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Josh GriffinMore Posts Youth Ministry Best Practices

This week we’re going to focus on some of the best practices of youth ministry nationwide and hope that it generates some helpful conversation as you agree, disagree or have no opinion either way! Right up front we want to let you know that there is no PERFECT way to do youth ministry; our hope is that you prayerfully consider your context and determine what would and wouldn’t work in the ministry you lead.

BEST PRACTICE: Dividing up junior high and high school students.
There is simply too much difference between a 12-year-old 7th grader and an 18-year-old graduating senior—specifically, the developmental differences. Plus, on a practical note, keeping them separate gives the junior highers something to look forward to. Having said all that, there are some incredible opportunities when you keep these groups together. The older students can disciple and model what younger students can become over the next few years.

QUESTIONS:
• Do you have separate ministries for junior and senior high?
• Why or why not?
• What are other pros and cons of dividing up these age groups?
• What would happen if you made the switch?

BEST PRACTICE: Small groups being the primary method of discipleship and fellowship.
Most youth groups meet once a week for a large-group time of celebration, fun, and worship; and then either as part of that gathering, or at another time during the week, divide up into small groups for fellowship and discipleship. The overwhelming model has been for groups to work through a curriculum and also share life and Christian community together.

QUESTIONS:
• Does your church have small groups, Sunday school, or just large group times?
• Why have you chosen this strategy?
• What is the weakness of this model?
• Sunday school used to be invincible; now it has largely been replaced by small groups. What’s next?

This post was written by Josh Griffin and Kurt Johnston and originally appeared as part of Simply Youth Ministry Today free newsletter. Subscribe to SYM Today right here.

4 View Comments December 7, 2012

Josh GriffinMore Posts GUEST POST: Flannel-graph Ministry

Where did flannel-graphs go? Do you remember being in Sunday School and getting your turn to put Jesus or the disciples on the picturesque flannel meadow? I remember loving when it was my turn to put the stuff on the board. Sure part of it was because I was a little hyperactive and it gave me something to do, but it also helped me connect with the story.

I know we have gone a little more high tech these days, we have powerpoint and apps. My question is what way are you helping kinesthetic learners? How are you helping those students who need some hands on aspect of learning?

So much of ministry these days is talking. We like to preach and teach in our church culture. A smaller slice of our teaching involves visuals. We might use a funny video or a powerpoint game, even better that dreaded photo we have of ourselves in Junior High or High school. But what do we have for those students who are tactile learners? The students who need to use their other senses for learning?

Lately, I have been trying to bring the messages of the Bible to life. I know that should always be our goal, but I am trying to do something very different. I am trying not to just talk or give a visual but to let people feel, smell and taste the Bible.

We are currently doing a series I am calling A Walk Through Exodus. We are looking at the story of Moses, and what we can learn from the 10 commandments, the ark and the tabernacle. So to bring it to life I am trying some different things. I am currently constructing models of the Ark and the Tabernacle. Students will be able to visually see what they were like, but they will also be able to touch and feel the things inside.

Now some people might think this stuff is for little kids, but I encourage you to think again. When you are learning how to do something would you rather just be told, shown or walked through while you do it? I know for me I would much rather have my hands involved.

I have a couple ideas for different contexts:

Small to mid-sized groups: Have something students can get involved in. This might mean they act out a role in a skit, perhaps you have a piece of a model or display that each student has to put in the right spot.
Mid-sized to large groups: Give each person something they can hold onto. When we hold something, we often feel a connection to it.

Maybe if you give your students something to hold onto or to do during your next lesson they might feel a connection with it. And hopefully, through that connection they will find a connection with Christ. Even if only a small percentage of your students learn by touch, isn’t it worth giving it a shot once in a while?

What are some hands-on lessons you have succeeded with?

Kyle Corbin has been serving youth as a volunteer or pastor for over 10 years. He is currently the youth pastor at the Bridge Church in North Vancouver B.C. You can follow his blog at: kylecorbin.blogspot.com or Twitter: @CorbinKyle

Add Comment November 23, 2012

Geoff StewartMore Posts Building A Youth Ministry Space – Must Haves?

A few weeks back we posted a question on whether or not to build a dedicated youth ministry space in the Church. The general consensus was, if you can do it, do it! So it begs the question, if you are going to build a youth ministry room or building, what are the non-negotiables as far as outfitting it? If you have a space, what could you not imagine living without, or was there something that you wished you put into the original plans?

Creative Space?
Foosball?
Ping Pong?
Stage?
Tortilla Maker?
Chocolate Fountain?
Fridge?
Lazy River?
Fixed Mount Projector?
Emergency Eye Wash Station?

Let us know what your must have elements are AND what are the things that you would not include if you could do it all over again?

GS – Twitter

10 View Comments May 2, 2012

Josh GriffinMore Posts The Sunday School Hall of Fame

I liked the blog post over on Holy Soup yesterday – talking about a lady who was recently introduced into the Sunday School Hall of Fame (which I didn’t know even existed and could easily nominate some of the shapers of my faith as well). Thom lists out some great thank you’s to people whose amazing contributions to the kingdom are largely overlooked in the church. Here are a few thank you, hit the link above for the rest:

Knowing my name, and the names of my family members.
Urging me to call you simply by your first name.
Spending time with my son, providing him with a formative adult Christian friend.
Demonstrating, through your life, how to keep the faith in tough personal times.
Praying for me.
Refusing the temptation to pass along gossip.
Your thoughtful hand-written notes.
Doing what’s right, rather than what’s denominationally correct.
Allowing volunteers to run with their ministry passions.
Your eagerness to learn–even from non-ministry voices.

JG

Add Comment November 18, 2011

Josh GriffinMore Posts Weigh In — Volume 8: Moving to In-Home Small Groups

From time to time I post a youth ministry question that I’ve received and leave it to you, the MTDB youth ministry community, to answer it. This one from a youth worker in Pennsylvania, but it could be from anyone since it applies to so many. Chime in with your wisdom, response and best practices. Go!

I’m a youth pastor that is considering a move from Sunday School to in-home small groups. I wanted some advice on how to make the transition, and if it was the right decision at all. It seems like a good move for us, but there are so many variables. Would appreciate any help – thanks!

JG