How To Start a Youth Group (cont.)
4. Start with a plan.
It’s easy to focus on the operational side of ministry. This is especially true when you’re figuring out how to start a youth group at a smaller church. You need to plan events, organize worship services, and lead small groups. But if you get sucked in to all these operational tasks without taking time to make a plan, you’ll end up going nowhere.
Here are initial suggestions:
- Does your youth ministry have a mission statement? If so, do leaders and volunteers know it? Does it function? If not, make this your first priority.
- Do you have any strategic plan for the next five years? Do you have a vision for the future? Have you written down any goals?
- Is there a teaching plan? How are the subjects and themes for small groups, youth services, and retreats chosen?
5. Start with communicating.
Want to know how to start a youth group? Radio silence is deadly to ministry. People need to know that someone is leading. So start communicating soon to all who have a stake in the youth ministry. That includes teens, parents, leaders, volunteers, board members or elders, senior pastor, etc.
If you’re new to the church, introduce yourself in a letter to all volunteers, parents, and kids. Ask someone to introduce you during a worship service, if possible. Then people will know your face. Set up a specific work-related email account and spread the word. Communicate what you’ll be doing for the first weeks.
If you plan to visit all volunteers, for example, put that in a letter. Then they’ll know you’ll contact them. (Which you then must do, so people won’t feel cheated. Don’t forget anyone!) Tell the board what you’re doing so they know you’re active. Remember: A big part of communication in those first months is about managing expectations.
Veteran youth leaders: Do you have tips for how to start a youth group in a smaller church? Please share in the comments below!
