I am a youth leader for my small church in Southern IL. I have a group of youth who all they want to do is have fun. They don't want to serve in anyway. My fellow youth leader and youth coaches are not helping the situation at all. The group is about 10 youth ranging from ages 12-19 and they go from one youth leader or coach to the other and tell all these lies. I have tried to get them involved in so many ways but they all in the end come back and say that they are bored. They do not want to do anything unless they are being entertained. I am just about to give up but I know the Lord is not releasing me. Is there any advice out there. Or am I the only one who is going through this.
2007-03-05 08:16:41 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Perhaps that's because you have been telling them what your religion says is right and wrong, without telling them why it is right or wrong. And, no, "God say so" is not a good answer.
Take them on a field trip to a Humanist meeting where they're having a good lecture on morality. Encourage them to ask questions and listen.
Religion tends to make people morally lazy, and it sounds like this is what's happening to those children. When you have spoonfed ideologies, you get apathetic people.
Have them discuss why we have the concept of right and wrong. Get them to see how morality helps us live amongst each other relatively peaceably and keeps our society strong. Teach them about how instinct and emotion affect our morality. Compare this to concepts of right and wrong that have just evolved as society evolved. Look how other societies differ from our own. That way you get the kiids to see the world from others points of view. This is how you really get them involved.
2007-03-05 08:21:17 · answer #1 · answered by nondescript 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What do you mean by serve?
When you say 12-19, basically 15-19 is not really a youth to much anymore and probably should not all be in the same group. What is the majority made up of?
When you say lies what are they lying about?
What have you tried so far?
More details would help me suggest some alternatives for you.
2007-03-05 08:37:17 · answer #2 · answered by Solafide55 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have too many in different ages our youth begins from 13. 12 yrs old depending on the youth want to play to much. Girls 14 can be a hand full in themselves. Yes stay in the Lord's mentality but look for games that keep them entertained and in good standing. You have to funny friendly but firm and disciplarian . Go over the acceptable and not , they are kids and away from parents means play time but you have to let them know the true reason they are in youth ministry, play is okay but with order please stay God will guide you are in today's world those kids need you
2014-10-19 15:27:16 · answer #3 · answered by Annmary 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First and foremost, you need to get together with the pastor and prayerfully discuss this problem. I have never heard of such a mess and I feel for you as you must be wanting to give up. The devil is certainly hoping so. I'm not sure of the solution. Possibly getting the parents involved? Splitting them up in smaller groups and maybe do community service like visiting a shelter or nursing home. God is obviously not in the center and that needs to change. If nobody can help you, then you need to give it all over to God and let Him lead you in what to do. Getting yourself all stressed out is not going to help. I will put you on my prayer list.
2007-03-05 08:25:40 · answer #4 · answered by VW 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they don't want to do it, don't make them be a part of the youth group.
Otherwise, find a service activity that is fun, like running a food stand or a car wash or working with kids.
2007-03-05 08:24:29 · answer #5 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many Catholic church homes, mine blanketed use the be conscious FLAME for the youngsters group call. based on the tongues of fireplace sent down on Pentecost Sunday whilst the Church replaced into born. Which at present's the banquet day of by the way. Friendship, management, acceptance, Ministry, & guidance it somewhat is an acronym for this.
2016-10-17 08:25:12 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
make Bible activities fun,
Such as a nice create-a-boat contest for Noah's ark.
or maybe even have them draw there favorite seen from the bible.
you could also have them get in groups and discus what heaven is like and then share it with the rest of the group.
you could also have them talk about what Jesus means to them.
2007-03-05 08:22:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Drop the jesus thing and go and help some needy kids at the Y or your local shelter somewhere. You sound like a decent enough person, so go help someone who might appreciate it. Oh and by help I don't mean convert to your religion, I really mean just help them in general.
2007-03-05 08:21:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you are really serious please check out newspringchurch.com and directions on how to contact staff will be on there. We have the most awesome middle school and high school programs. My kids ask to go to church. Please check us out i know we can help.
2007-03-05 08:38:39 · answer #9 · answered by RNDiva 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
thank God that they come to church. thank God that they keep coming back to church.
i'm praying for you and for those youth.
.
2007-03-05 08:43:54 · answer #10 · answered by opalist 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