Sunday, June 13, 2010
Free Youth Ministry Ideas
Welcome back fellow youth leaders! I hope all is well in your worlds. I am sad to inform that Free Youth Ministry Ideas will be on hiatus for at least a month, possibly more. My plate is full and I am working with a think tank on how to increase readership of my weekly blog. If you have any ideas or want to see the blog continue on, email or leave a comment. Please read all the past posts for ideas if you havent already. Thanks again.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Free Youth Ministry Ideas
Crack-a-Grin:
When my son Garrett was little we used to like to take him for car rides. One day when
he was two, he asked his daddy, "Daddy, where are we going," His daddy said, "Crazy, do
you want to go?" The next day at home Garrett was crying in the front room while his dad
was laughing. I asked, "What's wrong", and Garrett sobbed loudly, "I want to go crazy."
Hot Topix:
A. National Day of Prayer is this Thursday on May 6th. With all the controversy surrounding the event and lack of support from our supposedly Christian President, we must stand strong and take the time on this day to be prayer warriors, alongside our teens. Keep the youth building open for a couple of hours after school so teens can come at their convenience to pray. Have some refreshments by the door that they can grab to take with them after they pray. Be bold and stand strong, our country needs all our prayers now more than ever.
B. Plugged In is a great event for your teens. Basically you will hold a lock in either overnight or for 4-5 hours. There will be no electronics or electricity allowed……no cell phones, computers, electric lights, handheld gaming systems, etc. If you are holding the event at night, use candles or oil lamps (be extremely careful). Use the time with the teens to discuss what is important in life and staying focused on Gods Will for our lives, instead of allowing modern conveniences to keep us distracted. Get the teens to talking about how affected they are by these devices and help them come up with rules to live by in order to take control of these devices instead of allowing the devices to control them.
Stats-o-the-Week:
According to religioustolerance.org, today 75% of American adults identify themselves as Christians.
Thought to ponder: What does being a Christian really mean and why is this country drifting further and further from Christian morals?
Roughly 83 million Bibles are distributed globally each year, according to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (2009).
Free Resources:
A. The Way of the Master – (www.wayofthemaster.com)
Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron have partnered together to encourage fellow Christians to get out and witness and to bring the unbelieving into a relationship with Christ. This website is full of tools and knowledge to grow your faith and that of your teens. Listen to audio lessons, street witnessing video clips, order materials, link to Ray Comfort’s blog, find out the station and time for their television show …and much more all on the website. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
B. Let Freedom Ring Ministries – (www.letfreedomringusa.com)
Get your kids involved in standing for and when old enough fighting for our constitutional freedoms. This website contains Jody Hice’s daily radio program which features the latest news dealing with our constitutional freedoms and how they can and do affect Christians. Also get informed regarding the Hope For America rallies. Our teens need to understand that we are fighting a war in this country to keep our constitutional freedoms from being taken away. They must realize what a blessing it is to freely attend church and that there may come a day where that is no longer a freedom we Christians have, which is why we must fight.
C. (Illustration) – “Are the things your living for worth Christ dying for?”
Encouragement for the Road:
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
When my son Garrett was little we used to like to take him for car rides. One day when
he was two, he asked his daddy, "Daddy, where are we going," His daddy said, "Crazy, do
you want to go?" The next day at home Garrett was crying in the front room while his dad
was laughing. I asked, "What's wrong", and Garrett sobbed loudly, "I want to go crazy."
Hot Topix:
A. National Day of Prayer is this Thursday on May 6th. With all the controversy surrounding the event and lack of support from our supposedly Christian President, we must stand strong and take the time on this day to be prayer warriors, alongside our teens. Keep the youth building open for a couple of hours after school so teens can come at their convenience to pray. Have some refreshments by the door that they can grab to take with them after they pray. Be bold and stand strong, our country needs all our prayers now more than ever.
B. Plugged In is a great event for your teens. Basically you will hold a lock in either overnight or for 4-5 hours. There will be no electronics or electricity allowed……no cell phones, computers, electric lights, handheld gaming systems, etc. If you are holding the event at night, use candles or oil lamps (be extremely careful). Use the time with the teens to discuss what is important in life and staying focused on Gods Will for our lives, instead of allowing modern conveniences to keep us distracted. Get the teens to talking about how affected they are by these devices and help them come up with rules to live by in order to take control of these devices instead of allowing the devices to control them.
Stats-o-the-Week:
According to religioustolerance.org, today 75% of American adults identify themselves as Christians.
Thought to ponder: What does being a Christian really mean and why is this country drifting further and further from Christian morals?
Roughly 83 million Bibles are distributed globally each year, according to Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (2009).
Free Resources:
A. The Way of the Master – (www.wayofthemaster.com)
Ray Comfort and Kirk Cameron have partnered together to encourage fellow Christians to get out and witness and to bring the unbelieving into a relationship with Christ. This website is full of tools and knowledge to grow your faith and that of your teens. Listen to audio lessons, street witnessing video clips, order materials, link to Ray Comfort’s blog, find out the station and time for their television show …and much more all on the website. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
B. Let Freedom Ring Ministries – (www.letfreedomringusa.com)
Get your kids involved in standing for and when old enough fighting for our constitutional freedoms. This website contains Jody Hice’s daily radio program which features the latest news dealing with our constitutional freedoms and how they can and do affect Christians. Also get informed regarding the Hope For America rallies. Our teens need to understand that we are fighting a war in this country to keep our constitutional freedoms from being taken away. They must realize what a blessing it is to freely attend church and that there may come a day where that is no longer a freedom we Christians have, which is why we must fight.
C. (Illustration) – “Are the things your living for worth Christ dying for?”
Encouragement for the Road:
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Free Youth Ministry Ideas
Crack-a-Grin:
A minister told his congregation, "Next week I plan to preach about the sin of lying. To help you understand my sermon, I want you all to read Mark 17."
The following Sunday, as he prepared to deliver his sermon, the
minister asked for a show of hands. He wanted to know how many had read Mark 17. Every hand went up. The minister smiled and said, "Mark has only sixteen chapters. I will now proceed with my sermon on the sin of lying."
Hot Topix:
A. Earth Day 4/22-
Read Gen. 1:31 to the group and hold a discussion about our responsibility to be good stewards of the resources and planet God has provided us with and the fact that there are simple things we can all do to help out. I would also be sure to share that there is a difference between being a good steward and being a fanatic.
Plan on having a celebration for the day at whichever meeting is closest to the day. Help the group to come up with ways they can help protect the planet at home, school, and church. Buy a Large garbage can or container for aluminum cans, newspapers, etc. for the church. Have the teens paint various pictures that depict protecting our planet.
