3 Benefits of Relational Youth Ministry

Josh on October 15th, 2009

Here’s The final part of our training on relational youth ministry this week with our small group leaders – the benefits of relational youth ministry. We started with a simple definition and 3 statements that it makes – and many of them shared some simple but amazing ideas to help deepen relationships and experiences to help outsiders become insiders in a small group. Great thoughts, all leading us to the “why” we focus on building relationships as a high school ministry:

A focus on relational youth ministry gives …

… students an increased ownership of ministry/faith
Students who have a significant relationship with a caring adult - stick – simple as that. Students don’t fall through the cracks when they are known and loved. Sure, things still happen and it is possible even extreme effort wouldn’t save a kid, but as a general rule, when they are invested in there will be more ownership.

… leaders a more holistic picture of student’s life
If you minister to a student for the 2 hours a week of official small group time, that’s good enough. But what if we could add a “+” to those 2 hours. The “+” could be simple – a text, a call, a Twitter update with their name in it, a message through Facebook. The “+” could be huge, too – a visit to a students’ game, a visit to the home, showing up at a school play. Whatever the effort may be, it will give you as the small group leader a better glimpse into the world of your students. You’ll better understand them and how to minister to their needs.

… both more openness to share
When there are relationships in a small group – there is more discussion. And the discussion goes beyond the usual chatter, relationships equal safety, and when students are safe they open up. There are nights when groups clam up – those happen so don’t worry about it. But as a general rule, if you want your group to share, then get invested in their lives.

What are the other beenfits of a relational youth ministry?

JG

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