I’m currently in a small town and taking on a position as youth minister and worship leader for the entire church. Right now I believe the average is maybe 20 teens or less a week. I’d love to see this grow
This is actually very great strategic advice. I'm actually an agnostic atheist and think your beliefs are unjustified and that your push toward getting younger people to adopt them would just result in more people having these unjustified beliefs, but I can't deny that this video has some extremely good points. It's clear that you have a lot of experience & have thought deeply about this particular issue.
Thanks for sharing this! Challenged by mistake number 1, as a "church kid" myself it's easiest for me to connect with other churched kids. Love what y'all said about discipleship as well. However, I have found that youth ministry has had a huge huge push on small groups, and significantly decreased the emphasis of preaching in the last few years. (Not saying that's what you guys are saying.) I have noticed many youth groups in our area naturally want to drift to a kind of group therapy, instead of an opportunity to actually be encouraged by truth. Small groups are great and are super helpful, but I am not scripturally commanded to lead small groups. I am commanded to preach, and I have seen long term giving the fullness of the gospel to my students has lead to disciples making disciples. Just throwing it out there, thanks for all you guys do!
How to not fall into the trap of just growing and building your church blindly. At the expense of the member’s spiritual well-being. I mean, this is a church to help propel with God, not an MLM. Any influencer can make a cult or a club or a following of lots of people who like to listen to you. But actually helping and teaching them? Crowds are terrible for that
As a newer youth leader, growth has been on my mind a lot. I admit to some of these mistakes for sure and can definitely appreciate this video! I grew up going to an awesome youth group, they were so good at making everyone feel welcome, but there wasn't a whole lot of meat to what we learned. Eventually it just became a place to hang out with friends. With that being said, God turned me around and I praise him for that but I'm scared of making that same mistake with my current group. Is there a way to make a middle ground of continuing growth for regular attendees while still making it possible for newcomers to make that next step without intimidation?
To be honest if you get the kids to love Gods word would be your best bet as well as serving them with all your heart. At the end of the day you can give your all but only God can do the neccessary changes in people's hearts and characters. What i see happen in many Youth groups including the one i was a part of was the emphasis on preaching but at the cost of not teaching regularly which is just as important and not to be confused with preaching.
You need one on the responsibility of young people on insuring visitors their age are welcome. 99 percent of the churches l've visited the adults are friendly but young people totally ignore visiting kids when they are in class and worship.
I think it’s complicated because you don’t want to accidentally pressure kids into feeling like it’s their job to proselytize for you. Sure it’s good to be polite, but fake “my parents want the church to grow” politeness hurts and seems fake
I had an idea and would like to know your thoughts. Open the class with a Q&A. Allowing newcomers to ask questions and get clarification before starting the class. This would also be open to our regulars as well.
true, i think the one on ones and small groups cater to the regular church goers so its a good idea to welcome the new dudes but yeah definitely don't wanna go too far in trying to cater for the new comers aha
WOW!!! EXCELLENT VIDEO. sadly, if I would suggest anyone at the church I go to that they should see this, I d probly be drummed out of the church and tarred/feathered. ive never seen any of the needed items you've reviewed even attempted. which explains why 99% of our awana kids who move out of that program, completely drop out after experiencing "youth group". I mentioned that cell phones shouldn't be allowed, kids should be made to listen to others prayer requests,etc... I was looked at like I was a freak. then I was forced to leave even being slightly involved with our "ministry". sorry to seem like a Debbie downer, but when I was in youth group, it was run very well and grew. nowadays, all anyone cares about it making sure they are "comfortable" and not on teaching/preaching/growing etc....
Hello My Name is Alex I have been thinking about being a youth Pastor for a a year but I’ve had passion for it for 3 years I need some type of advice I will be going off to bible college hopefully in December but my Family low key wants me to do the Carrers they are in and the season I’m in right now is very discouraging the only people that encourage are my Youth Pastors.. I’m stuck has anyone ever been in a place like this before? Like a wilderness type deal my family does not want me to break out of the State and become what Gods called me to be and there is a lot of Tension.. any advice would be greatly appreciated!! Thx
One amazing thing that you can do to help grow your youth ministry is create a personal social media network for your area using CampusIgnite.com Essentially you register and verify your email address and pick the church and schools you are involved in, once in members will have to verify each other for security. Once this is done CampusIgnite.com creates a personal social network that will connect students, youth pastors, and mentors to each other and the mission of your church and youth ministry.