Another idea is to adopt a stretch of road in the community that needs to be cleaned up and meet on Earth Day. Provide refreshments for the teens after the clean up and make sure to take photos. Use these photos to put together a short slideshow to show the congregation what the youth group is up to.
B. National Day of Prayer - This has been such a hot topic lately with the Presidents decision to cancel events at the White House for the day. Hold a discussion on the disappearance of the evidence that our country was founded on the belief in God and what your teens can do to get involved.
Cover items (share the history of each) such as our money saying "In God We Trust", the 10 comm. being in the court rooms, swearing on the bible in court, prayer in school, etc. Be sure to talk about the recent decision by a Wisconsin Judge ruling that the government holding an event for the day is unconstitutional and how they feel about separation of church and state. Do they believe that's part of our problem with the country being a den of sin and so forth.
On the National Day of Prayer, set aside about an hour or two after school for teens to come by the church and pray for our leaders. Be sure there are several adults present.
Stat-O-The-Week:
A. The four most researched words on Google:
1.Sex 2.God 3.Jobs 4.Professional Wrestling
B.
10% - the amount of info we retain solely by listening
25% - the amount of info we retain by being told twice
50% - the amount of info we retain by seeing
(According to Skip Heitzig on his radio program "The Connection".)
Free Youth Ministry Resources:
1. Vision Board - Bring magazines, newspapers, print outs of images from the web and allow the teens to choose images and create pieces that represent what your goals are as a youth group. Also print out quotes and provide materials for the teens to write scripture on.
2.Illustration - The bible is like an MRI. Many times we like to think that we are a good person and therefore appear that way in front of the Lord and do not need to change anything in our lives. We get in the Word of God (have the MRI test) and the cancer present in our lives is revealed. Our teens need to understand that as Christians we are on a journey of transformation until we die and that God is in the business of change. We all like to deny our faults but is we will keep our hearts open, listen to God, and do as He says, we become a better person and grow closer to God.
3. www.speakupmovement.org - this site deals with various issues for all ages regrading our constitutional rights. Use it yourself and pass along to the teens.
Encouragement For The Road:
May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Psalms 19:14
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Free Youth Ministry Ideas
Hey Gang! I am on vacation and wasnt going to post anything for this week but decided to share a few great videos to use in your ministry. Have a great week and next week we will be back to our normal column!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Free Youth Ministry Ideas
Crack-a-Grin:
About the time your face clears up your mind gets fuzzy.
Hot Topix:
We have two very important events coming up over the next couple of weeks. Sunday, April 11th is Holocaust Remembrance Day and Friday April 16 is the Day of Silence. Use your upcoming meetings to discuss these two important days and use the information below to aid in your talks.
1. Holocaust Remembrance Day - While your teens have all heard about the holocaust, their knowledge may be limited and most will be unaware of the day of remembrance. I suggest discussing the holocaust the Wednesday before and dedicate your sunday school meeting to honoring and remembering those who were lost during this horrific event. If your sunday schools classes are divided, bring them together for this. Here are some tips to get you going:
a. Put together a slide show of images and facts from the holocaust, then use it in one of your meetings
b. Invite a survivor or liberator to share their story with the group
c. Have a moment of silence and then prayer
d. Show the film Defiance (*note-you will need to get parents permission before this, as it has some poor language) a story of survival and new beginnings
2. Day of Silence - This is an event tat has some churches in an uproar and others actively participating. This event is a stand against the bullying and teasing of gay,lesbian,transgender kids. I believe that we, as Christians, should support such an event because God is Love and this is an opportunity to reach out to the gay community and plant seeds. At the official website, www.dayofsilence.com, you can print out speaking cards (which you can customize) for your teens to hand out, sticker templates, and much more. The best way to explain Christians participating in this event is as follows: As Christians we believe that homosexuality is a sin, we believe in standing up for what is right, and we know we can use this experience to plant seeds. It is that simple
You must get your teens to realize that living a homosexual lifestyle is a sin just as gossiping and lying are sins. This is definitely a topic to have a discussion on and get rid of some of the common misconceptions about homosexuality. If one of your teens is guilty of bullying or teasing, Discuss the different methods of bullying, such as posting things on a social networking site, texting gossip, and even actually filming bullying Or maybe they are guilty of not standing up for someone who was being verbally beat down and instead of saying something and walking away they kept quite. When we fail to do nothing, we are failing to do the right thing.
Even comments such as "That's so gay.", is hurtful and drives homosexuals to shame. This is no different than using the n-word. It is uncalled for and definitely not Christ-like. Don't allow this type of idle chatter in your youth group as it will have a negative affect on anyone who is dealing with same sex attraction.
"What are you going to do to end the silence?"
Stat-O-The-Week:
According to the Mental Health Association of Westchester's website-
78% of teens report that youth who are gay or thought to be gay are teased or bullied in their schools and communities.
93% of the teens hear youth use words like "fag," "homo," "dyke," "queer," or "gay" at least once in a while, while 51% of them hear it every day.
Free Resources:
a. www.iamnotashamed.org - A great opportunity for your youth group to be a part of the worlds first online video bible. Sign up at the website, record your group quoting a scripture or two, and upload it to the site. It's a fun way for your teens to proclaim that they are not ashamed to be a Christian.
b. www.commonsensemedia.org - This is the site for great reviews on the latest and hippest films, t.v., websites, books, and more. There is also a section designated for parents and they also have resources for teachers.
c. Pow Wows - This is a great ice breaker. Take 5-10 minutes at the beginning of class to have a pow wow. Divide your teens into groups of 5-10 and give each group a large marker and a dry erase board. Divide the paper into 2 columns, one pow and the other wow. The teens are to list what negative things have happened in their lives over the past week under pow and the positive things that have happened under wow. Have a member of each group read thru their list for the class and talk briefly about it. This is also a great way to get an inside view of whats going on in your kids lives!
Encouragement For The Road:
"Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him."
Romans 4:8
About the time your face clears up your mind gets fuzzy.
Hot Topix:
We have two very important events coming up over the next couple of weeks. Sunday, April 11th is Holocaust Remembrance Day and Friday April 16 is the Day of Silence. Use your upcoming meetings to discuss these two important days and use the information below to aid in your talks.
