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5 Steps to Help Your Students Get Further Involved

If you want your teens to have more of a presence in church, you need to think outside the youth room. In fact, you might need to think beyond mission work. To elevate the awareness of the next generation, you need to get teens involved inside the church building.

At Church of the Nativity we call ministry service inside of the church. It’s what we do to create an irresistible worship environment for our community. When teens are involved inside the church building, it:

  • Creates Awareness
  • Increases Enthusiasm
  • Challenges Older Generations
  • Invests in the Future and Present Church

As a youth minister, it’s your job to get teens involved. It will not only bring more teens in but increase the health of your church. To get teens involved in ministry, you need to:

INCREASE THE OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE

You will not recruit a lot of teens if there is only one or two options for teens to get involved. Slowly increase the opportunities to serve. Make them known by advertising them at the end of Mass or in your bulletin. Make sure they know what’s available.

MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE

If it isn’t clear how a teen should get involved, they won’t sign up. Start with an invitation and a little encouragement. They need to know they are wanted.

Give them the opportunity to try out the ministry before committing. Provide clear instruction and let them know what’s expected. When they see how simple it is to get involved, they’ll be likely to invite friends to join.

CELEBRATE THEIR SERVICE

Teenagers need encouragement. As the youth minister or pastor, anytime you see a teen serving, thank them. Let them know that they are not only growing as a disciple but impacting the Kingdom. It will help them see that they are a part of something special.

CONNECT THEM WITH ADULTS

When a teen gets involved in ministry, connect them with an adult who could mentor them as well. Ask the adult to affirm, encourage and challenge the teen to grow.

On top of benefitting the teen, intergenerational ministry benefits the adult. They will be challenged by a fresh perspective. And they will be motivated by the next generation’s enthusiasm.

GIVE THEM OPPORTUNITIES TO LEAD

Believe it or not, teenagers have the capacity to lead certain areas of your ministry. It will give them important life skills that they can take to the next season of life. You can look at it as an investment in the future of the church.

Start getting teens involved by talking to your pastor. Brainstorm the different ways and get people on board. It will not only impact your church but shape generations to come.