Starting out unmotivated

[Rae_Psyche]

Im just starting out a new youth group in my church and well im basically in charge. The thing is that the youth are kind of not raelly motivated, they have never been part of anything like this before, and they are used to just sitting at church and not doing anything. Ive planned fun activities that always include something of spiritual growth but they are still kind of not motivated. Any advice?

 

[rookiemum]

Just some quick thoughts........

You didn't say how long you've been doing this, but it takes time to build bonds. Overnight events are great for building bonds with and between the youth.

Look for the leader(s) within your group-give them extra time and encouragment.

I think everyone in Youth Ministry struggles with balancing "fun" with spritual growth. Network with other youth leaders, read books, go to seminars -we are blessed to have so much information available.

Don't neglect your own spirtual growth. Modeling is really important with youth, they are always watching to see how you are living your life.

Pray, pray pray.

 

[heymikey80]

Im just starting out a new youth group in my church and well im basically in charge. The thing is that the youth are kind of not raelly motivated, they have never been part of anything like this before, and they are used to just sitting at church and not doing anything. Ive planned fun activities that always include something of spiritual growth but they are still kind of not motivated. Any advice?

When you change the culture, part of the struggle is to build interest and knowledge about what you're trying to do.

If you're trying to build closer bonds among the youth group kids, say so. Preach on it (ok, talk on it). Do you want wackiness or "energy"? Talk about "energy". I still remember a talk by my youth leader who was doing this. He talked about Abraham in Mamre -- "When Abraham saw God at Mamre, Scripture says he ran. Now ... wait a minute. Abe is 99 years old. Abraham ran. Y'ever see a 99-year old man ... run? [Raspy voice] 'Hey, let's go kill a calf! God's here!' Mark my words, if God is near to you, you ... will ... run to meet Him. If you aren't excited about Him; if you don't give Him your best? Then He Is Not Close To You."

Twenty-five years later those words still reverberate in my head.

And I'm not an excitable kinda guy.

There will always be a drag on your group, too. We're just not perfect people. My rules of thumb: if you get more than 25% participation, you're doing well. If you can reach a handful of people deeply, you're doing well.

Pray the Spirit will do greater things. But know that practically your work alone will only reach a small fraction of what the Spirit can do. If there are budding ministers in your youth group, they hold some promise for lighting the ministry fire, too. The Spirit works among those born of the Spirit and following Him (Jn 3:3-8). Look for them, unlikely as they may seem at the moment. Build where the Spirit takes you.

 

[HeartStrings]

I would also recommend the overnight idea.. i had a bunch of the H.S girls over when i switched from jr to sr high.. we went in the jacuzzi had tacos and virgin margaritas.. went in our hot tub and watched movies.. we all really bonded and these girls just opend up to me. it was awesome..and an wonderfull start!!

 

[dancin_dude]

Im just starting out a new youth group in my church and well im basically in charge. The thing is that the youth are kind of not raelly motivated, they have never been part of anything like this before, and they are used to just sitting at church and not doing anything. Ive planned fun activities that always include something of spiritual growth but they are still kind of not motivated. Any advice?

Did you consider doing something as an outreach like taking a part in some community or street event using Christian dance like a hip hop number. Even un-trained kids can dance hip hop these days. Check this web site for the fully choreographed and taught dances.
www.worshipsteps.com For dance clips preview - click here or the image below.

Peace

 

[innerstrength]

my youth pastor gave us jobs to do and I personally think it works. If you give kids jobs that are important they will usually do it and get other people excited about it. Me personally if I am given a job I run with it ^^ and have meetings so they can decide what to do. And mentoring more than leading also helps alot.

 

[Rae_Psyche]

We did the overnight thing last Friday, it was great, we had so much fun. And I guess it does take time... This was only our third meeting, this is our third month. We are a small group and the kids are pretty motivated about it, some more than others of course, the big problem is the church in general they are still kind of skeptic about the group. It just frustrated me for a while there.

 

[HeartStrings]

Once the church can see how much a youth group can bring kids to christ and what they can do for the community they will warm up to the idea!

 

[Naomi4Christ]

Im just starting out a new youth group in my church and well im basically in charge. The thing is that the youth are kind of not raelly motivated, they have never been part of anything like this before, and they are used to just sitting at church and not doing anything. Ive planned fun activities that always include something of spiritual growth but they are still kind of not motivated. Any advice?

Don't be obsessed with 'teaching' them anything. Just build relationships with them, and encourage them to build relationships with one another.

 

[zefora]

Don't let it get to you! My friend and her husband started a youth group -they had a big vision for this youth gathering and the start was so bad... In the beginning there were only to teenagers there... But now, after six months, they have about 40!!! Things might develope slowly, but when the right time comes, people will get motivated and God will bless you! Just keep on having the youth group and pray a lot, things will start to happen, I'm sure! God bless you.

 

[Rae_Psyche]

Thanx for the support guys, you've all been very helpful

 

[CalmInTheStorm]

If you don't love it they won't either... Kids are very impressionable and love to look up to the cool older kids, so be the cool older kid Not for the sake of being cool, but for the reason that setting an example will be what they grab onto most easily, and what they will hold onto as they continue on in their personal journey. You are doing a great thing cultivating the young believers, don't be discouraged, but in everything with prayer and petition seek the Lord. And if you ever need more encouragment post again!

-Chris