1. Holocaust Remembrance Day - While your teens have all heard about the holocaust, their knowledge may be limited and most will be unaware of the day of remembrance. I suggest discussing the holocaust the Wednesday before and dedicate your sunday school meeting to honoring and remembering those who were lost during this horrific event. If your sunday schools classes are divided, bring them together for this. Here are some tips to get you going:
a. Put together a slide show of images and facts from the holocaust, then use it in one of your meetings
b. Invite a survivor or liberator to share their story with the group
c. Have a moment of silence and then prayer
d. Show the film Defiance (*note-you will need to get parents permission before this, as it has some poor language) a story of survival and new beginnings
2. Day of Silence - This is an event tat has some churches in an uproar and others actively participating. This event is a stand against the bullying and teasing of gay,lesbian,transgender kids. I believe that we, as Christians, should support such an event because God is Love and this is an opportunity to reach out to the gay community and plant seeds. At the official website, www.dayofsilence.com, you can print out speaking cards (which you can customize) for your teens to hand out, sticker templates, and much more. The best way to explain Christians participating in this event is as follows: As Christians we believe that homosexuality is a sin, we believe in standing up for what is right, and we know we can use this experience to plant seeds. It is that simple
You must get your teens to realize that living a homosexual lifestyle is a sin just as gossiping and lying are sins. This is definitely a topic to have a discussion on and get rid of some of the common misconceptions about homosexuality. If one of your teens is guilty of bullying or teasing, Discuss the different methods of bullying, such as posting things on a social networking site, texting gossip, and even actually filming bullying Or maybe they are guilty of not standing up for someone who was being verbally beat down and instead of saying something and walking away they kept quite. When we fail to do nothing, we are failing to do the right thing.
Even comments such as "That's so gay.", is hurtful and drives homosexuals to shame. This is no different than using the n-word. It is uncalled for and definitely not Christ-like. Don't allow this type of idle chatter in your youth group as it will have a negative affect on anyone who is dealing with same sex attraction.
"What are you going to do to end the silence?"
Stat-O-The-Week:
According to the Mental Health Association of Westchester's website-
78% of teens report that youth who are gay or thought to be gay are teased or bullied in their schools and communities.
93% of the teens hear youth use words like "fag," "homo," "dyke," "queer," or "gay" at least once in a while, while 51% of them hear it every day.
Free Resources:
a. www.iamnotashamed.org - A great opportunity for your youth group to be a part of the worlds first online video bible. Sign up at the website, record your group quoting a scripture or two, and upload it to the site. It's a fun way for your teens to proclaim that they are not ashamed to be a Christian.
b. www.commonsensemedia.org - This is the site for great reviews on the latest and hippest films, t.v., websites, books, and more. There is also a section designated for parents and they also have resources for teachers.
c. Pow Wows - This is a great ice breaker. Take 5-10 minutes at the beginning of class to have a pow wow. Divide your teens into groups of 5-10 and give each group a large marker and a dry erase board. Divide the paper into 2 columns, one pow and the other wow. The teens are to list what negative things have happened in their lives over the past week under pow and the positive things that have happened under wow. Have a member of each group read thru their list for the class and talk briefly about it. This is also a great way to get an inside view of whats going on in your kids lives!
Encouragement For The Road:
"Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him."
Romans 4:8
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Free Youth Ministry Ideas
Crack –A-Grin:
Dear Pastor,
My mother is very religious. She goes to church every week to play bingo even if she has a cold.
Yours Truly, Annette, 9, Albany
Hot Topix:
“Abortion” – A topic that most parents and youth leader fail to discuss beyond the typical, “It’s wrong.” Or “It’s killing a baby.” Teens do not understand exactly what it is, the consequences of choosing this route, and so forth. Our teens are being raised to think that having an abortion “gets rid of their problem” because many want to have sex but none of the consequences. The majority of, if not all, the info they get comes from their friends and the media, not sources they should be taking life advice from.
Also, they need to understand that there are more serious and damaging consequences than getting pregnant or an Std. For instance, they are giving a piece of themselves away to that person they can never get back and that will be a factor in their subsequent also relationships/marriage. The video which I have provide a link to is proof of this lack of knowledge, feeling of no choice, lack of compassion, and the increasing problem.
Research the stats on teen pregnancy beyond what you will find in this week’s stats-o-the-week section and you will see the urgency. But don’t only address the problem (abortion); also address the behavior that leads to considering abortion. You will also want to bring up how it will affect their relationship with Christ.
Stat-O-The-Week:
The following stats came from www.grtl.org/statsandpolls.asp:
• ¾ of those having abortions say that having a baby would interfere with work, school, or other responsibility.
• Georgia has one of the 10 highest abortion rates in the U.S.
• 13 % of all U.S. births are to teens, of which 78% are unmarried
• 78% of women having abortions report a religious affiliation
• Abortion rates are highest among women 20-30 yr old, unmarried, white, w/ at least a h.s. diploma
Free Resources:
1. Connect: Real Relationships In A World Of Isolation
Pick this book up asap! Jonathon McKee has highlighted the most important aspect of youth ministry: Connecting with teens one-on-one. In an effort to educate and encourage youth leaders, volunteer and paid, McKee elaborates on the effect having youth leaders connect one-on-one with teens has on youth ministries and he does a great job. This is one you will be emailing and texting your fellow youth leaders about.
2. YouthWorker Journal
This bimonthly magazine highlights the latest youth culture trends, reviews for film, audio, and books, as well as very informative articles. This magazine rates number 2 on my top 5 ym magazines.
3. Movie Night w/ The Blindside:
Set up your classroom to look like the inside of a movie theatre by making up some posters, having someone take up tickets, and a refreshment bar. Use Ziploc baggies to bag up candies, chips, or cookies and of course have plenty of sodas and bags of popcorn. Allow each student to get one bag of popcorn, one bag of candy, and one soda pop. If you have a laptop and a projector use them to make the experience even better. Also make up flyers for your teens to hand out to their friends. This is a great outreach experience. Plan on having a short 10 minute talk after the movie where you discuss the Christian lessons in the film and of course share the gospel.
Encouragement For The Road:
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
Dear Pastor,
My mother is very religious. She goes to church every week to play bingo even if she has a cold.
Yours Truly, Annette, 9, Albany
Hot Topix:
“Abortion” – A topic that most parents and youth leader fail to discuss beyond the typical, “It’s wrong.” Or “It’s killing a baby.” Teens do not understand exactly what it is, the consequences of choosing this route, and so forth. Our teens are being raised to think that having an abortion “gets rid of their problem” because many want to have sex but none of the consequences. The majority of, if not all, the info they get comes from their friends and the media, not sources they should be taking life advice from.
Also, they need to understand that there are more serious and damaging consequences than getting pregnant or an Std. For instance, they are giving a piece of themselves away to that person they can never get back and that will be a factor in their subsequent also relationships/marriage. The video which I have provide a link to is proof of this lack of knowledge, feeling of no choice, lack of compassion, and the increasing problem.
