volunteers | More Than Dodgeball

Josh GriffinMore Posts GUEST POST: Teach Using Different Styles

“It’s not how smart you are, but how you are smart.”

I am from a totally unchurched background (not that unusual in England). Growing up, I can’t ever remember reading a book and was classed as dyslexic with learning difficulties. Yet, at 18 when I started to explore the Christian faith, one of the first things to happen was to be given the gospel of Matthew (possibly the most difficult Gospel to read) and many other books followed (most I didn’t read). Have you noticed how print focused the Christian faith is, how often do you recommend or get recommended a book? How many magazines or newspapers do you read a month and of course we are a ‘people of the book’. I must confess, I have never read the whole bible all the way through, yet I have listened to it all the way through several times. Audio is much more in-tune with my learning style or ‘intelligence’. Yet, the Western Church is very much focused on verbal/linguistic style teaching.

Understanding multiple intelligences (MI) has really helped me think through and challenge my style of teaching with young people. If you are a book worm, then my guess is that your teaching style is more verbal / linguistic. I am a very visual person so I learn from visual /spatial and I find I produce great presentations, maps, charts etc. But what about the young people who don’t naturally learn in a visual /spatial? What I am now doing is to try and incorporate as many MI learning styles as possible into my teaching. So I will try story, problem-solving, visualizations, drama and so on. I find that inevitably some young people will engage more with one style, but most people can learn bits from each MI, we are not 100% one or another. And that’s the great thing about incorporating MI into our teaching, it engages the whole person, maybe that’s why the greatest commandment, the Shema (Deut 6:4) states to love God with all our heart, soul and might.

This is a summary of the eight intelligences with my added examples of Jesus incorporating a particular MI:

Intelligence Area	Strengths	Preferences	Learns best through	Needs	Jesus Example
Verbal / Linguistic	Writing, reading, memorizing dates, thinking in words, telling stories	Write, read, tell stories, talk, memorize, work at solving puzzles	Hearing and seeing words, speaking, reading, writing, discussing and debating	Books, tapes, paper diaries, writing tools, dialogue, discussion, debated, stories, etc.	Parables, Dialogue, Debate’s
Mathematical/ Logical	Math, logic, problem-solving, reasoning, patterns	Question, work with numbers, experiment, solve problems	Working with relationships and patterns, classifying, categorizing, working with the abstract	Things to think about and explore, science materials, manipulative, trips to the planetarium and science museum, etc.	Some parables
Visual /Spatial	Maps, reading charts, drawing, mazes, puzzles, imagining things, visualization	Draw, build, design, create, daydream, look at pictures	Working with pictures and colors, visualizing, using the mind’s eye, drawing	LEGOs, video, movies, slides, art, imagination games, mazes, puzzles, illustrated book, trips to art museums, etc.	Eye of a needle, Bread and Wine, Plank in eye, Miracles, I am’s
Bodily/ Kinesthetic	Athletics, dancing, crafts, using tools, acting	Move around, touch and talk, body language	Touching, moving, knowledge through bodily sensations, processing	Role-play, drama, things to build, movement, sports and physical games, tactile experiences, hands-on learning, etc.	Washing of feet, Road trips- like ‘gates of Hell’
Musical	Picking up sounds, remembering melodies, rhythms, singing	Sing, play an instrument, listen to music, hum	Rhythm, singing, melody, listening to music and melodies	Sing-along time, trips to concerts, music playing at home and school, musical instruments, etc.	Sung a hymn then went out to the Mount of Olives (Matt 26:30)
Interpersonal	Leading, organizing, understanding people, communicating, resolving conflicts, selling	Talk to people, have friends, join groups	Comparing, relating, sharing, interviewing, cooperating	Friends, group games, social gatherings, community events, clubs, mentors/ apprenticeships, etc.	Gospels are full of Interpersonal teaching
Intrapersonal	Recognizing strengths and weaknesses, setting goals, understanding self	Work alone, reflect pursue interests	Working alone, having space, reflecting, doing self-paced projects	Secret places, time alone, self-paced projects, choices, etc.	‘…but stayed outside in lonely places.’ Mark 1:45
Naturalistic	Understanding nature, making distinctions, identifying flora and fauna	Be involved with nature, make distinctions	Working in nature, exploring living things, learning about plants and natural events	Order, same/different, connections to real life and science issues, patterns	Often teaching outdoors and used nature in examples (lilies, birds)

Paul Tilley is the Associate Pastor, Youth & Children’s Ministry at Malmesbury Abbey, UK and blogs at www.paultilley.com.

