To get teens to come back it can feel like we need to knock it out of the park each week. We go for bigger and more complex. While that might lead to great memories it won’t create consistency. Sometimes to have a bigger impact we need to think small.
Courtesy of Eddy Pula/Creative Commons License
There are small steps and tasks that will have a great impact. The problem is that we overlook their significance or we think they are beneath us. What are some of these small steps? You can start by:
Everyone enjoys a door opened for them. It communicates, “I value you.” It creates one less obstacle physically and figuratively. Find someone in your ministry to simply open doors and greet teens on a regular basis.
You wouldn’t go back to a dirty restaurant or movie theater. So, why should someone return to a messy youth room? First step to an irresistible environment is making it clean. Make it a priority.
This small gesture can change someone’s life. If you see a teen do something extraordinary or just simply cool, write them a note. Thank them for living out God’s vision for their life.
A simple thank you tells someone what they do matters. If they feel appreciated they’ll want to be around you more.
Every week teens face noise and busyness. Your ministry can be a breather if you weave in margin and silence. Make the silence intentional. Incorporate it into:
It doesn’t have to be a large amount of time, just enough to allow them to reflect on the process. Teach them how to savor a moment through silence.
Teens are looking for something solid and a memory verse can be their mantra. Start by giving them a verse from Proverbs. Repeat it for a few weeks. Show them how a small verse can have huge significance in their life.
While you can’t do this for everyone every week you can start with a few. Walking with a teen to their parent’s car will give you the opportunity to:
Parents do care who is with their teens and you can help them out by making this small gesture.
Nothing is beneath you as a leader or ministry. In fact it’s those tasks and steps we overlook at times that lead to the biggest change. Start looking at the small things your missing so that you can continue to reach teens in great ways.
[reminder] What are small and affordable changes you’ve made that have created great impact? [/reminder]