Research the stats on teen pregnancy beyond what you will find in this week’s stats-o-the-week section and you will see the urgency. But don’t only address the problem (abortion); also address the behavior that leads to considering abortion. You will also want to bring up how it will affect their relationship with Christ.
Stat-O-The-Week:
The following stats came from www.grtl.org/statsandpolls.asp:
• ¾ of those having abortions say that having a baby would interfere with work, school, or other responsibility.
• Georgia has one of the 10 highest abortion rates in the U.S.
• 13 % of all U.S. births are to teens, of which 78% are unmarried
• 78% of women having abortions report a religious affiliation
• Abortion rates are highest among women 20-30 yr old, unmarried, white, w/ at least a h.s. diploma
Free Resources:
1. Connect: Real Relationships In A World Of Isolation
Pick this book up asap! Jonathon McKee has highlighted the most important aspect of youth ministry: Connecting with teens one-on-one. In an effort to educate and encourage youth leaders, volunteer and paid, McKee elaborates on the effect having youth leaders connect one-on-one with teens has on youth ministries and he does a great job. This is one you will be emailing and texting your fellow youth leaders about.
2. YouthWorker Journal
This bimonthly magazine highlights the latest youth culture trends, reviews for film, audio, and books, as well as very informative articles. This magazine rates number 2 on my top 5 ym magazines.
3. Movie Night w/ The Blindside:
Set up your classroom to look like the inside of a movie theatre by making up some posters, having someone take up tickets, and a refreshment bar. Use Ziploc baggies to bag up candies, chips, or cookies and of course have plenty of sodas and bags of popcorn. Allow each student to get one bag of popcorn, one bag of candy, and one soda pop. If you have a laptop and a projector use them to make the experience even better. Also make up flyers for your teens to hand out to their friends. This is a great outreach experience. Plan on having a short 10 minute talk after the movie where you discuss the Christian lessons in the film and of course share the gospel.
Encouragement For The Road:
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Free Youth Ministry Ideas
Crack-a-Grin:
“Acting Up In Church”
One Sunday in a Midwest City, a young child was "acting up" during the morning worship hour. The parents did their best to maintain some sense of order in the pew but were losing the battle.
Finally, the father picked the little fellow up and walked sternly up the aisle on his way out.
Just before reaching the safety of the foyer, the little one called loudly to the congregation,
"Pray for me! Pray for me!"
Hot Topix:
“Evolution vs Creation”
With the 200th Anniversary of Darwin’s birth bearing down upon America, the debate over whether Evolution or Creation is correct is the hottest topic in the science and religion communities. Sadly, many people have made a decision to believe in evolution without first getting both sides of the story.
We youth leaders have a heavy burden to provide our students with just that, BOTH sides of the story. We know which side will win but if we want them to not only believe but to know why they believe, we will lay out the evidence for both. So take your class on a journey to discover the truth together. Don’t start freaking out and thinking, “Well I don’t have all the answers!” Begin studying and use the resources at the end of this section to aid in your research, as they are reputable sites. And remember….you don’t have to know all the answers…..just where to find them.
Recently I picked up a copy of “The Charles Darwin Bible” for a few bucks at my local Life way store and Christians everywhere should have at least one copy in your personal library and a few to hand out to those who doubt God because of Darwin’s theories. It is the New Testament but it has the basics of the theory of evolution, Darwin’s beliefs, and common “contradictions” to the Bible throughout its pages.
If you have read my column regularly then you know how much I believe in having regular discussions to learn where your students are on any given topic. This is definitely a discussion topic. Spend 2-3 meeting periods on it and plan on using the first night to allow your teens to share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences with the class and you. Then use the 2nd (and 3rd if you need it) to share both sides of the story. NOW is the time to give your students a clear understanding of this debate so they are prepared to share their faith. And as soon as you can, take your class to The Creation Museum in Northern Kentucky. It is a must see destination for everyone!
Resources:
A. The Case For Christ video (also comes in book form)
B. www.leestrobel.com
C. www.answersingenesis.com
D. www.creationmuseum.org
Stat-O-The-Week:
40% of Americans believe in evolution according to a 2005 John D. Miller Michigan State University statistic published on www.data360.com .
Free Resources:
A. The Rebelution – More than likely you have heard about and potentially read Alex and Brett Harris’s The Rebelution. They have added to their website, www.therebelution.com, articles from a variety of the most respected Christian leaders and will soon be adding video and audio files. All of us should encourage oiur teens to join the rebelution. Buy a copy of the book for each of your students and if you don’t have it in the budget host a fundraiser. It is a must read and it will help give them the courage they need to discover God’s plan for their life.
B. Lifelinepro.com – This isn’t a fancy website but the group uses everyday comedy to bring to life some of the most common struggles we all face. They have ten free ~30 second clips to listen to. Use them as an opening for your youth meetings to grab your teen’s attention. If you are really thrilled with their material order a cd chocked full of them!
C. Parenting Today’s Teens – Founder and Host Mark Gregston gives one minute daily tips throughout the week for parenting teens and on the weekend produces a ~ 30 minute program. Mark and his wife also founded a boarding school and counseling center for struggling teens known as Heartlight Ministries. While the site is geared towards parents, there is plenty of good advice for us youth leaders. You can also use the information you gather from Mark to pass along to the parents of your students. Visit his site at www.parentingtodaysteens.com to listen online, read articles, or You can also download his podcast episodes from iTunes.
Encouragement For The Road:
Rejoice in hope, endure in tribulation, and persevere in prayer. Romans 12:12
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Free Youth Ministry Ideas
Welcome back my fellow Youth Leaders! I have many free youth ministry ideas and resources this week. Make sure you leave your comments and share your ideas. If you would like to be a guest writer let me know and we'll see what we can do.
Crack-a-Grin: "My Dad's Job" - Three boys are in the schoolyard bragging about their fathers. The 1st boy says, "My dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a poem and they give him $50.00 for it. The second boy says, "That's nothing! My dad scribbles a few words on paper and calls it a song, and they give him $100.00 for it! Little Johnny says, "I got you both beat! My dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon and it takes eight people to collect all the money!"
Hot Topix: "The Dreadful D and Breaking The Cycle" -
It is unfortunate but roughly 50% of married couples, christian or not, end up divorced. This is in part due to our country's loosening morals which is teaching teens and adults that marriage is an issue to take lightly. Our students are being taught through their parents, their friends, and the media the ideas of sexting, casual sex, watching media that contains sexual scenes that depict two people (opposite or same sex) engaging in inappropriate sinful behavior.
