Going Beyond The Youth Room

Youth ministry programming is only half the job of a youth minister.  To truly grow disciples of Jesus Christ you need to know how to make the next generation feel a part of the local church.

Courtesy of VinothChandar/Creative Commons License

That means looking for opportunities where they can lead.  While peer leadership is important, it will only get a teenager so far.  If you want to truly grow disciples and future leaders you need to:

GET TEENS INVOLVED ON THE WEEKEND

When teens are involved in the weekend it teaches them ownership.  It will help them understand what goes into the weekend.  This will increase investment and enthusiasm.

Teens who are involved in the weekend liturgy now will know how to be a part of it later in life.  They will know how to lead, serve and be a contributing member of a future local parish.

GIVE TEENAGERS OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD

Teenagers are more than just “helpers”.  They have ideas and the ability to think outside the box.  When you give teens the opportunity to lead their peers and other adults you:

• Give them authority to lead.

• Build confidence in their abilities.

• Teach them the opportunity to take risks.

On top of helping teens grow in leadership you’ll be able to tackle problems and situations with a fresh perspective.

PARTNER THE NEXT GENERATION WITH ADULT ROLE MODELS

Mentoring is a powerful tool for growing disciples.  One of the easiest ways to create a mentoring program is by asking adults who are involved in the weekend to walk alongside of a teen serving in the same ministry.

Make it simple and ask them to “Check In” with the teen regularly.  If they come across something that’s inspirational to share it.  Encourage them to challenge the teen to grow in their ministry and faith.

INVEST IN THE YOUTH LIKE YOU INVEST IN YOURSELF

Teens need resources to grow.  You can take them to conferences (This is where I take my teens HERE) or give them the books you read.  Look at them in the same way you look at your adult volunteers.  Set them up for success by investing in them as current leaders.

When you start looking at your students like future and current leaders it will change the way you do ministry.  It’ll no longer be about creating programs that entertain.  Your ministry will be a place where teens go and grow deeper.