Armchair critique: While growth toward mature faith in Christ Jesus is not ultimately due to manmade, horizontal strategy but graciously given from the throne of the Almighty God (e.g., vertical praying and meditating), one missing element of the growth strategies identified in this video may be how inexperienced youth pastors can hinder overall church growth by separating the youth from the broader body of Christ instead of considering how better to integrate them into the life of the church--and that beyond the usual youth-focused events like "youth worship" or "youth social night". Although physical protections are warranted and some spiritual issues and habits may be appropriate only to consider addressing in these isolated age groups, how better might integrating young, youthful Christians benefit the whole body? Respect, giving, care, and many other godly qualities are needed for and from the whole body, not just the few students and volunteers allowed to participate during youth-focused activities. What if your 10-year-old neighbor kid needs to meet the 65-year-old retiree to learn how to follow Jesus in every circumstance for the long haul?
I had a difficult time making it through this video. I understand where your motives are coming from, but they are also unbiblical. I know that sounds harsh, but I believe that if you are honest with yourself, you'll agree. The Church are "the called out ones" they are "the body of Christ". The church has never been meant to cater to outsiders! The gathering of the church is meant for "the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Eph 4:11-12) so that the body (true Church) can then bring the Gospel to the "outsiders". Looking to "grow your attendance numbers" is what kills the local churches. If we bring people in BECAUSE of the program or plan that we decide to use brings converts to the program rather than to Christ Himself. Stop recruiting people and begin to do what God has called you to do in His ministry which will always be Gospel focused. If you are looking to get crowds, even if you think it is so that you can have more people hear the truth, please read John 6 and pay special attention to 6:60-66. Christ knowing why and who were there to hear told them a hard saying knowing that His disciples would leave Him. Bring what God has commanded you to bring to His ministry (His word not our program) or shut your doors. Again, I know this sounds harsh but read Malachi 1 looking hard at verse 10 and tell me that God is pleased by our doing ANYTHING apart from doing it His way. Let the Church gather as a body for its equipping and encouragement and feeding so that the Church can function properly outside the church building. If you are still not convinced here are other scriptures to read. Please don't take my opinion to mean anything, but Give God the honor of hearing and obeying. Read the context as well (Isaiah 1:11-13, Luke 9:57-62, Matthew 13:13-15, 1 Cor 5:6-13) Is God looking for growth by program (or by xbox) or for our devotion in bringing the lost His Word as it is?
Why do you think programming is bad? If a program is theologically heavy and leads to the spiritual development of the youth then why is it wrong? Does Jesus say "because you've created a program you are teaching heresy"?
@@adriananglemyer3941 I don't believe that programming is inherently bad. Programming is just the method that we do anything. The issue I have with this video is that they elevate specific program techniques to the reason we see growth in our youth ministry. The growth they are referring to primarily is in the size of our attendance rather than our devotion to the truth of the gospel. I also believe, as I stated, that we need to be very careful that we don't introduce unbelievers TO a program, but that we use whatever "program" to introduce them TO the Lord.
DaveD0286950 my church has rock solid Biblical sermons. Our pastor can be harsh, but loving and is not afraid to be controversial in teaching the Bible. You would probably love him. Because of this our church has 3-8 kids attend weekly, out of 100 people(adults). Most of which are in there late 40s and on. We have youth events which bring in 40-150 kids. In this generation sermons/church is stupid. You sit for 2 hours listening to something you hardly understand, and wish you were playing video games with your friends instead. Parents force there kids into church. We are looking for events/programs that encourage unsaved kids to come and have a good time, more importantly hear the word of God and be saved. Our new goal with our youth ministry is to plant a seed. Sunday service is great for growing that seed, not for planting it. As well as giving relevant information for this generation. If our events/program is fun and entertaining it will get kids through the door, then give them a good sermon that relates to their interests/ daily struggles.
Oh and we have an estimated 1,500 kids in our area so we must be doing something wrong if there is 5 kids on Sunday. “Biblical teaching” is useless if you don’t have an audience.
