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Youth Ministry

Youth Christmas Party Planning Checklist

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Christmas is just around the corner… Have you prepared for your youth Christmas Party yet?

If you don’t get things moving well in advance, instead of enjoying the Christmas Vacation with the youth, you could end up being totally stressed and miss valuable opportunities to impact their lives and those of their friends and families.

So here’s a Youth Christmas Planning Checklist… (FIRST DRAFT – IDEAS WELCOME for improvement)

Form a Christmas Party planning committee

  • Who needs to be involved in the planning for the Christmas Party? (i.e. parents, youth workers, youth, pastoral staff, others?)
  • What are the roles in the planning and preparation for the Christmas Party and who will be responsible for each role?

Coordinate your Youth Christmas Party with the church as a whole

  • How will the Christmas Party fit into the over all schedule of Church activities? Does it complement the Church Christmas theme or focus?
  • Will there be duplication? Should some parts of the Christmas party be jointly organised?
  • Will there be conflicts of manpower and facilities?
  • Is your planned date for the Christmas Party on the overall church calendar?
  • Who will you need to coordinate with? Will it be part of the overall church Christmas plan or separate?

Decide the Christmas Activities Schedule

  • List the individual activities that will be part of your Youth Christmas program.
  • What are the times and dates of each event?
  • What is the venue or location for each event?
  • How will the Christmas Party fit into the schedule?

Decide your Goal for the Christmas Party

  • Purpose: What is the purpose for the Christmas party? Is it evangelistic? In appreciation? A simple celebration? To reach out to the community? To help the needy?
  • Target group: Who is the target group for the Christmas Party? Who do you want to attend the Christmas Party? (age group, Christians / seekers, friends of youth, parents, youth workers, community, etc.)
  • Brief Description: Write a clear description of the Christmas Party and its goals.
  • Theme: What is the theme for the Christmas Party?

Plan the Details for the Christmas Party

  • What is the official name of for the Christmas Party? Does the name clearly communicate the purpose
  • and content?
  • You should have already written down the date and time and venue for the Party. In addition you will want to add directions to the venue? Is there a map available? About how long will it
  • take travel there? Is it difficult to find?

Tentative Christmas Party Program

  • What activities will fill the time during the Christmas Party? OVER PLAN and have ALTERNATIVES. (e.g. Icebreakers, gift exchange, Bible study, Movies, Large Group Games, etc.) If you are using another venue, doing an on site inspection in advance will help you better prepare for Christmas games and activities. If there is a gift exchange, how will the exchange be coordinated? A great resource for planning your Christmas Party is the Creative Youth Ideas Christmas Collection.

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Christmas Party Finances

  • What’s the expected actual cost?
  • What is the budget for the Youth Christmas Party?
  • What is the cost to participants?
  • If there is a Christmas gift exchange, what is the price range for the participant’s gifts?
  • Are there sponsors / sources of supplies or food for the Christmas Party? Will parents or church members make contributions of Christmas goodies and food?
  • Are there scholarships available?
  • Does the cost change for early or late sign-ups?
  • When is payment for the Christmas Party due?

Christmas Party Arrangements

  • Reservation of Venue?
  • Recruit Adult chaperons / volunteers for the Christmas Party – A good rule of thumb is to have one chaperon (parent/youth pastor/leader) for every eight youth that attend. (Some groups may require more or less supervision)
  • Are there to be Special speakers / special items or programs utilizing outside people?
  • Someone trained in first aid or medicine on site in case of an injury.
  • What food will be available at the Christmas party? Meals and snacks should be designed to meet the needs of all attendees. Are there any special dietary requirements or restrictions?
  • Are there any transportation requirements?
  • Contact information for those responsible for major roles and duties?
  • Address and contact of nearest medical emergency aid?
  • What Rules will be enforced?
  • Create an ‘Incident Report’ form for any injuries, accidents or security breaches that occur during the Christmas Party?