1 View Comments December 30, 2010

Josh GriffinMore Posts GUEST POST: Little Things Make the Biggest Difference

We get caught up in society’s view that bigger is better. From restaurants with huge over-sized portions, to big monster trucks, we think that unless we get something in gigantic portions we are missing out on something. The opposite is true when it comes to praise and letting students know you care, really care about them. You became a youth ministry worker/volunteer because you have a heart for students. When you take the time to let a student know he did good, even if you don’t know that student very well, you just built a bridge to him. He’s going to remember you. It just needs to be a few words, a pat on the back, or a quick hug.

The unfortunate fact is that today more than ever we are dealing with students from broken or single parent homes. The positive attention you give that student could be the only positive feedback he received from an adult all week. (Matt: I’ve had students tell me that the only hug he ever gets is when he comes to church. It breaks my heart to know that because I came from a family that hugged all the time. It also warms my heart to know that the hug I just gave a student made a difference in his day.)

Doing the smallest things can make the most difference. (Steven: A few weeks ago our student band and choir led worship in the “big church” for all of our adult services, and between working and attending, I was there for four out of our five weekend services. After the second time seeing them on stage, I made it a point to go up to one of the junior highers I know who had a vocal solo, give him a high five, and tell him how great he was. As soon as the words came out of my mouth, I saw him light up.) All it took was a simple fifteen-second interaction to make that kid’s night.

(Matt: We have the guys in our small group lead the lesson each week. After our small group, I make sure that I text them or send them a message on Facebook telling them what a great job they did.) If a student reveals a hurt or prayer request they have, don’t miss that opportunity to let them know you care, and that you are available for them.

To piggy back on the text idea, if you don’t have some kind of texting plan for your cell phone, get one right now. Texting is one of the most effective “small things” you can do for your students, and you can do it throughout the week. It takes five seconds to send out a text to someone, and chances are they’ll love getting a text from their leader. (Steven: I also make it a point to text kids a few times a week if I know they’re going through a hard time. It might not fix their situation, but it gives them a sense of encouragement and love from someone they look up to.) That action that took you five seconds may have just turned that kid’s day completely around.

Just because something doesn’t seem like a big deal to you, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a small thing for a student, but think about the small things people do for you that make a huge difference. (Matt: For example, if I’m having a bad day, sometimes all it takes is a few simple words of encouragement or caring to help me shake off the bad.) (Steven: Something that will absolutely make my day is someone telling me I did a good job. When I hear that, I know that I did something well, and it encourages me to want to do more.) We got into the youth ministry game to make a difference in students’ lives. You don’t have have to buy a kid a Ferrari, you just have to show them you care.

Matt Reynolds and Steven Orel are volunteer youth workers at Saddleback Church. They approach youth ministry from two different generations and perspectives. Look for lots more from them in the future — for now you can follow them on Twitter (http://twitter.com/gentogenym) and check out their previous blog posts (http://www.volunteeryouthministry.com/category/generation-to-generation).

1 View Comments December 27, 2010

Josh GriffinMore Posts GUEST POST: Summer Camp Planning

If you are like me you may be asking the question “Why are you talking about summer camp in the middle of winter?” That is a great question and something that I want to answer. I am about chest deep in winter camp right now and our students are leaving in less than a month for High School Winter Camp. We have been working on winter camp for the last six months and most everything is set in motion. The planning is pretty much complete. The leaders who will attend are set (almost). The conversations with our speaker and the direction he will go have already happened.

This means that I need to start thinking about, and preparing for, summer camp.

I’m not suggesting that you focus all your attention onto summer camp right now. I am hoping that you close Facebook so that your brain can start thinking ahead to summer camp. Now for us, summer camp is the biggest event we do outside of our regular Wednesday night program. Summer camp is a place where we see huge life change happen and I want to make sure we are ready!

This year we had our location slotted, reserved our spots and booked buses about ten months prior to our departure date. Now this is not my natural bend in life. What I am saying is that I naturally have the tendency to not be extremely planned ahead. I have trained myself to think ahead for situations that require intense planning and require others to be involved.

