How To Find A Theme For Your Next Message Series or Retreat

You desperately search the Internet for the theme of your next retreat or message series.  You stare at the blank screen hoping something will emerge.  All you get is NOTHING.

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Developing a theme for the next message series or retreat can be a frustrating experience.  Capturing the attention of the teenagers and taking them to a deeper level at the same time isn’t always easy.  Fortunately, discovering a dynamic team doesn’t take magic, it takes developing a process where you:

KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE

If you are looking for something relevant then you need to know what occupies their time and money.  You need to know the challenges they face and what has their focus.  To get to know your audience better:

• Spend time in their environments.  Go to their games, check out where they hang out and watch how they interact.  Make sure you go in pairs so you don’t look like that random weird adult.

• Talk to the experts. There are other men and women in the trenches of youth work.  Meet with teachers, coaches and counselors.  Get their perspective and insight on what defines these teenagers.

• Follow what they follow.  Don’t brush off social media platforms, movies or games that teens love.  Look into them to figure out why they are so engaging.

The more you get to know your audience the clearer it will be to find out what captures their heart.

STUDY THE SEASONS

Seasons shape our mood and shift our attention.  You could have a great theme; but, if it doesn’t match the season it could be totally ineffective.  Take the time of year into account, look at the church calendar and see what’s offered.

DETERMINE AN OUTCOME

How is a teenager going to change after listening to your message or attending your retreat?  When you focus on application it can help you discover the information.  By knowing the outcome you will figure out what you need to tell them to set them in the right direction.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO REUSE, COPY OR ADAPT

You don’t have to be original.  In fact sometimes you can’t be original because chances are someone’s done it before.  If you are looking for a theme look at what others did, and adapt it to your audience.  Some of the places to look are:

• Other churches
• Film/Television series
• Books
• Social Trends

Church of the Nativity started out (and still does) using themes from other churches.  In fact one thing we now offer is the opportunity to use our tools.  To do that check out the Rebuilt Parish Association HERE.

WORK WITH A TEAM

Creative development doesn’t have to fall solely on your shoulders.  When you build a team you widen your chances of coming up with new themes and topics on a regular basis.  Not only do you expand your creative depth, but you have a greater opportunity to reach new teenagers.

ALWAYS WORK AHEAD

One of the greatest enemies to the creative process is a lack of margin.  While you have looming deadlines don’t be afraid to start thinking about next year.  Write down ideas that come across your mind and save them for later.  The further you can get ahead the more you will set yourself up for success.

Developing a theme takes work; however, with the right process you can stay ahead.  Take the time to build a team, do the research and develop a plan.