In our last article, we discussed that when selecting a unit study
for your group, be sure to choose what the kids need to know, not
necessarily what you want to teach. Now let’s assume that you have
made a decision about what you will be teaching at “Sunday Night
Youth Group.” It is time for a look at the next step…

Step #2 – Find the Very Best Materials on that Topic.

What I am about to share may not be popular but take some time and
at least think about it.

My observation has been that lots of youth leaders (and churches!)
hold loyalty to certain publishers without ever really evaluating if
the material is good for your kids.

Now do not misunderstand me…I realize the importance of using material
that is consistent with your churches doctrinal positions and I
respect that and also think it is important. But, there may be
several publishers who are doctrinally sound and may have materials
you can use.

Here is the point; if we are not careful we will get
lazy and just use what we have always used without exploring new
frontiers. The curriculum source and approaches that worked five
years ago may still work now, but then again it may not. My point
is that good youth leaders are always looking for the best
resources to teach their kids!

Before starting a new unit of study, set out to find the best
materials. Check out the books/curriculums you already have. Check
online for resources on your topic and do not overlook free stuff you
might get on the web. Ask your pastor or other church leaders for ideas.

After you have collected lots of materials, sit down with it all
together. From that point, begin putting together the best unit you
can by pooling the best of the resources you have in front of you.

The best unit will be one where you use ideas from several sources!
I realize that this approach takes some time and work. But, ministry
is work. Remember, quality is not an accident and excellence is a
choice. If you choose excellence, then you will need to work.

Here is one last tip before I finish. Make files for yourself on the
different units you teach or may teach in the future.

For example, you may have one file for “Dealing with Stress” and
another for the “Book of Galatians”, etc.

As you stumble upon resources you may even think you’ll use in the
future, put that information in a file you created.

Over time, you will collect some great materials and ultimately your
youth will receive the blessings for your work by your rich, engaging,
and well prepared lessons. Hurry up! Get going! Go find the best
materials!

Popularity: 3% [?]

“I don’t know what I am going to do with these _______ kids!” the angry grandma lamented to me with alcohol saturated breath.  The smell was so strong I took a half step backwards.

“Tell me what is happening.” I replied.  We stood beside my car in her small front yard in an otherwise quiet neighborhood.

The story was a sad one. This women was in her early sixties and just retired. Without warning, she ended up her three teenage grandchildren after the sudden death of their parents in a car accident.  Grandma had lost a daughter. The children lost their parents. And they all were lost for a sense of direction in what appeared to be a senseless tragedy.

Her grandkids were in my youth group. There were twin girls, both in the eighth grade at that time.   The third child was a tenth grade boy who was always in trouble at school.  All three kids dripped with potential and loved church and youth group.  The kids had as many problems with grandma as she had with them.  They shared with me often how she would lock herself in her room, watch TV and drink for hours at a time.  She would emerge in a drunken rage and retreat to the room again to sleep for several more hours.

Standing by my car, her tears flowed as she poured out her broken heart.  Tears would flow as the kids would share their hurt at church.  A family related by blood, divided by tragedy, headed full throttle toward a train wreck of an existence.

It has been many years since that day and I am still amazed as ever at the number of people all around me who live their lives day to day with no hope or purpose.  They function as productive citizens, earning a living or going to school or raising their children.  Yet a short conversation will begin to reveal the depth of emptiness within them.  Their smiles are superficial, their eyes hollow, their futures uncertain.  My heart hurts for them.

Who will be the ambassadors of hope for these people?  Who will be light for those who are accustomed to darkness?  Who will be salt for their frozen hearts? Who will be a voice of testimony to the lost and hurting that God is crazy about them and offers them hope through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus?

How about you?  Would you be that person?  Would you be an ambassador of hope?  I want to challenge you. Ask God to put you in a position to be an ambassador of hope.  One of the best ways to do this is simply to invite people to church. Inviting is so simple yet we do it so infrequently.  Invite one person or family to church per week.  Maybe it will be your neighbor, a co-worker, or a store clerk.  You never know how many people in your circles of influence are living without hope or purpose.  Maybe it will take someone like you to invite them to come and hear how awesome our God is and that He loves them so very much.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Last week I wrote about curriculum decisions and how we must decide
what to teach based on what the kids NEED rather than what we enjoy
teaching about.

The trouble comes in determining what you youth group NEEDS.

I’ll offer a couple of quick thoughts. This list is not exhaustive but
just a start.

One way to know what your kids need is simply to listen to what they
are talking about. Stand around the group before and after meetings.
Listen to them talk with one another while you are driving the church
van for a trip. A leader can gain a great deal of insight just by
listening!

Another way to know what your kids need can be accomplished through
a simple, yet fun youth group activity. Get some newsprint and
markers. Split the group up by age and give them these instructions…

“Tonight in your groups, would you write or draw pictures that reflect
what you think the issues are kids your age face. Even if it is not
an issue for you personally, what do you think students your age
struggle with?”

This is a fun and simple way to learn a lot about what your
students are thinking about.

Finally, pay close attention to the students who come to your for
prayer. What is their struggle? And if one or two are coming to you
about the same issue(s) then be sure that there are a lot more facing
the same challenge.

Ok, let’s tie this up. When you have to start thinking about what is
going to be taught in your youth ministry, do not choose what you want
to teach, choose what your kids need to hear!

Popularity: 3% [?]