Just starting

JESOd · 01-14-2004, 10:39 PM

Our church has been starving for a youth grup and we just got one. Funny to say it like that but we didn't have ne adult 24+ to commit to it. AND we still don't. T_T But the priest *Catholic* let us "hang out" between the 2 masses (2 hours) and is calling it our youth group time. To my knowledge I am the only adult other than my priest who will actaully be there, although it's only open to 8th grade and up. how do ya start? no one really knows each other either so it'll be a rough start with the uneasiness and uncomfortable feelings. I'm not too experienced in this field although I attend a youth group outside my church. Ne suggestions for the first few meetings????

Please?

bobthecockroach · 01-15-2004, 09:15 AM

Playing games is always fun.

Start with icebreaker games, games that involve getting to know each other. Then you can do stuff like this, "Simply announce to everyone that you want everyone lined up across the room by birth date. Only catch . . . no talking. Once they are all lined up, ask certain people their birthdays just to be sure." And it'll get people working together without them even realizing they're doing it.

Plan things that will work with your group. If they're rowdy, don't try to do a 45 minute lesson, it won't work.

Mugga Please · 01-15-2004, 01:01 PM

Ya...just get everyone together and start off w/ wacky games that gets everyone ing up. www.thesourcefym.com has a HUGE database of all kinds of games.

But then together w/ the kids and get their input of what they might want. We always try to remind our teens that its THEIR youth group. So take suggestions and just move slowely and learn from your mistakes

HeavenOnAStick · 01-19-2004, 09:55 AM

Try doing stuff that will get the kids working with each other, like "team building" activites and such. And then do some game that brings about their names... like each person has to say their name, and the name of someone 3 people to their right, and 3 people to their left.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mugga Please

But then together w/ the kids and get their input of what they might want. We always try to remind our teens that its THEIR youth group. So take suggestions and just move slowely and learn from your mistakes

haha, but be careful about telling them it's their youth group... at least not until you're going to start putting some of the kids in charge.

bobthecockroach · 01-19-2004, 10:09 AM

I think it's a good thing to tell them that it's their group. If they start complaining that you don't do anything you can just tell em, "Hey, I said this was your group, tell us what you wanna do." It'll help you get more useful input from your youth, I think.

Mugga Please · 01-19-2004, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobthecockroach

I think it's a good thing to tell them that it's their group. If they start complaining that you don't do anything you can just tell em, "Hey, I said this was your group, tell us what you wanna do." It'll help you get more useful input from your youth, I think.

ya thats how its more meant when i say 'their youth group'. Its not really theirs to the extent that they control it...cause if the teens had total control over their whole youth group they'd all probably be pushing each other into bush's and running around the room w/ their underwear on their heads.

but i think its good to let them know that they have a decent amount of imput. and like bobby roach said ...if they say they never do anything fun you can come back at them w/ 'give me ideas..what u wanna do'.

HeavenOnAStick · 01-19-2004, 03:52 PM

our youth pastors tells us that, especially when we plan events and stuff. But then without anyone's consent he changes the times, shortens the events, or whatnot... so it's not really ours at all. That's what I'm saying you should try not to do.

bobthecockroach · 01-19-2004, 05:36 PM

Oh no, definitely not. Don't ever go back on something you said unless it's in a good way. Like if you said a trip would cost $40 you can come back and say $30 but don't come back and say $50

HeavenOnAStick · 01-20-2004, 08:08 AM

I agree.

Mugga Please · 01-20-2004, 07:04 PM

i think he was kidding.....

HeavenOnAStick · 01-20-2004, 09:46 PM

well I agree nonetheless. :-P

SendMe · 01-26-2004, 10:37 PM

some has to stand up and take to the role. the bad part about is, there can't be one adult leader one week and another the next. somebody has to take charge. and just like everyone else has been saying, let the kids know that it is their youth group. let them know they have to take ownership in it and when they do it will boom.

my opinion on being a youth minister (of the subject), be outside the mold. never conform to anything unless it is to help. lets those kids see Jesus in all aspects and not just what thier parents have taught them.