Our kids are under the impression that lust is the same as love and that if you are "in love" then it is ok to go ahead and have sex. Our teens are not being taught to respect themselves and their bodies and they do not understand God's plan and purpose of relationships and marriage. So as youth leaders we have a heavy burden weighing on us because in most cases it is only through us that they will hear and understand God prefect plan.
This is a topic that warrants at least two class periods one in which I suggest having an open discussion on marriage (include same-sex), dating, pregnancy, courting, purity, and so forth. Make sure you guide the students in discussing the benefits and pitfalls of each topic.
Use the second class period to clearly lay out Gods plan and what the bible says on all issues you guys have touched on in your discussion. Challenge your teens to swim against the current and to make the hard decisions. If you want to you can add a third class period where you divide up the boys and girls to discuss how they should treat the opposite sex and more personal issues that are focused on their gender.
Don't be afraid to challenge your students and don't shy away from this tough subject.
Stat-o-the-Week "39% of children born today are born to unwed mothers. In the 1960's the rate was only 5%, according to Freddy Scott while on Christian Radio Magazine in March of 2010.
Free Resources: "Free, Free, Free" -
A. Lesson/Illustration: "Without spiritual fuel we become stranded Christians"
B. Christian Radio Magazine - A great program for teens and adults alike! They cover all sorts of relevant topics for all Christians. Visit them at www.christianradiomagazine.com where you can listen, as well as read a devotion or use their free bible study tools.
C. Answers In Genesis - This website is a tool that should be in every Christians favorites list. It is a great site to send doubting teens to or those who simply want to learn answers to common questions brought up by believers and atheists. You will find devotions, mini-sodes that touch on relevant topics in an entertaining way, read hilarious cartoons or their free e-newsletter, resources to use in the classroom, and so much more. The bottom line is that it's a great site to find answers on creation. Visit them at www.answersingenesis.com .
A Glimpse of God's Word: "I hate divorce," says the Lord God of Israel, "and I hate a man's covering himself with violence as well as his garment," says the Lord Almighty. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith. Malachi 2:16
Crack-a-Grin: "My Dad's Job" - Three boys are in the schoolyard bragging about their fathers. The 1st boy says, "My dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a poem and they give him $50.00 for it. The second boy says, "That's nothing! My dad scribbles a few words on paper and calls it a song, and they give him $100.00 for it! Little Johnny says, "I got you both beat! My dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon and it takes eight people to collect all the money!"
Hot Topix: "The Dreadful D and Breaking The Cycle" -
It is unfortunate but roughly 50% of married couples, christian or not, end up divorced. This is in part due to our country's loosening morals which is teaching teens and adults that marriage is an issue to take lightly. Our students are being taught through their parents, their friends, and the media the ideas of sexting, casual sex, watching media that contains sexual scenes that depict two people (opposite or same sex) engaging in inappropriate sinful behavior.
Our kids are under the impression that lust is the same as love and that if you are "in love" then it is ok to go ahead and have sex. Our teens are not being taught to respect themselves and their bodies and they do not understand God's plan and purpose of relationships and marriage. So as youth leaders we have a heavy burden weighing on us because in most cases it is only through us that they will hear and understand God prefect plan.
This is a topic that warrants at least two class periods one in which I suggest having an open discussion on marriage (include same-sex), dating, pregnancy, courting, purity, and so forth. Make sure you guide the students in discussing the benefits and pitfalls of each topic.
Use the second class period to clearly lay out Gods plan and what the bible says on all issues you guys have touched on in your discussion. Challenge your teens to swim against the current and to make the hard decisions. If you want to you can add a third class period where you divide up the boys and girls to discuss how they should treat the opposite sex and more personal issues that are focused on their gender.
Don't be afraid to challenge your students and don't shy away from this tough subject.
Stat-o-the-Week "39% of children born today are born to unwed mothers. In the 1960's the rate was only 5%, according to Freddy Scott while on Christian Radio Magazine in March of 2010.
Free Resources: "Free, Free, Free" -
A. Lesson/Illustration: "Without spiritual fuel we become stranded Christians"
B. Christian Radio Magazine - A great program for teens and adults alike! They cover all sorts of relevant topics for all Christians. Visit them at www.christianradiomagazine.com where you can listen, as well as read a devotion or use their free bible study tools.
C. Answers In Genesis - This website is a tool that should be in every Christians favorites list. It is a great site to send doubting teens to or those who simply want to learn answers to common questions brought up by believers and atheists. You will find devotions, mini-sodes that touch on relevant topics in an entertaining way, read hilarious cartoons or their free e-newsletter, resources to use in the classroom, and so much more. The bottom line is that it's a great site to find answers on creation. Visit them at www.answersingenesis.com .
A Glimpse of God's Word: "I hate divorce," says the Lord God of Israel, "and I hate a man's covering himself with violence as well as his garment," says the Lord Almighty. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith. Malachi 2:16
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Free Youth Ministry Ideas
Free Youth Ministry Ideas
Crack-a-Grin
A Sure Cure: Three pastors in the south were having lunch in a diner. One said, "You know, since summer started I have had trouble with bats in my loft and attic at church. I've tried everything..noise..spray...cats...nothing seems to scare them away." Another said, "Yeah, me too. I've got hundreds living in the belfry and and in the narthex attic. I've even had the place fumigated, and they won't go away." The third said, "I've baptized all mine, and made them members of the church....Haven't seen one back since."
Hot Topix
Most teens have a cell phone now days and the age at which one gets their first phone is getting younger and younger. I am 31 and I remember when my mum got her first cell phone. It was a top of the line.........BAG PHONE! I know you're smiling right now. Back then all you could do with a phone was place a phone call and this was in 93-94. I got my first phone during my first year of college in 98 and it was more for emergency than anything.
Today however, kids are getting a cell phone as young as twelve. Parents are not teaching their kids phone etiquette or requiring them to be responsible. Because of the lack of etiquette and boundaries set by the parents, tweens and teens are participating in risky and sinful behavior. Sexting is common among teens and can vary from a seductive pose with clothes on to full frontal nudity to sexual acts.
Teens do not understand that this behavior brands them among their peers and can create big problems down the road. Once a text is sent, a copy on the SIM card can be found even after deleting photo. Now days, employers are visiting applicant's Facebook and MySpace pages and many a potential employee has been skipped over because of their elicit pages.
Parents are good at sticking their heads in the sand and telling themselves that their child would never participate in such acts. The majority of times, that parents kids are the ones participating. As Youth Leaders, it is our responsibility to teach parents and teens about such hot topics and bridge the gap between the two generations. Research the subject and hold a discussion for your teens allowing them to share their thoughts and you to provide God's take on the subject.
