Others see youth groups as having an educational or developmental purpose; they allow young people to reunite with their peers; they socialize and become part of the community in which they live; they allow young people to move from adolescence to adulthood; they care about encouraging personal growth and offering activities. that. In order for the body of Christ to grow, that is, believers, it is necessary to begin with the future of the church young people. The goal is to teach young people in the church to continue to trust and grow in their relationship with God.
This experience will prompt them to be faithful to Christ in everything they do as they age. The church itself flourishes in this way, together with the congregation. So, with all the crazy hustle and bustle of raising a teenager, it's easy to let youth group attendance go off the grid. It's tempting to think, “My son is too busy to spend a night with other teenagers, play silly games, and listen to another Bible lesson.
But why is the youth group important to the faith of their children? Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of youth groups is the opportunity for young people to learn about their talent through the lens of the church, while studying the Word of God and theology together with their peers and growing in wisdom. Either way, there are youth groups to support the catechesis and Christian formation that is already happening in the home. She has been volunteering and paid for parish youth ministries and diocesan youth ministries for eight years. Although not all LCMS churches can be large enough for a formal youth group, all churches can seize the opportunity to support families and young people through mentoring, encouragement, and education.
We expect every teen to participate in worship and be connected to the entire life of the church; youth ministry is just an extension of congregational ministry specific to that age group. But, given the true purpose of youth ministry, it's something churches, teens, and parents should take seriously. Congregations do better when they partner with parents and grandparents to care for church youth, even when it doesn't look like a typical “youth group.” For nearly 100 years, more than 5000 Walther League groups were created, giving young people the opportunity to study the Bible together, participate in activities such as skating and bowling, and even providing funding for mercy work abroad and at home. Anyone interested in starting or joining a youth group should understand that commitment and coherence are the keys to success.
When parents and students think about committing to youth ministry, there may be good intentions that go out the window when busy schedules clash with church activities. So what do you do in a youth group? How often do you meet and what do you discuss? These are all legitimate questions for anyone thinking of starting or joining a church youth group. Outside of the obvious opportunity for fellowship that comes with joining a youth group, participation in ministry has several crucial benefits. For example, a group of young Christians encourages participation in both church and community as ambassadors for Christ as they grow and begin to learn and have more experience.
Church youth groups narrow the gap between younger and older generations by passing the torch, so to speak.