Christmas Events Publicity

  • Promotional fliers
  • Church Bulletin
  • Church / youth Calendar or events
  • Invitations – Your invitations should state the starting and ending time of your Christmas party and should mention the food you will be serving. And don’t forget to include directions to get to the venue, expecially for first timers. You also will want to include any cost and indicate whether or not participants should bring a gift for a gift exchange and costing for such gifts.
  • Sign-up form / Permission slips
  • Postcards to invite friends
  • Posters / Bulletin Boards
  • Website / emails
  • Local newspaper

Equipment and resources needed for the Christmas Party

  • Are the tables and chairs available at the venue sufficient for participants and the food?
  • Sound system? Upbeat Christmas Music?
  • Special lighting?
  • Special equipment?
  • Materials and resources for games?
  • Parking space? Drop off and pick-up point for parents?
  • Requisition forms for supplies, Checkout / return out form for any equipment or supplies that are borrowed?

Handling emergencies

  • Any time you get a group of youth together there is a possibility of accidents. They will happen. So be prepared for them.
  • Christmas Party Attendee list – Name, contact number for parents, and permission slips if you are leaving the church premises. Keep the contact information together in a folder and available at all times in case of an emergency. Make a master copy and a standby copy.
  • Sponsor list
  • Emergency contacts
  • Fire, medical, and police department numbers
  • What is the name, address and phone number of the nearest hospital or urgent care facility? (This information should be included on your health form/parent release.). What is the most direct route from the venue?
  • What are the venue management contacts?
  • Prepare a Parent’s contact list.
  • Prepare a Volunteer list with assigned roles and contact numbers?
  • What transportation arrangements are required. Contact numbers?

Christmas Party Volunteer Training

    • Screen Volunteers
    • Meet with volunteers as a group before party.
    • List responsibilities and contact numbers for each volunteer including a ‘Chain of Command’ – who reports to whom, who makes final decisions?
    • Make sure volunteers are clear on the rules.
    • Familiarize volunteers with the layout of the venue – especially exits, potential problem areas or hazards.
    • Assign people in your team to be responsible for cleaning up any spills/ broken glass as soon as it happens?
    • Trouble shoot with volunteers. What things could happen during the party and how should the volunteers respond?
    • Have people and vehicles on standby to travel with youth in case of emergency.
    • Instruct volunteers in how to complete the ‘Incident Report’ form for any injuries, accidents or security breaches that occur during the Christmas Party and what information is needed. They need to get signatures of any eyewitnesses.
    • Go through the entire Party schedule. What resources are needed for each item on the schedule and who is responsible to make sure they are ready?
    • Volunteers must be flexible and ready to help out as needed.

The Day of the Christmas Party

  • Set up the decorations according to your theme.
  • Set up for games / activities
  • Test the sound system and Christmas music
  • Delivery and storage of food and supplies
  • Identify key volunteers to participants, especially the medical person.
  • Are floor surfaces clear of trip hazards and electrical cords?
  • Are all security, staff and volunteers easily identified with either a uniform, t-shirt, ID badge or cap?
  • Are Emergency/Fire exits clear of any obstructions and will they have adults monitoring them?
  • Are there first-aid supplies, fire extinguishers? If so, where are they located?
  • If you are going to have a gift exchange, have quite a few backups for those that forget or unexpected gifts. Try to insure that everyone gets a gift.
  • Be sure to have someone take photos and video of the event. They make great Christmas Party souvenirs.
  • Clean up – It’s important to leave the hall or building in the same shape as you found it.
  • Involve everyone in this process.

After the Christmas Party

  • Return rental or borrowed items
  • Thank everyone who made the Christmas Party possible
  • Meet with the Christmas Party planning committee and evaluate. Ask: What worked well? What could we have done differently? What did we learn from this process?
  • Review any incident reports completed and see what steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents happening at future youth events.
  • Complete and file a written event summary including any resources and suggestions for future planning of Christmas Parties.
  • Send “thank you” cards to everyone who help in any way

This document is a guide only. It contains general information and is not intended to represent a comprehensive checklist. Have suggestions to add? Any words of wisdom? Please click on the comments link below and share with us your wisdom and experience in regards to organizing Christmas Parties for your youth!