Christina Tracy check out seminary online! You don’t have to go but churches like that and it will make you more prepared. Also go around to local churches youth pastors and ask to part time intern for them! Praying for you to be strong and passionate in your calling!
Wow.. Parents actually get upset and beef with youth pastors?.. Seriously??.. Oh wait, the kid gets a call out by YP because he's a baddie but parents think an angel.. Get it, now
@@HeidiHeredia YP , and my reputation. For wanting to only be around girls, what do they expect??! i'm at the age. The words "youth pastor" are disgusting to me, i can't F**KING stand to hear or say it. Cuz of all that it implies But ive got a girl now who's become a great friend to me, and no, not from a church.
@@gabesmath105 I understand that the youth pastor may have wrecked your life, but please hear me out. What they did to you isn't right and if they ruined your reputation and maybe even your identity, I'll stand in their place and apologize to you for them. I know you hate the words, but I am a youth pastor. We're not all the same and will not all treat you the same. I truly am sorry you went through what you went through and I hope one day you will truly forgive that person and find it in your heart to maybe seek help from a different youth pastor that won't hurt you. Remember, people are imperfect. We're all human and we all make mistakes. Unforgiveness doesn't hurt the person who hurt you. It hurts you more. Know that you have someone who is willing to hear you out. You're not alone and you can get past this.
Yes i understand, thanks for the reply, but it has carved a deep impression that won't wash out. I have met a few who i am fine with. It has made me scared of meeting girls, and telling them they're pretty and i like them, its a natural thing, i should have the freedom, i know i'm the one keeping it locked.
Show where it says to have mass or a priest (which some people changed to “pastor” so it would fit better with scripture, but it’s basically the same thing). We are allowed to change and created new things, not everything has to be mentioned in the Bible to be good
But, if i am not mistaken, and to be fair the 12 also had to give up their possessions, and abandon their homes and families. So if you were trying to spread a faith optimally would you advocate these lifestyle changes as well?
@@splattercatbambi4965 No he/she probably wouldn't but judgemental people lacking love above all things always tend to attack in the comment section while winning zero souls to Christ and having nothing constructive to say or giving any encouragement.
Mystic Lantern our church service has 3 - 8 kids on a weekly basis in an auditorium which seats 260. We have 100 adults though, most of which are old. Our youth events have 40-150 kids on the other hand. Church is stupid to this generation. There is seriously 0 incentive to come. It’s boring as hell and way to complicated for most children and teens.
I’m currently in a small town and taking on a position as youth minister and worship leader for the entire church. Right now I believe the average is maybe 20 teens or less a week. I’d love to see this grow
This is actually very great strategic advice.
I'm actually an agnostic atheist and think your beliefs are unjustified and that your push toward getting younger people to adopt them would just result in more people having these unjustified beliefs, but I can't deny that this video has some extremely good points.
It's clear that you have a lot of experience & have thought deeply about this particular issue.
"If you're new here..." my six regulars all look at each other.
Thanks for sharing this! Challenged by mistake number 1, as a "church kid" myself it's easiest for me to connect with other churched kids. Love what y'all said about discipleship as well. However, I have found that youth ministry has had a huge huge push on small groups, and significantly decreased the emphasis of preaching in the last few years. (Not saying that's what you guys are saying.) I have noticed many youth groups in our area naturally want to drift to a kind of group therapy, instead of an opportunity to actually be encouraged by truth. Small groups are great and are super helpful, but I am not scripturally commanded to lead small groups. I am commanded to preach, and I have seen long term giving the fullness of the gospel to my students has lead to disciples making disciples. Just throwing it out there, thanks for all you guys do!
How to not fall into the trap of just growing and building your church blindly. At the expense of the member’s spiritual well-being. I mean, this is a church to help propel with God, not an MLM. Any influencer can make a cult or a club or a following of lots of people who like to listen to you. But actually helping and teaching them? Crowds are terrible for that
Wow... I was really bless with your message.
Amos, 🇧🇹 Bhutan
Youth leader
Banning Liebster Healthy is the main focus of Love Culture so exciting to hear you saying that as well.