Here are just a few things you may want to think about as summer is approaching:

1) Know the location
Do you already know the location you are heading to? (You may want to avoid Las Vegas, where I live, cause its really hot!) This is going to be your first priority in planning the camp. Find the location you want your students to attend. Learn about the camp:

Add Comment December 27, 2010

Josh GriffinMore Posts POLL DAY: Volunteering Outside of Youth Ministry

I don’t have a ton of time to serve outside of our high school ministry. Curious about you! Vote in today’s poll.

JG

2 View Comments December 14, 2010

Josh GriffinMore Posts GUEST POST: Wanted – Youth Ministry Cheerleader

Job Position: Youth Ministry Cheerleader

Job Description: Encourage, build-up, affirm, applaud, bouy, comfort, strengthen, console, revitalize, energize, refresh, inspire and praise youth workers in your church.

Job Requirements: A heart and passion to encourage those who are working with the youth of the church. Spiritual gift of encouragement helpful but not required.

What would happen if this job description appeared in your church bulletin one week or in your local newspaper? What if such a position existed? What if there was someone whose only job was to affirm and build up youth workers?

Youth ministry is exhilarating, fun and unbelievable. It’s easy to get discouraged though since growth is often slower than you would like and you’re often in a role of planting or watering seeds without always getting to see them bear fruit. I know that for me, it’s often easy to lose sight of the forest while I’m focusing on the tree (planning a night, getting permission slips, cleaning up the broken lamp) that’s right in front of me.

I find myself wondering what would happen to my energy, passion and excitement if I had someone who was consistently reminding me what the forest looked like. This person would have no responsibilities to challenge, push, stretch, correct or mold. There are enough people that do that, are great at it and their presence is very much needed. I’m talking about someone who only encourages. How much different would your leadership team look like if there was someone who did nothing but affirm them? How much more effective would your ministry be if that person focused on energizing the leaders? Imagine the trickle down effect on your students if there was someone whose only job was to refresh leaders!

I recognize that encouraging leaders on my team starts with me and I like to think that I’ve gotten better at it over the years. Our team has put a special emphasis on spiritual gifts this year and using the gifts God has given you to serve. Encouragement is honestly one of the those gifts that I wish I had but struggle with sometimes. I’m a checklist driven, task master most of the time. I’m stunned by the possibilities of what my ministry would look like if I had someone who was skilled at encouragement and was passionate about using that gift with my leader team.

Anyone interested?

Buz is a special education teacher who passionately loves his ladies (wife and 2 daughters). They live in Spokane, Washington and you can check out his blog right here. His guest post was exactly what I’ve been feeling all week. Thanks, Buz!

Add Comment December 11, 2010

Josh GriffinMore Posts Weigh In – Volume 3: Interim Youth Leader

From time to time I post a question about youth ministry and ask you to post your answers. The results are always pretty cool – looking for you to weigh in on this one this week!

… my situation is this: I have been helping out with this youth group since i was a part of it. This is my home church and recently our youth pastor left and I, a young 20-year old with a call to youth ministry, stepped up and have been leading the youth. The numbers have stayed the same if not grown. We are discipling our youth and have received a lot of praise that we as a youth group team have passed along to God as it is his doing not ours.

However I was approached by our sr. Pastor and told the board had asked to start looking for another youth pastor and that it wasn’t me doing bad but a few people voicing their opinion. A new guy was brought in for an interview and without even getting to know the guy on a Sunday morning during service when they were introduced a few people stood up and cheered. This made me feel horrible. Like the youth group was in dire need of a savior. I love my teens more than anything, i have a lot of supporters in the church but I know there is also opposition and it is my church. Some want me to ask to be considered for the position. Does this sound like a good fit? Have you ever gone through anything like this? Am I wrong to feel a little angry or upset?

Help!

JG

12 View Comments December 7, 2010

Josh GriffinMore Posts Can’t Afford a Conference This Year? Bring it to you!

Can’t afford to take your volunteers to a conference this year? Looking for some youth worker training during the Christmas slowdown or to kickoff the New Year? Lots of great options on sale this week at Simply Youth Ministry. Check them out now!