Youth Ministry

Lock-in Checklist

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A “lock in” is an overnight party. The doors might not be literally locked, but no-one goes in or out. Use this comprehensive lock-in checklist to help you plan.

Form a lock-in planning committee

  • Who needs to be involved in the planning for the lock-in? (i.e. parents, youth workers, youth, pastoral staff, others?)
  • What are the roles in the planning and preparation for the lock-in and who will be responsible for each role?

Decide your Goals for the lock-in

  • What is the purpose for the lock-in.
  • Who is the Target group? Who do you want to attend the lock-in? (age group, Christians / seekers, friends of youth, etc.)
  • Write a clear description of the lock-in and its goals.

Plan the Details for the lock-in

  • What is the official name of the lock-in? Does the lock-in name clearly communicate the purpose and content?
  • When is the date and Time?
  • Where is the venue for the lock-in? (Church, community center, skate rink, school, multiple locations?) What are the directions to the venue? Is there a map available? About how long will it take travel there? Is it difficult to find?

Tentative lock-in Schedule / Program

  • What activities will fill the time during the lock-in? OVER PLAN and have ALTERNATIVES.
    (e.g. Icebreakers, Bible study, Board games, video games, Movies, Large Group Games, Skating, Sports, Swimming, Bowling, Volleyball, Basketball, Water Balloon fights, Discussions, Community Service, Dodge ball, capture the flag, floor hockey, carpetball, etc.) If you are using another venue, doing an on site inspection in advance will help you better prepare for lock-in games and activities.
  • Set a bed-time and a wake-up time. Don’t expect the teens to actually sleep during a lock-in, but do have have a time when everyone will wind down with quiet activities and an opportunity for those to sleep who might wish to do so. Also set a wake-up time, especially if you’ll be serving breakfast in the morning.

Lock-in Finances

  • What’s the expected actual cost of the lock-in and activities?
  • What is the budget for the lock-in?
  • What is the cost to participants?
  • Are there sponsors / sources of supplies or food for the lock-in?
  • Are there scholarships available?
  • Does the cost change for early or late sign-ups?
  • Does the cost go down if kids get their friends to sign up for the lock-in? Are there multiple levels of discounts tied to the number of friends who sign up?
  • When is payment due for the lock-in?

Lock-in Arrangements

  • Reservation of Venue?
  • Recruit Adult chaperons / volunteers for the lock-in – A good rule of thumb is to have one chaperon (parent/youth pastor/leader) for every eight youth that attend. (Some groups may require more or less supervision)
  • Are there to be Special speakers / special items or programs utilizing outside people?
  • Someone trained in first aid or medicine on site in case of an injury.
  • What food will be available at the lock-in? Dinner? Snacks? Breakfast? Quantity? Meals and snacks should be designed to meet the needs of all attendees. Are there any special dietary requirements or restrictions?
  • Transportation requirements for the lock-in?
  • What do participants need to bring to the lock-in? (sleeping bag, pillow, snacks, games, swim suit, towel, toothbrush and toothpaste, comfortable clothing and shoes?)
  • What contact information is available for parents of youth attending the lock-in?
  • Contact information for those responsible for major roles and duties?
  • Address and contact of nearest medical emergency aid?
  • Sleeping Arrangements for the lock-in – Provide separate rooms for guys and gals sleeping arrangements. Rooms need to have a monitor.
  • What time should youth arrive at the lock-in and be picked up? Where do parents drop their kids off and pick them up?
  • What Rules will be enforced?
  • Create an ‘Incident Report’ form for any injuries, accidents or security breaches that occur during the lock-in?

