What new ideas can I bring to Youth Group (at church) this year?

Question

Saturday night we are starting off the year with a sleepover at church (yes, I typed that correctly, lol, it's a common thing), and will be having fun, etc..but also discussing ideas for this year.

I have a few ideas of my own, but would like some outside input as well. Any ideas as far as how to grow in faith and deepen relationships with God?

Thanks! :)

{If it makes a difference, we are ELCA Lutheran}

Answer 1

Hi there J. You could discuss the possibility of having a teen/youth regular night of fellowship, bible lessons,prayer, outings, time to have discussions and guest speakers and call that night during the week "Youth Council." During your youth council night , as with any other service, you all could be free to bring friends from school as well. Youth council would be about helping today's christian youth to lead a Godly life. God bless you. Let me know how it goes.

Answer 2

Here are some ideas:

- Study about your identity in Christ from the book of Romans (esp. chapters 5, 6, 7 and 8) together. There is an excellent book to help you called "Walking in Victory" by Dennis McCallum out there. A companion study guide for group leaders is also available. Also here you will find plenty of free materials including multimedia presentations to assist you:
http://www.xenos.org/teachings/nt/romans/dennis/index.htm
You will be greatly blessed by studying this topic. But when you're done, don't just sit on it, but talk to your pastor and present what you have learned to the whole congregation in a form of a poster presentation or PowerPoint slideshow.

- Do an evangelistic pantomime play. An excellent one I know is called "King of Hearts." It is a powerful presentation of the Gospel without using any words. The kit includes all the props, music CD and a training DVD. You can find out more here:
http://www.ywam.org/books/drama.htm
You will be then able to perform it at local old-age homes or schools to impact lives of others for Christ.

- As a group publish a little pocket-sized book of Scripture verses. Depending on the size of your group, this can be done within your group, or as a whole church project. What you do is ask every person to share their favorite verse, or short passage from the Bible, then have them write it out by hand on a clean piece of paper, and on a separate piece in a paragraph or two explain How this verse gave them hope, strengthened their faith or changed their life. You collect the verses along with the short essays and give it to the printers. Ask them to print one double spread page for each person. On one side you have them scan the handwritten verse as submitted by the person, and on the opposite page you print the essay explaining how it helped them. You later distribute the booklets to all to serve you as a testimony to God's work within the Body. This project takes about a month to complete, plan it well, take time, pray and write your essays. Then find a printing service to accommodate your needs.

Whatever you decide to do, pray and seek God's guidance. May the Lord bless you as you serve Him.

jack

Answer 3

Talk more about people who are walking in signs and wonders today... Heidi Baker, Randy Clark, Bob Jones... ibethel.com thecauseusa.com

The youth need to realize being a Christian is about being a hero, healing the sick and saving souls from pain. Check out morning star, the book from there called "the final quest" you should read.

Answer 4

Whatever you do, DO NOT let a girl in who is willing to paint a mural of jesus (Who went to Art school), and willing to help other people on (mostly building houses for very poor people) trips, and volunteer in fundraisers.

You may very well have to kick her out.

Answer 5

Eplore different religions honestly, and talk about atheism.

Educate the children about other faiths and non faiths, then let them make their own decisions.

I dare you.

Answer 6

How about Goliaths side of the story. If he was suffering from giantism. He was handicapped. How do you think Goliaths mother felt when she heard her child was killed.
that I think would be a good topic.

Answer 7

How about discussing Reality ,science and how "YOU" can make this world a better place .
That should stir things up a little ?

Answer 8

Now im not christian, but I think your group would enjoy some deep, religious, quotes. I know ive always loved quotes, and Im 13.

Answer 9

big gay fun bus