youth group stuff

Staying Current is Not a Game for the Young

by Jesse Woodrow
posted on 2005-11-22

Sometimes we fall into the trap of thinking that only the younger YD’s are able to relate with and stay current with the youth. The truth is all adults are able to understand the thoughts and culture of the youth today.

We often find ourselves complaining about the explicitness of TV shows, music, or movies that our aired publicly. Whether we like them or not our youth are paying attention to these media attractions. They’re catching episodes of The Family guy, burning the Eminem CD from their friends, or sneaking into a showing of The Wedding Crashers. The Youth of today are undoubtedly absorbing the harmful messages being sent through the media. Negative influences of sexual immorality, violence and drugs are among the most common to be seen. In order for us to minister to them we need to see the other side of the coin. In effect, we need to pay attention to today’s media and understand where they are coming from in order to give our message to these young people. It is vital not only to portray God’s side, but to also discuss with them why the other side is not God’s Will. (Notice I used the word discuss rather than lecture or tell them) But don’t worry; there are some easy steps to make in order to stay current with the youth culture.

Technology is an irreplaceable tool that will jumpstart our ability to understand their culture. This may include sending weekly E-mails and making random phone calls to parents and youth. A new tool that I have recently added to my repertoire is a YG website. This is a place where I am able to communicate important information including, our schedule, necessities for events, and anything else deemed important to our ministry. Pictures are a bonus that makes it more appealing to the youth.

It may be tricky at first, but once we have the preliminary knowledge we are able to keep all these tools successful and running with just a few hours a week.

It is important that we are reminded by the Holy Spirit that the media and technology are not the most important ways to stay current with our youth. “No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.”

According to John 15:15; we are called to build a loving, caring, and trusting relationship within our group. I feel this is done through modeling to them Jesus’ ministry for us. We need to stay current and involved with their personal lives (as much as they would like). This includes attending extracurricular activities and engaging in active listening with them.

For example, throughout the year I continually ask for their schedules of all the activities they participate in such as; sports, band, musicals or any other hobbies. I try to attend at least one event for each youth throughout the year. This act of love shows the true interest I have for them. Unfortunately it is never possible to make it to all events and that’s where the active listening comes into play. I sincerely listen to youth and show them this by asking them more questions about their hobby or returning to the subject later in the day or the following week. This reminds them that I am thinking and more importantly praying for them.

Jesus Christ’s relationship with us needs to be our model to everyone. The relational-style ministry is only as successful as we make it. It can take a lot of time and energy but there is no replacing it when it comes to staying current with our youth. We don’t have to use words such as “dude“or “phat“ in order to stay current. We need to know our Lord and live in the relationship which he has established with us, for us and through us. Amen!