get them incorporated into the Sunday morning service as greeters, ushers, musicians, etc. It isn’t always comfortable but you may have to “blow your own horn” so to speak. Hopefully the preacher will take care of this for you. By serving you will teach your students an important part of being the church. You will also raise their profile in a very positive way.
3
NateThursday, February 07, 2013 12:50 PM
Be present in the community. Be at sporting events, concerts, plays, etc. I just accepted a new position but before hand was ministering in similar sized ministry. Being present in the community had the biggest impact of getting the church's and my name out there. Showing interest outside of our own bubbles has a tremendous impact on people!
4
Caleb LylesWednesday, February 27, 2013 10:30 AM
I would definitely reach out to a couple of the families that have helped build the church and are long-time members. This is playing into politics but it helps people get involved in the lives of the students who aren't going to get up and leave over a silly issue, and it helps you because they will be on your side on decisions that could help the youth ministry grow. A great book to read would be Sustainable Youth Ministry by Devries...best youth ministry book I've read in the past few years.
5
SuzieFriday, March 01, 2013 2:25 PM
All great ideas, Because easter is coming up you could do a flashlight egg hunt. It doesn't have to cost too much if you can get donations of eggs and candy. You could go all out and have pizza and big prizes. We have given away cash, kindle fire, gift cards. What we would do is put paper in the big prize eggs and they would turn it in to claim the prize. All the other eggs had candy in them. Now with small budgets its not as easy to do the big prizes. I know it sounds dangerous and well it is a little bit. But that makes it more fun right? Spread the word that you are doing it. And get A LOT of adult help. Every year that we have done it its been huge. Before kids go look for eggs have them register with their personal info and what if any church they go to. Contact the ones that don't go to church anywhere soon after thank them for coming and invite them to church. This year we are not doing it at our main campus. We are in the process of planting a new church campus starting with youth. We are talking about trying it in that community to raise awareness of the youth ministry starting up there.
6
Youth Ministry IdeasSaturday, March 02, 2013 9:16 AM
I realize this post is a little old, but I would say to definitely create some activities to really connect with your students and the parents so that you establish your authority. They need to embrace you as their youth leader. It's ok to start with some more fun types of events to create a community. Then you want to have a plan or philosophy of Youth Ministry in place starting with what do you want your seniors to look like and then work backwards from that in order to put in place necessary things to get them there.
7
RichardWednesday, March 06, 2013 2:26 PM
Thank you guys so much! This has been a great help! I thought that I was on the right track with what I was doing, and you guys solidified that! You guys rock!