In most churches, however, you’ll often find youth who never attend the youth group. They attend worship services. They may be involved in other aspects of the church, but since they’re not in the youth group, they fall through the youth-ministry crack.
A strong youth ministry cares for all youth—those involved in the church youth ministry and those who never show up.
Many of us are making our final plans for starting up our fall programming in our faith communities. Barbeques, picnics, bowling parties, ice cream socials, pizza night, and kick-off Sunday celebrations are all in the works and we are looking forward to the year ahead. In all of the excitement, it can be hard to remember that for many youth, there will be uneasiness, anxiety, and fear about the unknown. If a child has never been to youth ministry programs before, they may not know what to expect at all. If they have been, they may be wondering what will be different this year, will certain people come, will a different person talk to them, or what crazy stuff will the youth minister make us do this year. This kind of unknown, even if they have grown up in the church and have been excited, can make the first few months of the year so important. 
This Spring, you probably celebrated the seniors who graduated from High School and are headed off to their next adventures. Their adventures may include a job, the military, community college, college, or something unknown. Regardless of where they are headed, staying in touch with them and letting them know you are still thinking about them, holding them in prayer, and looking forward to seeing them is important. Just because they graduate, does not mean that they graduate from the community. But how does one stay in touch? Here are my top 10 ways that I have found to stay in touch. |
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