Hold a meeting for the parents. Begin by asking them what sexting is and ask what safeguards they have put in place to deter there teens from participating. Come prepared with copies of a list of potential boundaries. Remind them that their kids may not like it now but they will thank them when they are older. LG, a cell phone manufacturer, is making a point to inform and teach parents about this topic, have them visit www.LGTextEd.com for the information.
Stat-o-the-Week
73% of American teens who are connected to the Internet, use Social Networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace. A significant increase from the 2006 stat of 55%.
Free Resources
A. The Doug and Jon Show - www.thedougandjonshow.com; This website aims to reach teens and young adults with the gospel through humor. They have cartoon short videos, videos which they star in, a blog, and much more where they grapple with the question that matters most, "Is there a God?". The duo don't mind making fools of themselves, which your teens will enjoy.
B. Textmarks.com - With texting the most common form of communication now days among teens, this free service will allow you to send out mass messages about upcoming topics, special events, and so forth.
Scripture
"But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, being always ready for a defense to everyone who asks of you an account concerning the hope which is in you."
My Life
What stresses you out the most regarding your youth ministry?
a. Disruptive teens
b. Preparing my lessons
c. Recruiting volunteers
d. Getting the church to see the youth ministry as an important part of the churches program
** Send your answers to youthministrylite@yahoo.com with your choice in the subject line. Then check back next week for the results!
Thank you for supporting Free Youth Ministry Ideas. Tell your fellow leaders about the weekly blog and leave your comments and ideas! If you are looking for a speaker for your event, click on the Speaker Booking tab.
Crack-a-Grin
A Sure Cure: Three pastors in the south were having lunch in a diner. One said, "You know, since summer started I have had trouble with bats in my loft and attic at church. I've tried everything..noise..spray...cats...nothing seems to scare them away." Another said, "Yeah, me too. I've got hundreds living in the belfry and and in the narthex attic. I've even had the place fumigated, and they won't go away." The third said, "I've baptized all mine, and made them members of the church....Haven't seen one back since."
Hot Topix
Most teens have a cell phone now days and the age at which one gets their first phone is getting younger and younger. I am 31 and I remember when my mum got her first cell phone. It was a top of the line.........BAG PHONE! I know you're smiling right now. Back then all you could do with a phone was place a phone call and this was in 93-94. I got my first phone during my first year of college in 98 and it was more for emergency than anything.
Today however, kids are getting a cell phone as young as twelve. Parents are not teaching their kids phone etiquette or requiring them to be responsible. Because of the lack of etiquette and boundaries set by the parents, tweens and teens are participating in risky and sinful behavior. Sexting is common among teens and can vary from a seductive pose with clothes on to full frontal nudity to sexual acts.
Teens do not understand that this behavior brands them among their peers and can create big problems down the road. Once a text is sent, a copy on the SIM card can be found even after deleting photo. Now days, employers are visiting applicant's Facebook and MySpace pages and many a potential employee has been skipped over because of their elicit pages.
Parents are good at sticking their heads in the sand and telling themselves that their child would never participate in such acts. The majority of times, that parents kids are the ones participating. As Youth Leaders, it is our responsibility to teach parents and teens about such hot topics and bridge the gap between the two generations. Research the subject and hold a discussion for your teens allowing them to share their thoughts and you to provide God's take on the subject.
Hold a meeting for the parents. Begin by asking them what sexting is and ask what safeguards they have put in place to deter there teens from participating. Come prepared with copies of a list of potential boundaries. Remind them that their kids may not like it now but they will thank them when they are older. LG, a cell phone manufacturer, is making a point to inform and teach parents about this topic, have them visit www.LGTextEd.com for the information.
Stat-o-the-Week
73% of American teens who are connected to the Internet, use Social Networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace. A significant increase from the 2006 stat of 55%.
Free Resources
A. The Doug and Jon Show - www.thedougandjonshow.com; This website aims to reach teens and young adults with the gospel through humor. They have cartoon short videos, videos which they star in, a blog, and much more where they grapple with the question that matters most, "Is there a God?". The duo don't mind making fools of themselves, which your teens will enjoy.
B. Textmarks.com - With texting the most common form of communication now days among teens, this free service will allow you to send out mass messages about upcoming topics, special events, and so forth.
Scripture
"But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, being always ready for a defense to everyone who asks of you an account concerning the hope which is in you."
My Life
What stresses you out the most regarding your youth ministry?
a. Disruptive teens
b. Preparing my lessons
c. Recruiting volunteers
d. Getting the church to see the youth ministry as an important part of the churches program
** Send your answers to youthministrylite@yahoo.com with your choice in the subject line. Then check back next week for the results!
Thank you for supporting Free Youth Ministry Ideas. Tell your fellow leaders about the weekly blog and leave your comments and ideas! If you are looking for a speaker for your event, click on the Speaker Booking tab.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Free Youth Ministry Ideas
Welcome back to your #1 source for free youth ministry ideas! I am a little late on posting, as my plate gets more full with each day. I want to start off with a good joke I found recently:
"Growing Up" - My son Mark was only 5 ft. 8 in. when he left for college in the fall. He worked through the Christmas holidays and didn't return home again until the February break. When he got off the plane, I was stunned how much taller he looked. Measuring him at home, I discovered he now stood at 5 ft. 11 in. My son was as surprised as I. "Couldn't you tell by your clothes that you'd grown?" I asked him. "Since I've been doing my own laundry," he replied, "I just figured everything had shrunk."
I tell you what, that joke shows just how much parents have to teach their children. As for us youth leaders, many of our students don't receive the training they should and it falls on our shoulders to teach them to be responsible, godly young adults. Now on to our first resource. In the devotional I am currently reading out of daily, I have begun on the topic of "Money". Financial responsibility is one of those topics that we need to be teaching, and that doesn't just mean about tithing.
Resource #1: Combine the story of The Good Samaritan and The Rich Young Ruler. Explain that money is a blessing from God and He expects us to use that money to further His kingdom. The key to the lesson is to make money our servant not our master. Have the students briefly discuss their views and thoughts on money, if they are learning at home how to be financially responsible and so forth prior to and then after the the lesson.
Resource #2:- A couple of months ago I rented a great Christian film that recently came out, "In The Blink Of An Eye". The film has a good storyline and it gets across the point that in the blink of an eye Jesus will return and the true Christians will go to Heaven. There will be no time to make the decision once He arrives. Be sure to teach along with showing this film, the scripture of Mttw. 25:1-13 where it tells us that no one but the Father knows when Jesus will come return. The decision to follow Christ is too important of a decision to put it off until we are "older" or "done doing everything we want to do".
