The Way I Structure Youth Ministry

I thought that I would share how I structure our youth meeting times.

Before I do that, I have to mention that what I’m about to explain flows out of our current purpose statement. This purpose statement was developed before I came on board. It’s a, “purpose driven” statement that will be redeveloped because our church is going through a revisioning process and has chosen: “Simple Church: Returning to God’s Process for Making Disciples” by Thom S. Rainer (Author), Eric Geiger (Author)

So, what does our youth ministry currently do?

Ok, our purpose statement is: Our Youth Ministry exists… To GATHER together to GLORIFY God; to GROW in our knowledge and understanding of Him; to GIVE of our time and talents, and to GO and share God’s love in our community.

Our programs (or things that we do to accomplish this purpose) should all be tied into this statement.

So…

We meet in large group every other week for both Jr. High and Sr. High. for the purpose of Glorifying God our key word for worship. On the opposite weeks we have small groups for Jr. High and Sr. High. The purpose of the small groups is for students to Gather together and Grow which is our keywords for fellowship and discipleship. We have currently restructured our Sunday School to be a place where students are Giving their time and talents which is our keyword for ministry or service. Instead of just showing up and listening to an adult (usually me) teach about the Bible, we have student led tables where they teach the Bible lesson to the other students. Once a month we offer to them a time where they can choose the following things to learn and do: Media Shout presentation software, Music, Drama, Sound and Lighting, and I believe that’s all for now. This change alone has been great for the students! The only thing we have with the word “Go” is we try and have 1 fun activity a month where students feel comfortable inviting friends to it and thus we are trying to reach friends this way. I would have to admit that our “Going” which is our key word for evangelism is weak. I, however, try and share the gospel every single large group time and with my small group every week.

That pretty much sums up what we do. I will touch more on what I think the change will be with the church adopting this new model of making disciples and how that will affect the youth ministry side of things.