As a newer youth leader, growth has been on my mind a lot. I admit to some of these mistakes for sure and can definitely appreciate this video! I grew up going to an awesome youth group, they were so good at making everyone feel welcome, but there wasn't a whole lot of meat to what we learned. Eventually it just became a place to hang out with friends. With that being said, God turned me around and I praise him for that but I'm scared of making that same mistake with my current group. Is there a way to make a middle ground of continuing growth for regular attendees while still making it possible for newcomers to make that next step without intimidation?
To be honest if you get the kids to love Gods word would be your best bet as well as serving them with all your heart. At the end of the day you can give your all but only God can do the neccessary changes in people's hearts and characters.
What i see happen in many Youth groups including the one i was a part of was the emphasis on preaching but at the cost of not teaching regularly which is just as important and not to be confused with preaching.
Elle and Kenny i thank you for this video as i will be a youth / young adults leader in january of 2021
I am Salesian and a new commer in YM Project. Thank you.
Thank you this will help a lot since planning to open youth ministry in a rural area to help kids grow spiritually
Thanks a lot! I'm a new youth leader and those keys on point. Notes are ready.
yes improve your rapping flow
You need one on the responsibility of young people on insuring visitors their age are welcome.
99 percent of the churches l've visited the adults are friendly but young people totally ignore visiting kids when they are in class and worship.
I think it’s complicated because you don’t want to accidentally pressure kids into feeling like it’s their job to proselytize for you. Sure it’s good to be polite, but fake “my parents want the church to grow” politeness hurts and seems fake
Very challenging! Thank you Kenny & Elle!!!
Thank you. I am so very proud of you to bring this to us all in faith of us as Christians. This so very welcome.
Thank you so much this helped a lot!
Glad it helped!
I am praying to start a youth ministry but I don't know how to begin. thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
Helpful tips.
Thanks
God bless you🙏
Thank you for helping me open my eyes to my mistakes
yes you should rap more
Greetings and heartfelt gratitude to you both..
the #1 mistake is NOT ENOUGH RAPPING
Great video guys!
Great content! We love using your stuff!! Thanks for all the support!
So important#1 welcome your new comers with a hug handshake something
I had an idea and would like to know your thoughts. Open the class with a Q&A. Allowing newcomers to ask questions and get clarification before starting the class. This would also be open to our regulars as well.
true, i think the one on ones and small groups cater to the regular church goers so its a good idea to welcome the new dudes but yeah definitely don't wanna go too far in trying to cater for the new comers aha
I just got put in charge of Middle School YT. Thank you for this...
How is it going?
Middle school is like planned chaos! Gotta love both!
These seem to be great tips that can be applied to adult Sunday school as well
Totally Agree
Great points y'all. Thank you for the reminders!
I make every single one of these mistakes 🙆🏽♂️💔
Hi. Thanks for the vid.
Nice, this will help my business. Thanks!
Thanks a lots 😘❤️
We cannot be just focussed on Numbers. We also need Genesis, Exodus and Leviticus!!!
Awesome! 🙌🙌🙌
Thank you guys very much! Spot - on!
good points brothers!! God bless your ministry
So helpful
WOW!!! EXCELLENT VIDEO. sadly, if I would suggest anyone at the church I go to that they should see this, I d probly be drummed out of the church and tarred/feathered. ive never seen any of the needed items you've reviewed even attempted. which explains why 99% of our awana kids who move out of that program, completely drop out after experiencing "youth group". I mentioned that cell phones shouldn't be allowed, kids should be made to listen to others prayer requests,etc... I was looked at like I was a freak. then I was forced to leave even being slightly involved with our "ministry". sorry to seem like a Debbie downer, but when I was in youth group, it was run very well and grew. nowadays, all anyone cares about it making sure they are "comfortable" and not on teaching/preaching/growing etc....
go to another church, then.
Thanks a lot for sharing
Praying?
Church is for the Saints...
Okaaaay, and who did Jesus hang with, when He walked the earth?
Go ahead, grab a Bible..... I'll wait.
He didnt hang out with them he was teaching them and preaching thr gospel to them
Amazing...this is on point
very helpful
thank you!!
Thanks a lot for this
Great video guys
This is good guys.