JG

Add Comment December 5, 2010

Josh GriffinMore Posts Youth Ministry Gifts for Christmas

Thinking of getting a gift for your volunteers or students this Christmas? Maybe you stumbled on the blog and you’re looking for a gift idea for the youth pastor at your church. Or … no one is thinking about you so you will solace yourself with gifts. No judgement here, just a recommendation of a place to start your search. Check out the new gift category on Simply Youth Ministry.com – some solid deals in there, too.

JG

Add Comment November 30, 2010

Josh GriffinMore Posts Adults Are Better … Students Are Best

This is Luke. He spoke recently at our Life Groups Praise & Worship nights.

He did a great job, especially considering he’s a sophomore in our high school ministry. As I was reflecting on all that he did, I began to think about how other students are involved in our ministry on a regular basis. This weekend, students will help teach the message. Every weekend, students lead the music and play in the band. Without fail, our Shake It ministry team is there to setup, tear down and greet at every service. Lights? Run by students. Sound? Students. The cameras are run by students, too. This weekend we even did a song that was written by a student – and it was awesome!

And here’s the thing – adults could do a better job! An adult that runs sound boards for a living or has a ton of experience with cameras could technically do a better job. Most adults I know have more years practicing the guitar or drums and are better musicians. Simply put – adults are better!

But I’d take a student any day.

Oh, I still want and we very much need our amazing weekend adult volunteers, but students involved in the production, ministry and teaching is where we really start to go next level. Every once in a while I wince at a bad camera bump up on the screen, but when I look at that freshman kid running it I get giddy with excitement. A student might not be as polished or eloquent on stage as their adult counterpart, but every eye and ear is locked onto their every word.

Adults may be better … but students are the best.

JG

4 View Comments November 30, 2010

Josh GriffinMore Posts GUEST POST: This Week Didn’t Go As Planned

Sometimes in ministry, things can either go the way we plan them, or they can take an unexpected turn, for better or for worse. Although we can never plan for every minute to go exactly the way we want, God can. He will always know exactly what your youth group needs. There are a lot of things that can contribute to something not going according to your plan, but we just have to remember that God is in control.

We’re both control freaks, and most of our lives are planned to the second, but we have discovered that when it comes to small group, there is such a thing as “over planning.” We know because we’ve done it, and during the middle of group something just feels wrong. That’s when it’s time to change course and follow where God is leading that night. It doesn’t take an extravagant lesson plan to have God show up. We need to remember that even though we’re the messengers, God is the giving us the message that our students need to hear. Even the nights that it seems like nothing is going right, you probably planted a seed. Even though you won’t see it right then, that seed will develop into something huge down the road. It’s important to remember that God knows who will be there that night, and what they need to hear. In fact, He knew it long before your group was formed because He formed your group! Sometimes the phrase “let go and let God” really applies here.

Many times it’s best to just let God take control. (Matt: Recently my high school small group had a night where we veered away from the planned message for the whole night and ended up talking about being accountable and the importance of accountability partners. My co-leader and I just sat back and let God work that night through the guys and it ended up being one of the most amazing nights we have had at small group.)

There have been weeks in small group where the group veered off on another subject and we didn’t want it to go that way. When that happens, if it’s productive and the majority of the group is involved in the different discussion, we just let it go there. In the past we would bring the discussion back to what WE wanted to talk about. Later it dawned on us, the guys in our groups had a different need that night, and we should have just let them take over but we didn’t and we quickly lost their attention on our original subject that we wanted to talk about. What a huge mistake!

With that being said, it’s also okay to change plans when you don’t feel like they’re being effective. It’s alright to call an audible in the middle of the play. If your students can’t pay attention, turn it into a fellowship night. Sure, your original plan didn’t go through, but at least your students will be getting something useful out of their time. As a youth group leader, you need to be fast, fluid, and flexible. Teens live in a world that changes faster every single day. Information is hurled at them in a record pace. We need to be able to change and adjust on the fly in order to be successful.

You need to get to your students’ levels, don’t try and bring them to your level. It doesn’t work that way, and you will fail miserably. It’s not about getting your point across, it’s about delivering God’s message to your students; a message they can pass on from generation to generation.

Matt Reynolds and Steven Orel are volunteer youth workers at Saddleback Church. They approach youth ministry from two different generations and perspectives. Look for lots more from them in the future — for now you can follow them on Twitter (http://twitter.com/gentogenym) and check out their previous blog posts (http://www.volunteeryouthministry.com/category/generation-to-generation).