youth ministry

When it comes to understanding what makes Millennials different, it’s helpful to find the lowest common denominator or that one common thread that runs throughout all the intricacies of what makes Millennials worth studying.

From September through May churches experience regularity and rhythm within their ministries and have a general understanding of the expected level of weekly attendance. This consistency and structure also allow for an understanding of the commitment level that volunteers are able to provide to support ministries during these months. Then summer comes and everything changes.

It's hard to fathom, but religious activity among American young people is at a notable all-time low. Millennials (born ~1980-2000) are less religious than their parents or grandparents, and, though little data has been collected on Millennials little brothers and sisters (Gen Zers, 2000-Present), it is safe to assume they aren’t pumped about revival meetings or Bar Mitzvahs either.

After celebrating two years in our church plant, we finally have seven teenagers in our youth group. Our church was started by 30 millennials who wanted to create a new faith community in our town for folks like them—people who didn’t feel safe in a traditional church setting but who desperately wanted to connect with a body of believers on a weekly basis.

With Easter behind us, Children's Ministry is gearing up for summer and thinking about Vacation Bible School. As you begin to look for curriculum, think through volunteers and plan your event, here are a few tips to help your succeed.

As your younger parishioners begin to approach puberty, you may notice that their interest in Sunday school, mass and even church activities begins to waver. This is a normal rite of passage, as they begin on those final steps towards adulthood, and discovering who they want to be when they get there.

Many churches offer midweek ministry options. They are a great way to keep people in connection with God and with other believers in addition to Sunday services. While some people opt not to participate in midweek classes, studies, or youth groups due to distance from church or their schedules, many do find it wonderful to have options for connecting with others and the Word of God during the week. From babies to grandparents, there are many ways to get together.

Setting up, improving, and running a children’s ministry program is no small task. From curriculum to volunteer coordination to classroom setup to safety and...