"Do you want a room with a view?" - During a visit to a mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director what the criterion was which defined whether or not a patient should be institutionalized. "Well," said the Director, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup, and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub." "Oh, I understand," said the visitor, "A normal person would use the bucket because it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup." "No," said the Director, "A normal person would pull the plug." So, do you want a room with or without a view? :)
I want to take the opportunity to raise awareness for a missing college student, Bryce Tarter. He has been missing since January 31st. Visit www.bringbrycehome.com for more information. No matter where you live you can be on the lookout for his white Nissan Frontier, which has yet to be found and is the key to getting him back home. Have a blessed week and please let your fellow youth leaders know about the blog and leave your comments on what you like and don't like.
"Growing Up" - My son Mark was only 5 ft. 8 in. when he left for college in the fall. He worked through the Christmas holidays and didn't return home again until the February break. When he got off the plane, I was stunned how much taller he looked. Measuring him at home, I discovered he now stood at 5 ft. 11 in. My son was as surprised as I. "Couldn't you tell by your clothes that you'd grown?" I asked him. "Since I've been doing my own laundry," he replied, "I just figured everything had shrunk."
I tell you what, that joke shows just how much parents have to teach their children. As for us youth leaders, many of our students don't receive the training they should and it falls on our shoulders to teach them to be responsible, godly young adults. Now on to our first resource. In the devotional I am currently reading out of daily, I have begun on the topic of "Money". Financial responsibility is one of those topics that we need to be teaching, and that doesn't just mean about tithing.
Resource #1: Combine the story of The Good Samaritan and The Rich Young Ruler. Explain that money is a blessing from God and He expects us to use that money to further His kingdom. The key to the lesson is to make money our servant not our master. Have the students briefly discuss their views and thoughts on money, if they are learning at home how to be financially responsible and so forth prior to and then after the the lesson.
Resource #2:- A couple of months ago I rented a great Christian film that recently came out, "In The Blink Of An Eye". The film has a good storyline and it gets across the point that in the blink of an eye Jesus will return and the true Christians will go to Heaven. There will be no time to make the decision once He arrives. Be sure to teach along with showing this film, the scripture of Mttw. 25:1-13 where it tells us that no one but the Father knows when Jesus will come return. The decision to follow Christ is too important of a decision to put it off until we are "older" or "done doing everything we want to do".
"Do you want a room with a view?" - During a visit to a mental asylum, a visitor asked the Director what the criterion was which defined whether or not a patient should be institutionalized. "Well," said the Director, "we fill up a bathtub, then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup, and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub." "Oh, I understand," said the visitor, "A normal person would use the bucket because it's bigger than the spoon or the teacup." "No," said the Director, "A normal person would pull the plug." So, do you want a room with or without a view? :)
I want to take the opportunity to raise awareness for a missing college student, Bryce Tarter. He has been missing since January 31st. Visit www.bringbrycehome.com for more information. No matter where you live you can be on the lookout for his white Nissan Frontier, which has yet to be found and is the key to getting him back home. Have a blessed week and please let your fellow youth leaders know about the blog and leave your comments on what you like and don't like.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Free Youth Ministry Ideas
Welcome back fellow Youth Ministry Geeks! Glad to see you are here for more free youth ministry ideas. It hasn't been quite a week but I'd rather be early than late. Anyways, let's get to the goods. Our first resource is the illustration, "Make your reservation for Heaven NOW!" and "All reservations for Heaven are made in this life." Talk about the decision to give your life to Christ and what that means. Stress to the kids that waiting to make the decision until they are older and ready to settle down, when they are dying, or whatever it is that's keeping them from committing to Jesus.
These teens are making a decision when they haven't investigated and have all the evidence before them and that's why we MUST take them on the journey and allow for open discussions and that requires the teens to participate. No matter how long it takes, get started right away because you know their is no time to waste! Once we die our destiny is fixed. Also discuss the statistic that if a person doesn't accept Christ by the time they are 18, they are unlikely to do so later in life.
Your second resource is a lesson on love. Study the chapter of I Corinthians 13 and discuss the difference between lust and love. Teens and young adults get the two confused and make life-changing decisions based on this information. They believe that what they see in movies and on t.v. is how real relationships and marriages are going to be and should be.
Again, you have to get these kids to open up and let you in on what they believe, what they have experienced, what they want and how they are going after it. We must teach them that we have to learn how to love others and that God gives us the standard for what real love looks like. They also must know that until we allow God to love us, we will never be able to love anyone else with true love. Why? Because Jesus is the example and I Cor. 13 are the directions. Explain how difficult it can be to love someone when they are being "unlovable". Two key points to make are the following:
1. Direction not Intention determines destination. (Use the analogy of a car wanting to get to Washington, D.C. from Alabama. If the driver only has the intention of getting to D.C but doesn't drive in the DIRECTION of D.C., he will not get there.)
2. We must lead our heart, not lead with our heart. ( We must train ourselves to do as Jesus would. "What Would Jesus Do" is vital to the Christian life)
Make sure you tell a friend and leave your thoughts. Let's make Free Youth Ministry Ideas the top Youth Ministry Blog.
These teens are making a decision when they haven't investigated and have all the evidence before them and that's why we MUST take them on the journey and allow for open discussions and that requires the teens to participate. No matter how long it takes, get started right away because you know their is no time to waste! Once we die our destiny is fixed. Also discuss the statistic that if a person doesn't accept Christ by the time they are 18, they are unlikely to do so later in life.
Your second resource is a lesson on love. Study the chapter of I Corinthians 13 and discuss the difference between lust and love. Teens and young adults get the two confused and make life-changing decisions based on this information. They believe that what they see in movies and on t.v. is how real relationships and marriages are going to be and should be.
Again, you have to get these kids to open up and let you in on what they believe, what they have experienced, what they want and how they are going after it. We must teach them that we have to learn how to love others and that God gives us the standard for what real love looks like. They also must know that until we allow God to love us, we will never be able to love anyone else with true love. Why? Because Jesus is the example and I Cor. 13 are the directions. Explain how difficult it can be to love someone when they are being "unlovable". Two key points to make are the following:
1. Direction not Intention determines destination. (Use the analogy of a car wanting to get to Washington, D.C. from Alabama. If the driver only has the intention of getting to D.C but doesn't drive in the DIRECTION of D.C., he will not get there.)
