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: 2% [?]

We have been discussing how important it is to encourage the
students in your youth group ministry. In my last entry, I offered
phrases that work great for encouraging kids. Today let’s begin to
look at some practical ways you may be able to encourage students
in your group.

As I go through some of these ideas in the next few
articles, I understand that not all of these will work for all
readers. That is ok. As the saying goes, “Eat the chicken, spit out
the feathers!”

Two simple but effective ways to encourage youth in your ministry
is through telephone calls and letters. It is a powerful thing when
a youth leader calls one of his students on the phone just to see
how they are doing. Some good reasons to call could be:

– To invite them to the next youth meeting/activity.

– To ask them how they are doing or how a particular event went that
they were involved with.

– If they were sick – check on him/her.

– To thank them for a particular service or duty performed at the
church.

– Remind them of a promise of our Lord from the scripture.

There are many other reasons a leader may call but those are just a
few ideas.

Remember to follow a few rules if you are calling a student:

– Don’t call too late at night. There are kids who are not allowed
to receive calls after certain times. Be family friendly!

– Be sure to say who you are and that you are calling from the
church. This way a parent knows what adult is calling for their
child.

– Keep your call short and let them know you look forward to seeing
him/her that week at church.

Another super effective technique for encouraging kids is to send
them a note, particularly a hand-written note. First of all, most
young people really do not receive much mail so getting something
can be sort of cool for them. Second, a hand written note shows
that you as a leader really took time to think about them and that
makes a strong impression.

A short hand written note letting John or Sandi know that you are
thinking about them, praying for them, and you really appreciate them
is a powerful ministry tool.

Also, the note is something the student can keep as a constant source of
encouragement. I can see where many of my youth keep notes I have
written them inside their bibles. I recommend you set a goal of
sending five notes of encouragement every week. Just choose a day,
spend a few minutes writing the notes and drop them in the mail. It
will be well worth it!

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: 2% [?]