The Week Ahead

What a week I have in front of me! Our Pastor and Associate took a group to Branson for the week. That leaves me in the office! Today I brought my dogs to keep me company while I get a few things accomplished. Wednesday Nights have been a great program for our youth ministry. However, the last few weeks I've been convicted to change our format. A few good friends, Jason and Colston, discussed a challenge with me that I felt compelled to share.

Is our youth ministry actually a ministry? Why do more than 80% of students drop out of church within two years of graduating high school. I look around my church on a sunday morning and see maybe 8 single people between the ages of 19-26. Thats out of 350 people! Where is this lost generation? The youth group has been strong throughout the years but the people don't stay. Some have come back once they got married, had kids or reached their 30's but where have they been?

I'm convinced we're dropping the ball when it comes to training and discipling our young people. The problem is this: Teenagers fall in love with youth group. They meet friends, play games, go on activities, and sing cool music. We've developed this idea in youth ministry that "we are successful if we have the biggest youth group in town." We go to fellowship meetings and catch up with old friends and our first question to each other often is "how many are you running now?" We've lost focus!

I was challenged when I realized I have students in my youth ministry who I haven't gotten to know. I've been here 3 months and our Wednesday night program averages about 45-50 students. Some have been here every Wednesday night but I can't tell you anything about them besides their name. Relationships aren't being formed! The students come, participate in the service and then leave. They essentially become 1 of 50. I have 6th grade boys and girls all the way up to 12th grade boys and girls. Does my 20 minute challenge really leave a lasting impact on each one of my students?

We've decided to change things up! We're going to a small group atmosphere! We have wonderful adult leaders in our youth ministry. We've decided that if we can create a setting that is more intimate for our students to be challenged and interact at their level, relationships will be formed. Not just with us and the students, but a more intimate relationship with the student and their Savior! Why not have a challenge and group discussion with just Jr. High boys and one with just Sr. High Girls? They can relate to each other's struggles and desires more. Discipleship becomes a reality! Do you think we'll have more than 20% of our students stick around church after spending 4-6 years in a program like this?? You better believe it!

I'm looking forward to seeing our students Wednesday. Fellowship of Christian Students happens at Ira Jr. High School on Thursday during lunch. I feel we have an untapped resource here so we're taking advantage of the opportunity to reach out to these students. Keep us in your prayers!

Chuck