Too old for youth group?

It's normal for a lot of people to want to stay with the youth group, if it's a good one. In fact, I think a lot of the people who volunteered to help with my old youth group upon graduation did so because they didn't want to leave the youth group.

But we've all got to fly the nest at some point. It's hard, but we all manage. I recommend finding a fellowship for Christians who are young adults, rather than teenagers. Is it your 4-year degree that you're getting? Do you plan on getting more schooling, or are you going to dive right into the workforce?

Talk to the leaders. We wouldn't allow a 20 year old to be a student in a high school group, but we would allow them to be a leader.

It's unfortunate that many churches don't have anything like a youth group for adults or young adults, so I can see why you would find it a good thing. But the groups I've been with wouldn't allow it. Particularly if it has junior high also. That's a pretty large age range. But as a leader, possibly.

i had a great time when I was in youth group also. I also grew up Methodist. Maybe the leadership would allow you to serve as a volunteer? If not regularly, then maybe during trips and special events. Somebody has to drive the van.

For the record, I think being a leader for youth group needs to be a divine calling. Leaders should be there to serve because that is how God wants them to serve, rather than just hanging around because they want to continue to hang around.

It seemed that the guys I knew who were the least mature as guys were the ones who were going to study to be youth pastors. I wonder how many of them actually are serving in that capacity now, after sufficient years have gone by.

Todos Tenemos Máscaras;67259043 said:

The leader doesn't mind me just coming to come. But I think I will ask about volunteering so I can feel less awkward about being there. If I had any experience with the youth group before tonight, I probably would have just asked to be a volunteer to begin with. But I'd rather know what youth group is like before helping with it. Lol.

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Was that your first time at a youth group . . . ever?

Todos Tenemos Máscaras;67259054 said:

I think I used to go to one when I was less than 9 at a Baptist church, but I don't remember it. The church I went afterwards had no kids. Now this church does and it's right after the bell choir practice (hence me seeing the youth and a little of what they do).

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Todos Tenemos Máscaras;67259062 said:

It's a two-year degree and I'll be continuing my education.

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Thank you for that information.

Go to a campus ministry at whatever school you'll be at. You'll get fellowship with Christians your own age. Navigators, Cru (formerly known as Campus Crusade for Christ), and the Wesley Foundation may be of interest to you. I was part of Christian Challenge, which down south is the Baptist Student Union.

You need to find a college group to get involved with. Middle and high school isn't really on your level. Does your campus have a Christian group?

That's so sad! I've seen people go through that before, and they approached the church elders to start Young Adults groups. That way, there's a smoother transition for everyone, because you won't be the only one going through this.

Volunteering is a great idea, and possibly you could do both, or have some events where you tie the groups together. Movie nights, sports, retreats etc. Just ask. Planning wouldn't take much for people your age.

Todos Tenemos Máscaras;67258794 said:

I'll be 20 in a little over a month, and about to graduate with a degree in Social Work Assistance. I'm just now comfortable in my church and this is the first church (that I've been to in over 10 years) that has a youth group. I went to youth tonight-- the leader and the youths all seems really accepting and happy I was there-- then I get hope and was told (not by any of them) that around here when someone older goes to something that is meant for a younger person, they are looked as they have mental problems or are delayed. That hurts. I feel like I grew up as fast as I could and never went to youth and now I can't but want to. I've been crying over this.

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My that's stupid. You're only 19. The youth group I attended there were even 28 year olds who had been there for years and didn't want to leave and weren't married. Everyone thought it was fun, noone bothered. We went on camp, great.
Hahaha maybe that's why I dont bother posting in cf singles as a 44 year old.

I went to youth group till I was around 23 and nobody thought anything of it.
I finally felt silly going after a while and quit.

Todos Tenemos Máscaras;67258794 said:

I went to youth tonight-- the leader and the youths all seems really accepting and happy I was there-- then I get hope and was told (not by any of them) that around here when someone older goes to something that is meant for a younger person, they are looked as they have mental problems or are delayed. That hurts. I feel like I grew up as fast as I could and never went to youth and now I can't but want to. I've been crying over this.

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Sounds like shaming people to leave youth group, not a very mature way to deal with things. There are legitimate reasons for being concerned about an older person wanting only younger companionship whether it's predatory behavior or a lack of emotional growth, but wanting to be apart of a thriving church isn't a mental problem. They should help you integrate with the church as an adult.

I'd recommend joining a small group or small bible study that has a wide range of people of different ages, marriage status, genders, and professions. Small enough to make friends but big enough to have different kinds of interactions. I have found in my life eventually one gets too old for young adult classes too. Eventually one may find they don't fit any category and they don't really belong anywhere. So it's best to plug into a church in a way that isn't dependent on your age or status but that you're a human being who needs community.

??
that church sounds mean!
Jesus welcomed everyone no matter what age. He especially loved children. I don't know what their problem is.

I think just find fellowship with believers who aren't excluding you on account of age. I found ladies bible study really good, as range of ages, just that we female thus can talk and pray about stuff that men would feel uncomfortable with. You may find talking to elders helpful in your walk rather than hanging round youth, but even children who have that childlike faith you can learn from..

I had one lady tell me oh you want to be involved with youth? I'm like noo I'm in my thirties but she thought maybe I was like a teenager. And then get roped into Sunday School, which, is not bad provided there are also children believers and not just kids dropped off there for you to babysit. So..it depends. I don't like how church is all you in this age group or that. Spiritual maturity is different from what age you are in years. Don't allow people to judge you just cos you seem too old or too young.

It sounds like one of those slips of the tongue where they probably went home and regretted wording it that way. So often when one person says something, it sounds like the whole church's stance -- but check that out for sure. Maybe you're still welcome to participate, and they don't even have a clue what went on.

And yeah, 19/20? Not a problem.