Every church wants it. It’s the vibrancy that comes from the next generation. That’s why churches hire youth ministers. They want to see the next generation participating in the church. The problem is not knowing how to get them involved and invested.
There is no magic wand to increase teen participation in your church. What needs to take place is a paradigm shift. Instead of approaching youth ministry with the idea:
ENTERTAIN THEM AND THEY WILL COME
You need to start thinking:
ENGAGE THEM AND THEY WILL GROW
To engage the next generation, you need to show them how to invest in the church. And you need to show them that they are worthy of your time. To do that you need to:
PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM TO SERVE ALONGSIDE ADULTS
When you have teens serving alongside adults in your church, you are giving them a model of how to be the church. You’ve extended your influence by surrounding them with adults who will show them about why their participation matters.
Look at different ministries where teens can serve and lead. Talk to adults in those ministries who wouldn’t mind teaching the next generation how to serve in that area. Create a culture where teens serve alongside adults and you’ll see the energy of your church increase.
ADDRESS THEM DURING THE ADULT MESSAGE
Teens will tune out during Mass or adult worship because they do not feel like it applies to them. The best way to engage teens is to acknowledge them during the message at Mass or adult worship. I’m not saying you only talk to them. But, be sure to include them in examples and illustrations.
If you are the pastor, talk to the youth minister or teens in the parish for ideas. If you are the youth minister, start a discussion with your pastor. Share with him examples and illustrations that will engage teens and increase their participation in the Mass.
CHALLENGE THEM TO CONTINUOUSLY GROW
How often are you challenging teens? Teens are ready for the challenge. Too many times, we soften their participation by just trying to please them. Set the bar and inspire them. Cast vision to your students continuously.
Set challenges for them to step up and serve in the church. Do not let them grow comfortable being consumers of the faith. Show them how they can contribute.
When you acknowledge the young people in your congregation, you start to engage them. Create opportunities and challenge them to move forward. The more you engage them, the more they’ll return the investment and increase their participation.