Lock-in Publicity

  • Promotional fliers
  • Church Bulletin
  • Church / youth Calendar or events
  • Invitations
  • Sign-up form / Permission slips
  • Postcards to invite friends
  • Posters / Bulletin Boards
  • Website / emails
  • Local newspaper

Equipment and resources needed for the Lock-in

  • Are the tables and chairs available in the meeting rooms sufficient?
  • What is the capacity of the sleeping area(s)?
  • Sound system? Music?
  • Special lighting?
  • Special equipment?
  • Board games, sports equipment, materials for games?
  • Parking space? Drop off and pick-up point for parents?
  • Security?
  • Requisition forms for supplies, Checkout / return out form for any equipment or supplies that are borrowed?

Final Lock-in Preparations

  • Final Program schedule for the lock-in
  • Lock-in Attendee list – Permission slips must be signed by parents / guardians before teens are allowed to attend the lock-in. Keep the contact information together in a folder and available at all times in case of an emergency. Make a master copy and a standby copy.
  • Sponsor list
  • Emergency contacts
  • Fire, medical, and police department numbers
  • What is the name, address and phone number of the nearest hospital or urgent care facility? (This information should be included on your health form/parent release.). What is the most direct route from the lock-in venue?
  • What are the venue management contacts?
  • Prepare a Parent’s contact list.
  • Prepare a Volunteer list with assigned roles and contact numbers?
  • What transportation arrangements are required. Contact numbers?

Lock-in Volunteer Training

  • Screen Volunteers
  • Meet with volunteers as a group before the lock-in.
  • List responsibilities and contact numbers for each lock-in volunteer including a ‘Chain of Command’ – who reports to whom, who makes final decisions?
  • Make sure lock-in volunteers are clear on the rules.
  • Familiarize lock-in volunteers with the layout of the venue – especially exits, potential problem areas or hazards.
  • Assign people in your team to be responsible for cleaning up any spills/ broken glass as soon as it happens?
  • Trouble shoot with lock-in volunteers. What things could happen during the lock-in and how should the volunteers respond?
  • Have people and vehicles on standby to travel with youth in case of emergency.
  • Instruct lock-in volunteers in how to complete the ‘Incident Report’ form for any injuries, accidents or security breaches that occur during the lock-in and what information is needed. They need to get signatures of any eyewitnesses.
  • Go through the entire lock-in schedule. What resources are needed for each item on the schedule and who is responsible to make sure they are ready?
  • Lock-in Volunteers must be flexible and ready to help out as needed.

The Day of the Lock-in

  • Set up for games / activities
  • Delivery and storage of food and supplies
  • Post the rules in the venue where you’re hosting the lock-in. Go over the lock-in rules as soon as the teens arrive. Make your expectations clear. This will help reduce conflicts that might arise during the night.
  • Identify key volunteers to participants, especially the medical person.
  • Are all areas of your venue (including outdoor areas) adequately lit – especially for night time events?
  • Are floor surfaces clear of trip hazards and electrical cords?
  • Are all security, staff and volunteers easily identified with either a uniform, t-shirt, ID badge or cap?
  • Are Emergency/Fire exits clear of any obstructions and will they have adults monitoring them?
  • Are there first-aid supplies, fire extinguishers? If so, where are they located?
  • Are all exits monitored?
  • Prepare a secure area to store any bags until they are collected at the end of the lock-in.
  • Clean up – It’s important to leave the hall or building in the same shape as you found it. Involve everyone in this process.
  • Have people prepared to stay later after the lock-in as not everyone will leave immediately, parents may not pick up young people on time, or transport may be late.

After the lock-in

  • Return rental or borrowed items
  • Thank everyone who made the lock-in possible
  • Meet with the lock-in planning committee and evaluate. Ask: What worked well? What could we have done differently? What did we learn from this process?
  • Review any incident reports completed and see what steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents happening at the next lock-in.
  • Complete and file a written event summary including any resources and suggestions for future planning of lock-ins.

Special Cautions for a lock-in

  • Over-plan your activities so the teens won’t get bored during the lock-in.
  • Plan Bibles studies and spiritual discussions at the beginning of the lock-in when people are most alert and decisions are not clouded by lack of sleep or sugar highs!
  • If youth are of driving age it is recommended they not be allowed to drive home from the lock-in as they might not get enough sleep to take care on the roads.