Thank u guys
Hello My Name is Alex I have been thinking about being a youth Pastor for a a year but I’ve had passion for it for 3 years I need some type of advice I will be going off to bible college hopefully in December but my Family low key wants me to do the Carrers they are in and the season I’m in right now is very discouraging the only people that encourage are my Youth Pastors.. I’m stuck has anyone ever been in a place like this before? Like a wilderness type deal my family does not want me to break out of the State and become what Gods called me to be and there is a lot of Tension.. any advice would be greatly appreciated!! Thx
you should go to atlanta and hone your rapping ability first, this is crucial
I can't find the fist two videos.
thank u...
One amazing thing that you can do to help grow your youth ministry
is create a personal social media network for your area using CampusIgnite.com
Essentially you register and verify your email address and pick the church
and schools you are involved in, once in members will have to verify each other for security.
Once this is done CampusIgnite.com creates a personal social network that will
connect students, youth pastors, and mentors to each other and the mission of your church and youth ministry.
Armchair critique: While growth toward mature faith in Christ Jesus is not ultimately due to manmade, horizontal strategy but graciously given from the throne of the Almighty God (e.g., vertical praying and meditating), one missing element of the growth strategies identified in this video may be how inexperienced youth pastors can hinder overall church growth by separating the youth from the broader body of Christ instead of considering how better to integrate them into the life of the church--and that beyond the usual youth-focused events like "youth worship" or "youth social night". Although physical protections are warranted and some spiritual issues and habits may be appropriate only to consider addressing in these isolated age groups, how better might integrating young, youthful Christians benefit the whole body? Respect, giving, care, and many other godly qualities are needed for and from the whole body, not just the few students and volunteers allowed to participate during youth-focused activities. What if your 10-year-old neighbor kid needs to meet the 65-year-old retiree to learn how to follow Jesus in every circumstance for the long haul?
This video is valuable!
I had a difficult time making it through this video. I understand where your motives are coming from, but they are also unbiblical. I know that sounds harsh, but I believe that if you are honest with yourself, you'll agree. The Church are "the called out ones" they are "the body of Christ". The church has never been meant to cater to outsiders! The gathering of the church is meant for "the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ" (Eph 4:11-12) so that the body (true Church) can then bring the Gospel to the "outsiders".
Looking to "grow your attendance numbers" is what kills the local churches. If we bring people in BECAUSE of the program or plan that we decide to use brings converts to the program rather than to Christ Himself. Stop recruiting people and begin to do what God has called you to do in His ministry which will always be Gospel focused. If you are looking to get crowds, even if you think it is so that you can have more people hear the truth, please read John 6 and pay special attention to 6:60-66. Christ knowing why and who were there to hear told them a hard saying knowing that His disciples would leave Him.
Bring what God has commanded you to bring to His ministry (His word not our program) or shut your doors. Again, I know this sounds harsh but read Malachi 1 looking hard at verse 10 and tell me that God is pleased by our doing ANYTHING apart from doing it His way. Let the Church gather as a body for its equipping and encouragement and feeding so that the Church can function properly outside the church building.
If you are still not convinced here are other scriptures to read. Please don't take my opinion to mean anything, but Give God the honor of hearing and obeying. Read the context as well (Isaiah 1:11-13, Luke 9:57-62, Matthew 13:13-15, 1 Cor 5:6-13) Is God looking for growth by program (or by xbox) or for our devotion in bringing the lost His Word as it is?
Why do you think programming is bad? If a program is theologically heavy and leads to the spiritual development of the youth then why is it wrong? Does Jesus say "because you've created a program you are teaching heresy"?
@@adriananglemyer3941 I don't believe that programming is inherently bad. Programming is just the method that we do anything. The issue I have with this video is that they elevate specific program techniques to the reason we see growth in our youth ministry. The growth they are referring to primarily is in the size of our attendance rather than our devotion to the truth of the gospel. I also believe, as I stated, that we need to be very careful that we don't introduce unbelievers TO a program, but that we use whatever "program" to introduce them TO the Lord.
DaveD0286950 my church has rock solid Biblical sermons. Our pastor can be harsh, but loving and is not afraid to be controversial in teaching the Bible. You would probably love him. Because of this our church has 3-8 kids attend weekly, out of 100 people(adults). Most of which are in there late 40s and on.
