Youth Ministry: A Reflection
I have many lessons to learn just as I have learned many. For instance, young people love to predict what s likely to happen in an encounter. predictability reduces the fear of the unknown. knowing what's going to happen allows young people to prepare themselves for it, and perhaps to be predisposed to find enjoyment in it. In this way, successful self-fulfilling prophecy is built into the experience.
This principle applies to youth ministers in many ways. Let's talk about my recent experience. We have organized a prayer day which was meant to have some guests present. I told some of the participants before hand that some guests would be present and that they were supposed to share with them freely during the "sharing break". Those who knew this already were very enthusiastic since morning. They arrived earlier than the rest, were well dressed, brought their Bibles and notebooks. The difference was obvious. Some of those who knew nothing came dressed "not very well" though decent, some came late, and some came without their bibles and notebooks. They were not beaming with anticipation like their counterparts.
Yes, If you want to get the best out of the young people, tell them exactly what is likely to happen, what they need and where they can help. If you simply want them to say hello to guests and then go on with their duties, just let them know. Also, they appreciate not being surprised by a last-minute change of plans, such as having to arrange rooms in hurry.
No one wants to be embarrassed or made to feel out of place. To eliminate fear of embarrassment, let the youth know what you want them to do. Let them know how that helps them, helps others, and feeds into building the Kingdom of God.
Jesus is our model here. Remember the wedding at Cana of Galilee? Jesus told them, "Fill the jars with water." So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter." So they took it. [John 2:7-8]
Miracles happen through our participation. And young people love to be part of the process not just the product. Have a very fruitful day, won't you?
This principle applies to youth ministers in many ways. Let's talk about my recent experience. We have organized a prayer day which was meant to have some guests present. I told some of the participants before hand that some guests would be present and that they were supposed to share with them freely during the "sharing break". Those who knew this already were very enthusiastic since morning. They arrived earlier than the rest, were well dressed, brought their Bibles and notebooks. The difference was obvious. Some of those who knew nothing came dressed "not very well" though decent, some came late, and some came without their bibles and notebooks. They were not beaming with anticipation like their counterparts.
Yes, If you want to get the best out of the young people, tell them exactly what is likely to happen, what they need and where they can help. If you simply want them to say hello to guests and then go on with their duties, just let them know. Also, they appreciate not being surprised by a last-minute change of plans, such as having to arrange rooms in hurry.
No one wants to be embarrassed or made to feel out of place. To eliminate fear of embarrassment, let the youth know what you want them to do. Let them know how that helps them, helps others, and feeds into building the Kingdom of God.
Jesus is our model here. Remember the wedding at Cana of Galilee? Jesus told them, "Fill the jars with water." So they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, "Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter." So they took it. [John 2:7-8]
Miracles happen through our participation. And young people love to be part of the process not just the product. Have a very fruitful day, won't you?
I like the whole idea of "being predictable". I thought those who talk about power and authority were right to say, "Keep your group in darkness if you want to seem relevant"? This idea seems to be opposing predictability.
ReplyDeletePowerlessness is at the heart of youth ministry. You must seem to rely on the young people for your service to them in order for them to offer all their help. It is not manipulation but giving the work of evangelizing the youth to the youth themselves. They will come to you because they love to participate rather than because they need you badly. Anyway, mine are just ideas, sharing mission and adventures.
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