Sample lock-in rules

  • All youth must sign indicating their agreement to these rules.
  • Unless other arrangements are made with a parent or guardian, each student is expected to stay the entire night, and will only be released to their parent or guardian.
  • No one is allowed to attend the lock-in without a signed parental permission slip and contact numbers. Parents may be called to verify if there is doubt.
  • Lock-in participants will not be allowed to go outside of church or venue without adult supervision, and if this rule is broken the parent will be called and expected to pick up their teen regardless of the hour.
  • NO personal video games, trading cards, or electronic devices
  • Any possessions are bags must be surrendered at entrance to the lock-in venue. Special medication or required items should be indicated on the parent permission form.
  • No illegal drugs, alcohol, dangerous materials, or firearms.
  • All lock-in participants must respect others’ physical boundaries. Inappropriate behavior (i.e.
  • physical intimacy or sexual harassment) is not permitted.
  • Same sex sleeping quarters will be provided. Lights out/quiet hours will be observed in these areas.
  • It is expected that all lock-in participants (youth and adults) will participate in the program. Adequate free time will be scheduled for fellowship and socializing.
  • Violation of these rules will result in disciplinary action and may include the participant being asked to leave the lock-in. Parents will be called to pick them up.
  • Take care of yourself
  • Be considerate and respectful of other participants and leaders
  • Be respectful of the meeting place.
  • Clean up after yourself.
  • THE ENFORCEMENT OF THESE LOCK-IN RULES IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY. I have read the above rules and agree to abide by them.

This lock-in checklist is a guide only. It contains general information and is not intended to represent a comprehensive checklist.

Have suggestions to add to the lock-in checklist? Any words of wisdom? Please click on the comments link below and share with us your wisdom and experience in regards to organizing lock-ins for your youth!


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Youth Ministry

Ministry vs Job

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Some people have a JOB in the church; others involve themselves in a MINISTRY.
What’s the difference?

If you are doing it just because no one else will, it’s a JOB.
If you are doing it to serve the Lord, it’s a MINISTRY.

If you quit because somebody criticized you, it was a JOB.
If you keep on serving, it’s a MINISTRY.

If you’ll do it only as long as it does not interfere with your other activities, it’s a JOB.
If you are committed to staying with it even when it means letting go of other things, it’s a MINISTRY.

If you quit because no one praised you or thanked you, it was a JOB.
If you stay with it even though nobody recognizes your efforts, it is a MINISTRY.

It’s hard to get excited about a JOB.
It’s almost impossible not to be excited about a MINISTRY.

If our concern is success, it’s a JOB.
If our concern is faithfulness, it’s a MINISTRY.

An average church is filled with people doing JOBs.
A great and growing church is filled with people involved in MINISTRY.

Where do we fit in? What about us?

If God calls you to a MINISTRY, don’t treat it like a JOB.
If you have a JOB, give it up and find a MINISTRY.

God does not want us feeling stuck with a JOB, but excited and faithful to Him in a MINISTRY.


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Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry Must be RELATIONAL

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If you want to make a difference in the lives of youth, it all starts with relationships. Youth don’t care what you know until they know that you care. And as you spend time with youth you will discover that more is caught than taught. Christ always focused on the needs of the people rather than programs. Too often today I think we have flipped Christ’s priorities upside down focusing more on programs than people.

We have programs for Bible Study, programs for church membership, programs for the elderly, programs for evangelism, missions programs and a program for worship. The list of programs goes on and on. Everything has a program. And programs are good when they help us to systematize the processes, knowledge and skills that make a difference in the lives of the youth we care for. But not everyone fits into a program. Not every need can be touched by a program. Not all knowledge is transfered through a program. People don’t feel the love of God through a program. They experience the love of God when people care for them on a deeply personal level.

