#1 Criterion for a Successful Youth Ministry
(Six Ways to make it Happen)
Youth ministry doesn’t just happen. Love of teens, creativity, versatility, and an abundance of energy are all required elements of the work, but one criterion is absolutely essential early in beginning a youth ministry – namely, developing relationships quickly.
My article, #1 Criterion for a Successful Youth Ministry (Six Ways to Make It Happen), gives six ways to developing relationships early.
The six ways are as follows:
· Set Aside the First Six Months to Visit Youth Homes – Explain to your youth and church leaders that it is of upmost importance that getting to know your teens happen soon in your ministry. One way is to get into the homes.
· Send Out Birthday and Recognition Cards Consistently to All Youth –This is an easy and inexpensive way to show you care.
· Start No New Programming the First Six Months – Let other youth workers lead old programming while you concentrate on developing relationships.
· Stay After All Youth Activities to Make Yourself Available to Those Who May Want to Talk - Tell the youth you are available after youth activities if they want to talk – or any other times – morning, noon, or night.
· Spend as Much Time as Possible Having Fun With Your Youth the First Six Months – Times will come for serious study and dialogue on issues youth face but they won’t listen unless they have a relationship with you. Having fun helps that happen.
· Schedule Fellowships in Your Home – Teens will come more quickly to a home than a church building. Laughter, fun games, and home openness further your ability to connect with teens.
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