Youth Ministry Doesn’t Stop At Graduation: 3 Tips To Keep Your Influence Going

Easter is just around the corner, which means summer is really close. For many of us, it’s the thought of summer camps, trips, and vacations that fill our mind. For many of our high school seniors it’s one thing:

NO MORE SCHOOL!

I love asking seniors, “Has the senioritis gotten you yet?” About, this time it has. While some of them are nervous about the next chapter, most of them are ready to start fresh. The big question that many of us in youth ministry face is, “How do we keep them connected?”

Ministry to young people who are no longer geographically convenient is tough. There will be less face time and more inconsistency in interactions. But, it is possible to keep them growing in their faith even if you aren’t seeing them on a weekly basis. You can do that by:

KEEPING THEIR SMALL GROUP GOING

Instead of having their small group experience end, ask their leaders to meet with them for two more years virtually. Help your leaders set up an account with Zoom.us, Skype or Google Hangout and ask them to set a time and day where they can continue meeting.

Even if they cannot meet virtually ask small group leaders to make regular (weekly, biweekly) phone calls where they are asking their teens, “How’s it going?” Keeping the group going gives each teen someone to help them walk through one of the biggest transitions of their life.

HELPING THEM PLAN AHEAD

Spend these last few months talking to seniors about what is next. If possible separate the group from the other teens to talk to them about subjects like:

• Campus life and finding a faith-filled community
• How to avoid credit card vendors and stay debt free in college
• People, they should seek out to build meaningful relationships

Help them get excited but most importantly help them feel prepared. Remind them that they aren’t alone and you want to help them succeed.

BEING READY FOR THEIR HOMECOMING

Plan out a calendar specifically for those college students who come home. Granted you won’t hit all the breaks but make sure that during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and Summer that there is some sort of reunion just for them. It doesn’t have to be complicated it could be:

• A Leftover Thanksgiving feast
• Ugly Christmas Party Celebration
• An Invitation To Join You For The Triduum
• Camping Or Going For A Day Hike

Don’t worry if they turn you down, the most important part is letting them know that you haven’t forgotten them.

They’re excited about the next stage and you might be sad to see them go, but high school graduation doesn’t have to be the end. The next year or two is an opportunity to help them transition into adulthood and it’s your time to commission them to Go and be disciples.

How are you helping your high school seniors prepare for college?

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