Programs can never replace a personal relationship. God set up a program of worship for the Israelites. Each tribe had a program and a role. He placed a system of laws to guide them and direct them. He created a program for people to repent and get right with God. The Israelites took his program and it became legalism. Pharisees followed the program. Worship followed the program. But God’s intention was never the creation and maintenance of a program. His intention was a relationship. Forgiveness and Restoration. A day to day walk in intimacy with the Creator. Ultimately God revealed himself most fully not in a program, but in a person!

Jesus walked among us. He cried for us, hurt for us, poured himself out to us. His sole desire —- a relationship. That we might be reconciled with the Father. That we might walk with Him. That we might experience the fullness of his love and his compassion.

Jesus called the masses, preached to them, healed them and walked and taught among them. But he focused on a few disciples.

Youth ministry is a primarily a relationship, not a programme. This applies to each aspect of youth ministry, such as Sunday School or Friday nights. They are not programmes – they are part of the strategy. The “programme” is to influence the lives of young people towards a relationship with Christ. Youth programmes must be designed to foster relationships between young people and their friends, the youth leaders, and other significant adults, who can have an input into their lives and help them toward the greatest relationship – that with God himself.

Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry Must be INCARNATIONAL

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Jesus, God who became man, is the example for all ministry. His ministry was INCARNATIONAL!

Without giving up His divine qualities, He nevertheless became fully immersed within the culture of the people to whom He brought Good News. He was part of the culture, yet transcended it. He lived happily within the culture, yet was an agent of transformation. He was one of us, but challenged us to look beyond ourselves and our situation to a God that could do the impossible.

The incarnation is a challenge to understand and live within the world of youth culture. We must become immersed in youth culture but be above it both ethically and morally. We must live to higher standards knowing the more is “Caught” than “Taught.” But that does not mean we are aloof in any means of the word. We must have the greatest humility, we must personally feel the hurts, experience the pains, understand the struggles, recognize their needs, and love youth in spite of their flaws. We must look beyond those faults to the transformation that God’s love can make in the hearts of every sinner. We must become God’s love incarnate. We must invite youth to a deeper understanding and love relationship with God, not only with words, but with our lives.

We must make the Good News culturally relevant to young people, and take it into their world. The church must be inviting and welcoming, but if we are to really reach out to the world of youth, we must join them in the walkways and the byways of their life. We must gently step down into their world with love and a message of redemption and forgiveness — with a promise of a hope and a future. Going before them to prepare the way and inviting them to follow. We reach down to life them up!

When we become the message, there is nothing more powerful. When we become God’s vessel, even when broken, he can use us to draw the lost to himself. Maybe even more so when broken. Christ, our incarnational example became the greatest sacrifice when broken for our sins!


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Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry Must be INTENTIONAL

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Effective youth ministry is more than activities to keep the youth occupied while their parents are involved in the church. It is more than simply having fun together, though fun is a component.

Youth ministry must be planned. What happens in a youth ministry must be the result of deliberate strategy, based on a vision for a desired future among your youth.

That desired future may vary a little from church to church, but ultimately it boils down to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. It is a desired future where young people come to know and love Jesus as Saviour and Lord of their lives – to love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. It is a strategy to make a difference to them and, through them, to the world – so that they might go into all the world and make disciples of all the nations.

Youth ministry will never be effective if it is just happens haphazardly, with no forethought or strategy. This is not to say that every aspect of youth work is meticulously programmed, but rather that each aspect of the ministry is carefully considered within the whole, and that there are genuine goals attached to each part of youth work.

Look at your youth ministry schedule. What is it that you are doing? Why are you doing it? Sometimes the “Why” is more important that the “How.” When you know WHY you are doing something, the “how” becomes much easier to plan!


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Youth Ministry

People and Programs

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People and Programs

There’s always a struggle in youth ministry regarding whether we should focus on building relationships (People) and organizing activities (Programs). In reality they are two sides of the same coin. You cannot have one without the other.

Types of Youth Programs

While balanced youth programs have elements of each of these, there tends to be a primary emphasis in certain areas from program to program.

