Hi, I began a college age ministry at my church in New Jersey and a few months in one of my friends joined me as a co-leader. It has been going on almost two years now but it has been a slow start. Do not expect huge numbers, big turn outs, or even great events right away. We started with a Bible Study during the Sunday school hour and now we do mostly social events just trying to bring people into our group. Our plan at this point is to turn it into something more seriously focused on the Word and regular Bible lessons. It has been lots of hard work, especially b/c I and the other leader work full time and are involved with a few other ministries ourselves. My best advice is pray! Everyday get down and ask God where He wants this group to be and how He wants to shape it then just listen for Him. Second would be to gear it more towards social gatherings, mini golf, bowling, hikes, BBQ's...whatever you guys like to do. Then build from there, for us after two years will have a solid group of 8 that attend events faithfully. I'm happy with the results and feel it will grow as God wants it to. Best wishes.
Al-I have many thoughts re: this topic. I'd like to talk offline if you are willing. [email protected]
My main concern is that there is an overall lack of leadership and seriouls guidence between Elders and worship/praise teams (whatever they may be called at the local churches). I share a very similar concern about the worship music that has made the way into "mainstream" worship and, in my humble opoion, made hymns something young children will never learn. Hymns (though not exclusively) have deep and power lyrics, while some (perhaps many) of the newer worship songs seem to simply repeat lines over and over.
That is just the surface of my thoughs on this matter. At current, I have served as a Deacon for just over 2 years and am serving as deacon chair for the next year.
Posted in: What suggestions do you have for college-age ministry?
Hi, I began a college age ministry at my church in New Jersey and a few months in one of my friends joined me as a co-leader. It has been going on almost two years now but it has been a slow start. Do not expect huge numbers, big turn outs, or even great events right away. We started with a Bible Study during the Sunday school hour and now we do mostly social events just trying to bring people into our group. Our plan at this point is to turn it into something more seriously focused on the Word and regular Bible lessons. It has been lots of hard work, especially b/c I and the other leader work full time and are involved with a few other ministries ourselves. My best advice is pray! Everyday get down and ask God where He wants this group to be and how He wants to shape it then just listen for Him. Second would be to gear it more towards social gatherings, mini golf, bowling, hikes, BBQ's...whatever you guys like to do. Then build from there, for us after two years will have a solid group of 8 that attend events faithfully. I'm happy with the results and feel it will grow as God wants it to. Best wishes.
Posted in: Check Out the Music
Al-I have many thoughts re: this topic. I'd like to talk offline if you are willing. [email protected]
My main concern is that there is an overall lack of leadership and seriouls guidence between Elders and worship/praise teams (whatever they may be called at the local churches). I share a very similar concern about the worship music that has made the way into "mainstream" worship and, in my humble opoion, made hymns something young children will never learn. Hymns (though not exclusively) have deep and power lyrics, while some (perhaps many) of the newer worship songs seem to simply repeat lines over and over.
That is just the surface of my thoughs on this matter. At current, I have served as a Deacon for just over 2 years and am serving as deacon chair for the next year.
Posted in: Check Out the Music
I agree with that response.