How to start?

[Psychedelica]

Hello!

Anyways, well wmy family and i are a christian family, but we dont really go to church. we did for a while, and me and my sister bought and donated toys for other less fortuntate kids in other countries and it felt great to be able to help. Now, im not too sure about the churches in my town - but i was wondering, most churches have like...teen ministries that help people/animals/enviroment out right? and like, if me and my sister (im 16, shes 13) wanted to join...we could just show up and sign up right? Can you like call a church and ask for all the information? But what kind of ministries do they have for teens at churches? Well any help would be wonderfuL! Thankss!

 

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Well, first I will say: Find a church! It is vitally important that you fellowship and take communion. As for teen ministries, they are generally glad to take volunteers. Just call up a church that has an event you want to do, and sign up. In fact, most places have too few people helping, they'd be overjoyed

 

[Psychedelica]

Wow thank you for replying, ur the only person that did! THANKS!

 

[christiangal522]

Psychedelica -

I work in a church with teens and was so excited to read your post!! I can guarantee you if you express your passion to help others to a local pastor, you will receive a warm welcome from a youth pastor. If there is a church you know about, theyd love to hear from you. Just talk to a youth pastor/director at the church...tell them what you want to do and i am sure they can help you out. Having fellowship is huge...dont be afraid to look around to find the church that has the same passions that you do. Ask away, you'll find answers and I'm sure you'll find a place ...God will provide, seek his guidance and he'll point you towards the place he wants you...he wants you with other Christians for many good reasons.

Good luck to you!! IF you need help finding resources, etc. let me know!! The youth ministry network is huge and I can help point you in the right direction.

 

[sakamuyo]

I just found this forum or I would have answered earlier.

Finding a church is an important step. And it's can be a big step. If possible, I suggest you ask your parents about joining a church as a family. It would be great if you could find a church where you could all attend together. If your parents don't want to, but will give you permission to go, then ask them if they would help you find a good church.

I would start by looking at the churches that are close to your area. Call them up and ask if they have a youth group and when the group meets. If you're scared about going to a group where you don't know people, ask if you and your parents can meet with the youth pastor/leader first. Talk about what you are interested in (the service projects) and ask what sort of service projects the church has actually done in the past few months. While I would like to think all churches do this, many do not - or it is only a small part of what they do. Since this is something important to you, it would be good to find a church that is already doing this.

You should also think about whether you like big groups or small groups. Some people like the big churches with big groups of people, but others prefer the more intimate settings with smaller groups. Neither is better than the other - it's a matter of where you are more comfortable.

If you would like help and are comfortable doing so, send me a PM with the city you're in and I'll talk to some youth leader friends to help find some good churches for you to visit.