Evangelism based.
This may be a youth group or ministry which has as it’s primary focus evangelism. The ministry is centred on outreaches, door knocking, witnessing classes etc.
Key Inputs: Preach the Gospel – Matthew 28:20
Gift emphasis: Evangelism and preaching

Discipleship Based
In this group, building up and strengthening of believers is the primary objective. Maturity in Christ for each member is the goal. Training on how to discover your gifts, healing, prophecy, tongues may be common if from a Pentecostal background or if nor Pentecostal the emphasis may be on the lay mobilisation, lay ministry, team ministry where the minister is one of the team etc.
Key Inputs: The body life – Ephesians 4:11
Gift emphasis: Discernment of gifts, exhortation.

Ministry based
This involves a range of welfare or semi welfare type ministries designed to meet the “needs” of people. Some example may be a children’s club, youth centre, feeding program, craft mornings, visitation, ethnic fellowship times, morning teas, study or tuition group, after-school care, counseling, etc. Can also be any group which is service project based or involves community care of some type.
Key Inputs: The poor – Luke 4:11
Gift emphasis: Mercy, Shepherd

Teaching Based.
A strong teaching ministry – most members bring Bibles to session with many taking notes. Traditionally the meetings are designed for the committed Christian. In some groups the line between discipleship based groups and teaching based groups is blurred.
Key Inputs: The Word – 2 Tim. 3:16
Gift emphasis: Teaching, wisdom, prophecy (proclamation) and preaching

Worship Based
The main objective of this group is the celebration of God’s presence and honoring him with our lifestyle. The ministry has a strong emphasis on Music, prayer, Scripture, giving, meditation, worshipful drama or even dance.
Key Inputs: Character of God – Romans 12:1-2
Gift emphasis: Prayer, faith

Fellowship Based
The group is seen by new comers to be very laid back with a strong emphasis on fellowship events, meals and outings after the event is seen to be as important as the meeting itself. The group is relationship based rather than organisational based. Home groups have an emphasis on sharing.
Key Inputs: The Church as a community – Ephesians 2:19
Gift emphasis: Shepherd, encouragement


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Parents Ministry, Youth Ministry

Christian home or religious home?

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There is a difference between a Christian home and a religious home. A religious home focuses upon the requirements of being a Christian, whereas a Christian home focuses on the relationship with God. Here are some of the characteristics of a Christian home:

  1. A Christian home is not legalistic but instead there is genuine intimacy and communication of God’s love and his desires for us.
  2. Family devotionals need to be a part of the family, but flexible, invigorating, full of variety and life. What a shame it is when we bore or burden our teens with religion rather then sharing the joy and love of serving God and growing in intimacy with Him!
  3. As parents we need to live by example – More is Caught than Taught. Principles mean little to a teen… example means everything! Those who are the best examples are not the ones supposedly living perfect Christian lives, but those who allow teenagers to look in and see what life is really like.. the struggles, the triumphs, the desire to grow. Expose youth to good models in other adults as well among your church members and friends.
  4. A teen’s view of God as the Father is often affected by earthly fathers. As father’s are we seeking to live in the example of the Heavenly Father?
  5. Perception is reality to teens… Don’t say the perception is false and ignore it… deal with the perceptions. Don’t see questions and doubts as threats but as opportunities to understand. Struggles are part of our spiritual journey.
  6. Don’t pretend to be perfect in your Christianity… be honest about your own faith and they will know that you are real… youth see hypocrisy quicker than anyone.
  7. Put a voice to your personal values and convictions and back them up by seeking to live by them.
  8. Remember that faith is a relationship with God, not a complete understanding. You don’t have to understand everything for your faith to make a difference. We use so much technology today that we don’t fully understand… the real issue is not how does it work, but instead how does it work for me. How does it make a difference in my life.
  9. Remember you cannot expect others to do your parenting work for you when you as a parent are the greatest influence on a child’s life. If you were to examine your life you will find things being transfered to your children… but very often it is our bad habits rather than our faith. Inspire your child. Spirituality is not demanded or forced but inspired and encouraged and nurtured.
  10. “Today’s church dropouts are not the kids; but their the parents. You can’t teach what you don’t know any more than you can come from where you have never been.” -Adrian Rogers If you want to see your child grow in their faith, you need to be GROWING in yours.
  11. You cannot do anything to be absolutely sure your teens will accept Christ because God gave each of us free will. But we can pray and live it ourselves daily!!
  12. Dt. 6:6-9 Talk about your faith at any time of the day (Note there is a difference between talking with someone and preaching!) Have a willingness to share plus a mental readiness to share when the time is right. If we want our children to desire the faith we have we must show its attractiveness… is the Christian life truly the abundant life for you or a burden.
  13. Make your home a place where other Christian teens are invited and welcome. Teens choose peers with needs similar to their own and as such can provide a clue to your teens needs and desires.
  14. Instead of getting defensive, as parents we must admit we are depending on Christ in our own weaknesses. Scripture teaches us to be vulnerable: “Not that we are competent to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” II Cor 3:5 Be real. You don’t have to be a superhero to be a positive spiritual influence in the life of a youth!