2. We must lead our heart, not lead with our heart. ( We must train ourselves to do as Jesus would. "What Would Jesus Do" is vital to the Christian life)
Make sure you tell a friend and leave your thoughts. Let's make Free Youth Ministry Ideas the top Youth Ministry Blog.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Free Youth Ministry Ideas
Intro:
In a youth ministry not so far away.....a youth leader is in desperate need of free youth ministry ideas......they find a reliable, biblically sound, relative to teens blog that offers fresh and innovative ideas that will challenge their teens and that just happens to be this blog. So welcome to Youth Ministry Lite. You will not find a lot of fancy bells and whistles at this blog. I am one youth leader who has spent hours of research looking for illustrations, games, lessons, and such on a weekly basis. I am what you would call a "collector". I hear quotes on radio programs, find a fun and biblically sound game, or maybe its a headline from the newspaper.....I write it down, clip it out, or print it out and file it away until I need it.
It is from that collection and my current research that I am sharing with you, in the hopes that you will visit this blog on a regular basis to use the free youth ministry ideas I post each week, as well as pass along the address to your colleagues. I will also include a free scripture, quote, or joke as well as initiate a conversation about an issue that all youth leaders face.
As I have said, I am also a youth leader so you can count on everything coming from a fellow soldier who is in my own little foxhole. I am starting this blog with the intention of not only providing free youth ministry ideas, but also making contacts with other youth leaders who would like to contribute to the blog, whether it be a seasoned writer or a hobbyist, whether it's a single youth ministry idea or a smorgasboard of years experience. If you are one of those wanna be writers, this blog is the place to get a little hands on experience. Simply email me at youthministrylite@yahoo.com . Again, Welcome to your dream come true!
I.
Our first free resource is the dvd lesson series "Youthbytes" which can be found at www.youthbytes.org. The series is great to use every now and then to give the teens something new. Each dvd consists of scripture and solid bible teaching. The teens can easily relate what they learn to their daily lives and they will get a few laughs in as well. You can have a free sample dvd sent to you and you can view small bytes of various videos on the website.
Everyone has seen the huge billboards along the highway saying, "I GEEK...." Our second free resource is the illustration "I GEEK JESUS". Talk about the purpose behind the billboards, which is basically to coax the public to go to their public library and learn about whatever topic interests them. Let the kids know that this is the attitude every Christian should have when it comes to following Jesus. We must read our bibles to get to know Jesus and learn how we are to model our lives.
Next I want to talk a bit about what is going on in my life regarding youth ministry. I unfortunately had to leave my original church home due to conflicts in biblical foundations and other issues. We were a small church with an even smaller youth group, but we had kids who were faithful who came from various backgrounds. I did not want to leave them but God was clear in His will for me.
I spent many months praying and crying because my heart was broken.
I was serving as the "unofficial" Head Youth Leader because our Youth Pastor had left. I got a lot of hands on experience because the ministry had to continue and during that time, God taught me much. I know that there was purpose behind my being there because God led me to that church, but I had fulfilled what I was supposed to and it was time to move on. Now months later and several new churches having been "tested", I possibly may have found where God wants me.
This new church is also small and when it comes to Youth Ministry, they have a couple of volunteer adults so there is plenty of room for me and for the ministry to grow. I am naturally a person who thinks outside the box and is a go getter. I have been called to work with teens and to share my personal journey to Christ. I want to reach the teens who are turned off by church and who are hurting right here in my community.
I will keep you up to date on how things are going as I continue down this road. Serving God in any fashion can be difficult and it may mean leaving a church we don't want to and staying at one we would probably leave, if it were up to us. If you have had a similar experience, please leave a comment. How nice is it to have a site for free youth ministry ideas now!
In a youth ministry not so far away.....a youth leader is in desperate need of free youth ministry ideas......they find a reliable, biblically sound, relative to teens blog that offers fresh and innovative ideas that will challenge their teens and that just happens to be this blog. So welcome to Youth Ministry Lite. You will not find a lot of fancy bells and whistles at this blog. I am one youth leader who has spent hours of research looking for illustrations, games, lessons, and such on a weekly basis. I am what you would call a "collector". I hear quotes on radio programs, find a fun and biblically sound game, or maybe its a headline from the newspaper.....I write it down, clip it out, or print it out and file it away until I need it.
It is from that collection and my current research that I am sharing with you, in the hopes that you will visit this blog on a regular basis to use the free youth ministry ideas I post each week, as well as pass along the address to your colleagues. I will also include a free scripture, quote, or joke as well as initiate a conversation about an issue that all youth leaders face.
As I have said, I am also a youth leader so you can count on everything coming from a fellow soldier who is in my own little foxhole. I am starting this blog with the intention of not only providing free youth ministry ideas, but also making contacts with other youth leaders who would like to contribute to the blog, whether it be a seasoned writer or a hobbyist, whether it's a single youth ministry idea or a smorgasboard of years experience. If you are one of those wanna be writers, this blog is the place to get a little hands on experience. Simply email me at youthministrylite@yahoo.com . Again, Welcome to your dream come true!
I.
Our first free resource is the dvd lesson series "Youthbytes" which can be found at www.youthbytes.org. The series is great to use every now and then to give the teens something new. Each dvd consists of scripture and solid bible teaching. The teens can easily relate what they learn to their daily lives and they will get a few laughs in as well. You can have a free sample dvd sent to you and you can view small bytes of various videos on the website.
Everyone has seen the huge billboards along the highway saying, "I GEEK...." Our second free resource is the illustration "I GEEK JESUS". Talk about the purpose behind the billboards, which is basically to coax the public to go to their public library and learn about whatever topic interests them. Let the kids know that this is the attitude every Christian should have when it comes to following Jesus. We must read our bibles to get to know Jesus and learn how we are to model our lives.
Next I want to talk a bit about what is going on in my life regarding youth ministry. I unfortunately had to leave my original church home due to conflicts in biblical foundations and other issues. We were a small church with an even smaller youth group, but we had kids who were faithful who came from various backgrounds. I did not want to leave them but God was clear in His will for me.
I spent many months praying and crying because my heart was broken.
I was serving as the "unofficial" Head Youth Leader because our Youth Pastor had left. I got a lot of hands on experience because the ministry had to continue and during that time, God taught me much. I know that there was purpose behind my being there because God led me to that church, but I had fulfilled what I was supposed to and it was time to move on. Now months later and several new churches having been "tested", I possibly may have found where God wants me.
This new church is also small and when it comes to Youth Ministry, they have a couple of volunteer adults so there is plenty of room for me and for the ministry to grow. I am naturally a person who thinks outside the box and is a go getter. I have been called to work with teens and to share my personal journey to Christ. I want to reach the teens who are turned off by church and who are hurting right here in my community.
I will keep you up to date on how things are going as I continue down this road. Serving God in any fashion can be difficult and it may mean leaving a church we don't want to and staying at one we would probably leave, if it were up to us. If you have had a similar experience, please leave a comment. How nice is it to have a site for free youth ministry ideas now!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
