Leadership: Youth Ministry Q & A

A: "The three trends I see most often in youth ministries across America are these:

1. Multiple memberships. In other words, more and more kids are attending and benefiting from more than one youth group. I'm not sure I like this trend, but given the consumer mindset of our society today, we shouldn’t be surprised. Hopefully, this will force more youth groups to network together, enabling kids to benefit from the best of various groups and their particuliar strengths. Additionally, it should push many of us to raise the quality, knowing students won't just come cause "that's where they're supposed to go." They're going to go where their needs are met, even if it means dual locations.
2. A frustration with sitting. On the average, teens hear 3-4 sermons and/or lessons a week, with few outlets for service. And because most churches are behind the times in communication techniques (i.e., we still lecture), students are getting bored with sitting and listening. Again, I'm not sure I like this trend either, but I love what it has forced me to do: Get my kids out of their seat and onto the street! We use the "1 seat and 2 feet" tool to guide us in this aspect, which simply says that "for every time their rear’s in the seat, twice their feet ought to be on the street." We often schedule regular service projects during church for those who want to be involved. The task, however, for youth leaders like you and me will be to make mission service and opportunities a weekly staple and priority, not just an annual event. Students are looking for more than just a once-a-year trip; they want a consuming cause.
3. Biblical Illiteracy. Due to the breakdown of the home, the entertainment age, and the overall disillusionment with education, kids today simply don't know basic Bible facts. And it will get worse across the board. Youth leaders will need to exercise courage, though, by not shying away from teaching the necesary nutrients for spiritual health (theology). Just because our teens don't initially understand it or don't seem interested doesn’t mean they don’t need it.

Q: “I've been seeing this 'Thirst First' slogan lately, and I like the concept. Any more tips in this area? –Strategy Reader

A: "Thirst First involves three steps: Positioning, Responding, and Repositioning. In positioning, you act proactively by creating and designing ministries that attract and interest your target audience. So it's vital you know who you're after.
In responding, you reply appropriately to the interest they show by meeting them at that level of interest. By the way, come in lower than they expected and you‘ll lose them!
In repositioning you re-align your offers, keeping the bar high enough to create a new set of expectations, thereby increasing the thirst. What's nice about a thirst first approach is that it allows individuals to go as deep as they wish, thereby putting the burden of growth squarely where it belongs -- with each person. Though many like to think they're doing this, most aren't. In fact, most youth groups simply create middle-of-the-road meetings and expect everyone to attend. It's considered a "no-choice" requirement, which, in turn, cranks up the criticism when the "meeting" doesn't satisfy everyone's needs. In case you're wondering, God has operated -- and continues to operate --this way with us. How? Upon seeing our need, He acted proactively and positioned Himself to save us. Then He responded to those who accepted His offer of love. And it's within those people that God continues to reposition and respond, stretching us to greater heights along the way till He completes His work in us (Phil 1:6).

Q: New kids come in and visit, but few stay. I don’t think my students are that unfriendly, but it seems from the rate of my visitor return something is wrong. What can I or my group do to see more new teens actually visit and eventually feel at home?

A: The common denominator with effective follow-up programs is relationships. Whether the new student is a guest visiting with his/her family, a recent convert, or a drop in, contact is crucial. I’ve always said students will come once for an event, several times for a leader, but forever for a friend. So the key is to establish the proper contact at the crucial moments. I think those critical moments are when they first arrive on your turf and later on when you identify with them on their turf. When they first visit, even if they’re with a friend, a new student feels self-conscious and out of place. What can you do to eliminate these obstacles? Later in the day or week, when they’re processing how they felt about their visit, arrange a chance to see them on their turf. Send some kids out to “kidnap” them for a soft drink. Go by and pick him/her up after school for a burger. Whatever you do, this is where you want to identify opportunities. Why should they return?

In short, keep two concepts in mind when dealing with guests: Eliminate obstacles in your ministry (negative things that stop them from returning) and identify opportunities in your ministry (positive things that help them return). Keep in mind that your best opportunities are, first and foremost, people, second projects, and third events. Unfortunately, we go at this in reverse too many times. No wonder we have a hard time hanging onto new teens!

Todd
YLC

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