When you think of the fall, what do you think of? I think of football, 5th quarters, lock-ins, kick-off nights and the beginning of school. The fall brings so many things. While many think of spring as a time of renewal, those in student ministry view the fall as a time of new beginnings and activity. To make it through, we need to plan during the summer months.
There are times when we can feel like a glorified activity director. Activity is a normal part of student ministry that has gotten a bad reputation over the years. However, with a purpose, activity can serve as an opportunity to build community. As we consider purposeful activity, we need to answer a few questions:
• What is the reason for the event? Life is very busy. The parents involved with our ministries need to know that we are not just having random events, but that we are purposefully taking time to invest in our students. Some events are just about having fun. Others are designed to reach out to our students’ lost and unchurched friends. Some are a mix of both. Let me encourage you not to simply have an event because you’ve always had one, but to be very clear about your purpose.
• Is the activity safe? Parents care about a handful of things. Safety is usually at the top of that list. Think through different scenarios and consider what steps need to be in place to ensure your students’ physical safety. If you don’t, you may not be serving in that capacity for very long.
• What will the event cost? Most of us have limited budgets. You may have dreamed up the greatest youth event ever, but if there are no funds to pull it off, then it needs to wait. Don’t fall into the habit of many who say, “I’ll just get permission after the fact.” That will not build supporters, and will probably make some people in your congregation mad. Your students may love you, but it is their parents and other church members who make the decisions. Check budget considerations before implementation.
• Can you get excited about the event? Activities that are simply part of a church’s culture may not bring you a great deal of excitement. Some of those will still have to be implemented, but as you stay, you will be able to share new things and build new traditions. Make sure you can be enthusiastic about these new activities. Enthusiasm is contagious. It will make a difference in the success or failure of an event.
Activities are not evil things. They are a part of an active student ministry. Budget and the theological leanings of a church will dictate what you can do, but a creative mind can come up with all sorts of activities that help build community and reach out.
Join the conversation at Facebook.com/groups/StudentMinistryMattersCommunity and share some of your favorite youth activities with us. We are always looking for great ideas.
