Albert Huizing, IV

It's true that the Youth Leader gets "sucked" into many different areas of the church, but I don't think it should be expected of them to break down and/or tackle many of those other "probem" areas unless they are gifted to do so, have the time to do it, and a desire to do it. Let's face it, the youth ministry is a hard enough "beast" on it's own and if they are suppose to be concentrating on that area, we don't want to see "burn out", frustration, discouragement or a feeling of being overwhelmed. It's true that many of the physical and spiritual gifts are those that compliment the other areas and can add benefit and aide to difficulties that arise in those areas. 

What I have done is make myself available as a "consultant" to the committee and/or ministry. That way you can move in and out of the committee/ministry needs without specifically having to be responsible for the things they are suppose to be responsible for. It allows them an open door, also, that not only they can contact the youth leader for advice, but , that the youth leader will feel more comfortable giving suggestions even when not asked. Also, the ministry/committee must reach out in some shape, way or form, otherwise, you're just stepping on toes. Personally, I try to look for things that nobody else wants to do - but that's my  preference.

Areas, that I have seen helpful to me is doing this is the Outreach Committee and the Seniors group. It's especially good to interact with as many committees/ministries, as possible (or fits your schedule) because youth can be an asset and plugged into almost any ministry of the church. The more you interact with them - building those relationships (in & outside church environment) the more they will trust you and ultimately support you.

I think the urgency of this issue is certainly lost in most churches - definitely not in my church - but the result is the obvious and staggering statistic that 72% of youth leave the church after university/college. The problem with most churches is 1) they don't realize the urgency & importance and 2) when they do realize it, they're asking it in the form of the quesetion that I hear repeated excessively, "Why are they leaving?" and "What can we do about it?" It's almost too late at that point. As you know, I'm a huge proponent for Christian Education and the biggest statistic there that touches on this topic is the amount of knowledge acquired in the 1st  7 years of a child's life, will take to the age of 40 to learn, if it isn't taught to the child in those 1st seven years.  Churches should chew on that statistic for a while and once they do, they'll realize it's a "no brainer" how urgent it really is to teach those important foundations. Those are the things the youth fall back on in times of trouble, pain or brokeness....once you're out of the boat and scared you always go back to where it is safe and comfortable.....those early foundations....

Although, I understand what Eric is trying to get at and many times it is true, I don't think this is what anyone (at least I hope not) is trying to say. There is a lot of wisdom in what Eric is saying, but that probably is an entirely different subject. I already see Paul and John have responded - appropriately - so I don't need to beat a dead bush... :>)

PS The importance is that this age group seems to be in our age the most needful of the Gospel message or it may fall on deaf ears, more apt to tune the message out due to many other "distractions/temptations".... the most crucial age group that we have a responsibility to be sure that they hear it over and over again.

Although this is easy and safe, I'm not sure it's the way to go.....it's not the kind of activity that  fuels relationships and builds excitement within the youth. Books can be bought anywhere these days and for pennies. I would encourage being more creative. This certainly does work better for larger churches, but the smaller churches are maybe wasting their energies on a project that may not produce anticipated end results. One key to fundraising... Experiemnt with lots of things that are simple and easy and you will soon realize and identify what works best in your church and your circumstances. From experience, book-selling is not one of them. It's like door-2-door Girl Scout Cookie seliing. Outdated and no one gets excited about it, which takes away from the vision for the Mission Trip. Try new things and be creative.....just my humble opinion....

Derek: OK, I appreciate your honesty and reflective support.; you have definitely thought this through (although, you work there - in sales maybe? LOL, just joking) And, I don't think I was saying I wouldn't support this program, only that there are SO MANY MORE creative ideas & activities that do a better job at Financial & Fellowship Development. This is definitely a more passive approach (more likely & easier geared to being promoted and supported by an older generation of reformed leaders - which I consider myself a part of)  I think this program would be more appealing as "something in the background" that was continuous throughout the year - and maybe it is, but I only saw the program as being initiated for the month of April only. Send me some info on the program and maybe you would be willing to tailor it to our fb page. I think the "kit part" is cumbersome, too. Younger kids want to see things work a little more hi-tech. Let congregates know, at various times of the year, that it is available and have it so they can go online, purchase and the residuals automatically are transferred to the church YG (eg check, debit, bank acct) Very similar to what we do with our clothing consignment that builds and develops funds for our Mission trips, in the background, throughout the year. I didn't mean to write quite so much, but you get the point, eh?

Just need to say....if you haven't started planning Summer by March you're already behind.... :>).....

Anyway, STMT (Short term mission trip) prep should be started before January, hopefully deciding by January or narrowed down to 1 or 2. SUmmer tends to be less busy, less responsibilities, but a time to try some new things and be creative. Usually we offer the option of Bible Studies throughout the Summer, but with a reduced schedule (instead of every week, rather every other OR instead of every other, once a month) so the leaders get a little break.

As far as activities we have a Frisbee Friday, which is every other Friday playing ultimate Frisbee (combining both Youth Group & Young Adults). Afterwards, we have a BBQ (Dogs & Burgers) which gives us some more focused fellowship time too. We do something after evening service. Last year it was Ultimate, maybe this year it might be something else. And you can't be on the island without having at least one Beach Party! We play by ear one or two night activities to do together, but that's usually difficult due to vacations and kids who have Summer jobs, so it needs to be a smaller event (maybe a night at drag racing, or a night doing miniiture golf).

And, can't complete a Summer without the kids volunteering some service at VBS. Everyone has fun with that. So although everything is a little more laid back for the leaders (who by the way need a vacation to....you think?) LOL! Remember, Fun, Fellowship and Free-time!......Now, let's hope the sun comes out!

Paul: I tried this many years ago; I was skeptical (oh me of little faith) that anyone would accept the offer; so I came up with this incentive; I told them that if they accomplished this task that I would give them a FREE spot at the next Blizzard rally. I only required that they show me the journal that they compiled. I told them I would not check up on them and that I was it with full confidence that they were being truthful. 3 out of 63 followed thru....and I honored the contract we made. My thought was, that even if only 1 followed through....even if 20 tried and didn't entirely finish, there were things that were going to be read that they would not have read if the "OPPORTUNITY" wasn't given to them. Maybe there are others who might try this in their youth groups....I'd love to hear those specific reactions/results if  they have [email protected]   a great challenge!