How to Send Off Seniors in Style

“Would you like to be seated?” The hostess said with a smile. I checked my watch. “They’re always late.” I think to myself, “Is a goodbye breakfast really that smart? Maybe next year we’ll do a lunch?”

I tell the hostess, “Give me 10 more minutes.” Every year I invite the graduated seniors from my church to show up for a casual breakfast. Every year they show up late, but it’s worth it because it’s a chance to say goodbye.

As Spring fights off winter, many of our high school seniors are battling the big transition in their lives. They are moving from adolescence into adulthood and as the church we can help them Get ready for the next chapter of life.

If you think about many of them are heading into a brand new world, not knowing anyone. Yes, freshman orientation will help them acclimate and they won’t be the only person in that position but it’s still intimidating. If you are going to set them up success make sure you:

GIVE THEM SOMEONE TO LEAN ON

If they were in small groups throughout high school talk to their leaders about committing for another year or two. With technology like Zoom, and Skype they can keep the relationships going. That once a week check-in will help them process the quickly changing world around them.

If they don’t have leaders then figure out how you can check in with them. At first don’t put the commitment on them, instead initiate the effort so that they know that you still care.

SCHEDULE ONE LAST SERIES JUST FOR THEM

You can wait until after graduation or before but prepare for them a special series that talks about some of the obstacles they might find in their next journey of life:

• Money and how to avoid (extra) debt
• Finding a faith-based community to support them
• Avoiding the temptations that will distract them from their goals

Give them resources and tools that they can carry with them. Treat the series differently then what they experienced in high school. You can do that by:

• Hosting it at a local eatery or coffeeshop
• Bringing in other adults in your parish who are successful with family, careers, and faith
• Provide them professional or personalized notebooks and pens to help them capture all the new information

Make it special and give it a name like “Adult Life Bootcamp!”

COMMISSION THEM WITH THE REST OF THE COMMUNITY

A lot of churches will have a blessing at the end of Mass, or a farewell in the bulletin, but what if you went all out? This summer (either right after graduation or before they leave for school) create an event where the high school graduates are:

• Celebrated for what they’ve accomplished
• Prayed over by the community

Treat them like missionaries heading into a whole new world. Let them know that even though they are leaving for the next chapter that you’ll remember them moving forward. It will be a powerful last impression of your youth ministry.

Give them confidence, and let them know that they are not alone. Just because high school ends it doesn’t mean your ministry is over. Set up your seniors for success by sending them off in style.

How do you set up your seniors for success?

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