Youth Ministry Tips [2/14/11]

YOUTH GROUP

Which is more important to you–your identity as a Christian or your denominational affiliation? How are these identities similar/different? Interview people of different ages before opening it for group discussion. Use this activity to affirm your denomination, not to put it down. It can also be quite instructional, but don’t revert to lecturing. If your group is considered to be “non-denominational,” make it a contrast of Christianity with world religions instead of a single denomination with Christianity.

SERVICE ACTIVITY

Here’s a service activity that requires a lot of sensitivity. Attend a funeral in which you know there won’t be very many people–check and get clearance from a local funeral home. Prepare your youth in advance by reading the obituary of the deceased person as well as passages like1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, John 11, 1 Corinthians 15:51-57. Invoke an awareness in the youth that death is an enemy that will eventually be destroyed. The purpose of attending the funeral is to support those grieving. Listen and show respect.

SOCIAL ACTIVITY

Mingle. It’s a game (also called clumps). Assemble people in a somewhat crowded space and have them minglewith one another. The leader shouts out a number (“five”) and people form groups of five (holding hands or arms around each other–you decide). Those not in groups of five move to the perimeter and those remaining begin to mingle again until another number is called. Do this until everyone is out, then start again. Have a few referees to help count the numbers in each group.

SMALL GROUPS

You may have used ACTS as a pattern for prayer: (A for Ask; C for confession; T for thanksgiving; S for supplication). Use the acronym PRAY as a road map for praying. P is for Praise (brag about God), R is for Repent (confession time), A is for Ask (your needs and wants), Y is for Yield (give all of these elements to God instead of taking charge yourself). This may be done individually or as a group.