Youth groups are something that most of us are familiar with, we can think back to the silly games, interesting lessons and yummy food. But I am sure none of us really stopped and thought about the work that went into pulling it all together. Reading this chapter really helped me to see that it is not just all thrown together but thought through. So what exactly are the parts that make up a successful youth meeting?
Well like Jesus says the first shall be last and the last shall be first, that is how you have to begin your planning with the end in mind. Figure out what you want the students to get out of the meeting, what one point do you want them taking with them and processing through out the week. That is the thing that you build games, songs, and discussions around. After that is done brainstorm ideas of things that will go with your main point and help to emphasize it. The last thing you need to focus on is making sure your point sticks with them and that they want to come back the next time. You can do this in three easy ways : make stepping stones that connect the point from tonight's meet to the point for next weeks meeting. Also decided what the function of your hook is; is it to review, preview, or connect and in what form a challenge, question or promise.
My questions are from your youth group experiences what was one thing you really took away from the meeting each night and what is one thing you wish you could have changed to make it better. Also do you believe that there are any topics that should not be discussed in a youth group setting why or why not?
One thing I took out from our youth meeting is peer equality. Since most of us are around the same age, it makes it more comfortable to for us to interact with each other, because our similar thoughts, and we share ideas to benefit each other. If I could change one thing to make it better it would have to be our preparation. I realized that most of us do not bring notebooks and pens to write important discussions and topics that took place during our meetings. Coming to meeting prepared to take information that could be referred to later will guide us and also could be for future reference.
ReplyDeleteI have personally been to many youth meetings and I have realized that most of the youth do not know about Gospel musician or songs, but they know about most of the secular singer and their currents hits. When they come to meeting they tend to talk about current secular music and that should not be discussed during the gathering in the presence of God. I would encourage parents to buy more Gospel songs for their children and also tuned in to Christian radio stations to get their children familiarize earlier.
I don't remember taking much away from my youth group meetings. I do remember my whole church (including my youth group) having a huge outreach toward the homeless and missions for those less fortunate than ourselves. We would talk a lot about how to help others around us, and then execute it as best as possible. If there was anything the youth group would need to change I would say driving home different topics in our heads rather than just missions and outreach (not saying those things are bad at all.. I personally love both missions and outreach), but giving variety for those who tend to disengage when those topics are discussed.
ReplyDeleteI really can't think of anything that shouldn't be discussed in someway or another with the youth group. I'd probably avoid teaching about sexuality with the entire group of mixed genders until they were older, though I do not disapprove of teaching in smaller, same-gender classes.
I have alwasy been on of the students who brings a notepad, pen and bible to every church service I attend sot hat I can take notes and jot down insights throughout the service. I got tihnnks out of my youth meeting on a regular basis but soemtimes I didnt necessairly catch on until later when I looked back at my notes. It is interesting to see how things can impact you months or even years later by just reating over notes from a single service. A really big thing that I seemed to take away from my youth experiences is that everyone is special, important and has a part to play in the Kingdom and they, no matter what society would say about them, deserve to be loved.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I do not think that anything should NOT be disgused within the youth group. There are many things that need to be disgused that currently arent becuase they are "tender" topics. I think that there is a way to discuss everything, no matter the content or context, there are just precautions that need to be made. For example there are certian things that should be discussed in the church but may not necessarily be taught the same way a usual Bible lesson is taught.
One thing that I remember taking away from youth group meetings was that God was going to do great things through us as teens. One thing our leaders did really well was encourage us in ministry and speak life over us. One thing that was stressed all the time was that just because we were teenagers or in school did not mean God was not wanting to do great things through us.
ReplyDeleteOne thing, as I look back, that I wish was done more was the utilization of our Junior and Senior leaders in the group. We had a great core of youth leaders and I kind of wish they had done more in different areas of services.
And as for your last question, I think it needs to be answered in the context of individual youth groups. I think with certain issues you have to assess your group's maturity level and ability for comprehension of the subject. Some groups might be more able than others.
Tyler Cheek
ReplyDeleteOne thing that i really took away from youth group is more of an idea rather than a single object. It seems that every meeting we had would challenge me. It would call me out on what i believe, or challenge me to become more than what i had been content to be. I honestly would not change anything about my youth group experience. It was truly amazing.
I think there are some things that should maybe not be discussed in a youth group setting but maybe more guys and girls groups, or possibly even small groups. I feel that sometimes we are afraid to discuss certain things because of a large group setting, therefore small groups or groups divided into genders are sometimes a better option.
one thing i got from the limited youth meetings i was apart of as a teen, was how the leaders and the true Christians of the bunch really stepped up and loved on me and other people who were new to the gathering. this made it alot easier for me to open up and feel at ease and apart of the group.
ReplyDeletein the same light this is an area of struggle for many youth groups im sure and I have even seen it as one for the very same one I came out of. somehow... the cliques have to be broken up for the sake of others knowing Christ better and for the sake of us truly being the body, whom is loving , caring, and accepting to who ever walks in those doors. in a nut shell... I could go on... but you know what Im saying
the last question, honestly it just depends on the group of people of whom you are working with. also depends on the size and even the ages of the group... depending on different factors can determine how deep you can or can't go.
Rachel Elder
ReplyDeleteWell growing up I was not involved in my youth group but i can still relate to how much time and effort is put forth. Youth group is around the age when certain topics are brought up. And there is really no better place to talk about these topics then in youth group. Youth group meetings help kids at these ages relate and connect ot one another in a comfortable setting.
Afte reading through the comments made by other people its evident that youth group meetings challenge kids to think more deeply about their faith and they can openly talk about whatever may be on their mind at that time.
Justin Metz
ReplyDeleteWhat I took from my youth group is that God has the ability to love anyone unconditionally and that we are called to do the same. We were always challenged to help others that are in need by showing God's love. I really like that I was exposed to that kind of community because I feel now that it helps me to slow down and look at someone through God's eyes and not be fast to judge them.
As for topics or issues that should or shouldn't be covered I think that it defiantly varies from group to group as Keith was hinting on. One thing that I have heard mentioned and have gotten a slight taste of myself is that there are no two youth groups alike. And that going into any new group the leader must get to know them on some kind of personal level before they decide to start talking on the iffy subjects.
I attended youth group very irregularly so I don't really have any take aways, but I can definitely see how much passion and energy it takes to make youth events, meetings, and gatherings happen. Relationships founded on trust must be established so that kids will be able to share with eachother in the context of youth group.
ReplyDeleteAs far as topics that should or should not be discussed I will go with everyone elses answer and say that it depends on the group of students.