We have youth events which bring in 40-150 kids. In this generation sermons/church is stupid. You sit for 2 hours listening to something you hardly understand, and wish you were playing video games with your friends instead. Parents force there kids into church. We are looking for events/programs that encourage unsaved kids to come and have a good time, more importantly hear the word of God and be saved. Our new goal with our youth ministry is to plant a seed. Sunday service is great for growing that seed, not for planting it. As well as giving relevant information for this generation. If our events/program is fun and entertaining it will get kids through the door, then give them a good sermon that relates to their interests/ daily struggles.
Oh and we have an estimated 1,500 kids in our area so we must be doing something wrong if there is 5 kids on Sunday. “Biblical teaching” is useless if you don’t have an audience.
So how y’all become a youth minister because I wanna be a youth minister
Christina Tracy check out seminary online! You don’t have to go but churches like that and it will make you more prepared. Also go around to local churches youth pastors and ask to part time intern for them! Praying for you to be strong and passionate in your calling!
Wow.. Parents actually get upset and beef with youth pastors?.. Seriously??.. Oh wait, the kid gets a call out by YP because he's a baddie but parents think an angel.. Get it, now
I'm 15.
Got a few of those stories that are too shitty to repeat. WRECKED MY LIFE, time i'll never get back
All those BASTARDS!!!
@@gabesmath105 the YP wrecked your life or your parents? I'm just asking, so I understand what you're saying.
@@HeidiHeredia YP , and my reputation. For wanting to only be around girls, what do they expect??! i'm at the age.
The words "youth pastor" are disgusting to me, i can't F**KING stand to hear or say it.
Cuz of all that it implies
But ive got a girl now who's become a great friend to me,
and no, not from a church.
@@gabesmath105 I understand that the youth pastor may have wrecked your life, but please hear me out. What they did to you isn't right and if they ruined your reputation and maybe even your identity, I'll stand in their place and apologize to you for them. I know you hate the words, but I am a youth pastor. We're not all the same and will not all treat you the same. I truly am sorry you went through what you went through and I hope one day you will truly forgive that person and find it in your heart to maybe seek help from a different youth pastor that won't hurt you. Remember, people are imperfect. We're all human and we all make mistakes. Unforgiveness doesn't hurt the person who hurt you. It hurts you more. Know that you have someone who is willing to hear you out. You're not alone and you can get past this.
Yes i understand, thanks for the reply, but it has carved a deep impression that won't wash out.
I have met a few who i am fine with.
It has made me scared of meeting girls, and telling them they're pretty and i like them, its a natural thing, i should have the freedom, i know i'm the one keeping it locked.
6:30
Anyone wanting to learn Portuguese and teach English?
More tips here on the youth ministry:
ruclips.net/video/ZddfeDuOLrU/видео.html
Somebody show me the office of youth pastor in the Bible! Seems Parents should hold that office!
Show where it says to have mass or a priest (which some people changed to “pastor” so it would fit better with scripture, but it’s basically the same thing). We are allowed to change and created new things, not everything has to be mentioned in the Bible to be good
Your not biblically supported marriage to the Christian Right pushed me away from your religion as a youth. You worship wealth.
Quit making youth groups. Treat Christian teens like Christian adults. The 12 never had youth groups. What a joke
But, if i am not mistaken, and to be fair the 12 also had to give up their possessions, and abandon their homes and families. So if you were trying to spread a faith optimally would you advocate these lifestyle changes as well?
@@splattercatbambi4965 No he/she probably wouldn't but judgemental people lacking love above all things always tend to attack in the comment section while winning zero souls to Christ and having nothing constructive to say or giving any encouragement.
@@MOTIVATIONBYDAR attacks= logical counterarguments?
Mystic Lantern our church service has 3 - 8 kids on a weekly basis in an auditorium which seats 260. We have 100 adults though, most of which are old. Our youth events have 40-150 kids on the other hand. Church is stupid to this generation. There is seriously 0 incentive to come. It’s boring as hell and way to complicated for most children and teens.
Amen!
I need to write to u.can I hv ur email.pls