No one-size-fits-all church youth program outline exists. But I believe the perfect order exists for youth worship. It just happens to be a case-by-case basis. Sure, our youth ministry has similarities in its regular worship order. But we like to view every program as its own living being.
First we write out every element we want to include. Then we put everything together. Our average service contains a message, funny video, announcement video, opening song, one-minute meet-and-greet, worship songs, game, and welcome with announcements.
Church Youth Program Outline: Try This Order of Service
This is the order we usually follow for youth worship:
• Opening Song (cover of a popular song or a song that relates to the message)
• Funny Video (either one we made or one we found on YouTube)
• Welcome/Announcements (two to three announcements max, sometimes done via video)
• Announcement Video
• Game
• One-Minute Meet and Greet
• Two Worship Songs (usually these are fast and fun)
• Message
• Two Worship Songs (slower and more reflective)
- Closing Prayer and Dismissal
That is our basic church youth program outline. When arranging elements, we keep 3 considerations in mind.
Consider These 3 Factors
1. Transitions
Try to avoid any awkwardness during youth services. Some of the most uncomfortable moments occur during transitions. For example, when you’re switching from the band to announcements or from announcements to a game.
We use program elements to serve as natural transitions. For example, we use the videos as a time to switch people and sets on and off stage. The same is true for the Meet and Greet.
Bad transitions also happen when you make a sudden change in energy. So try to avoid going immediately from a high-energy moment into a serious one. Instead, ease in.