Actually, while these truths are critical principles for parents, they are true for anyone who wants to make a positive difference in the lives of youths. That includes youth leaders, teachers, mentors, and anyone that has regular contact with teens.


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Youth Ministry

Sunday School Teacher’s Pledge

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Many churches are beginning a new education year and recruiting new Sunday School Teachers and youth workers. As such I have had requests for a simple Sunday School teacher’s covenant. Here is one that I have used in the past: (just replace the parts in brackets with your church name, ministry position or department as appropriate)

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS’ PLEDGE
Believing that the privilege of guiding people in the Christian way of life is worthy of my best, I pledge, as a [teacher, youth worker etc] in [Church Name] to:

  • Be an example to my students in speech and conduct, earnestly seeking to win them for God and grow them in Christ (Prov 11:30)
  • Be regular and punctual in attendance; and in case of unavoidable absence, give notice thereof as far in advance as possible (1 Cor 4:2)
  • Make thorough preparation for the lessons and my other duties each week (2 Tim 2:15)
  • Help my students to understand and love the Bible (Psalms 119:16)
  • Attend the planning meetings with my [Superintendents, Directors, Youth Ministry Team, etc] (Luke 14:28-30)
  • Co-operate wholeheartedly in the plans and activities of the church and [Sunday School Department / youth Ministry] (1 Cor 3:9)

With the help of God, I will do my utmost to keep this pledge. Amen.


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Youth Ministry

A to Z Ideas for Things to do with Youth

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A few ideas from A-Z. Add your own as a comment!

A – Acting class, Art show, visit an Antiques Shop

B – beach party, bazaar, bulletin board

C – Chatroom (mlrc, msn), attend a Creative workshop

D – Dialogue nights, Dragon Boat races

E – Exhibition, educational show

F – Food

G – Giving Tree

H – Home (help) visits

I – Internet Café, icebreakers

J – Job hunt

K- Kayaking, Kite-flying, Karaoke

L- lock-in, LAN parties

M – Marathon, Music event, murder mystery party

N – Night out

O- Organic Food Tasting, Open Discussion

P – Pasta night

Q – Question and Answers

R – Retreat, religious event

S – Service, Swimming, Salsa

T – Tourist for a day, Temple visit

U – Understanding

V – Volunteering

W – Walkathons, Websites, Wilderness walks

X- X marks the spot – Treasure Hunt / Scavenger Hunts!

Y – Youth bulletin board

Z – Zoo trips, Zany–do (hair-do) days

Add your own as comments…


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This 100 Page e-Book Includes All The Help You Need To Prepare Powerful, Life-Changing Youth Sermons That Will Turn Your Preaching Around And Make Your Youth Sit Up And Listen! Includes 7 Complete Sermons.
–> I want More Youth Sermon Ideas…