In youth ministry, authenticity is crucial for connecting with young people and being able to effectively teach biblical principles to them. In this podcast episode, I will share some insights on leading small groups in youth ministry.

[0:00] Intro

[2:00] A better youth program?

[10:15] How to facilitate a small group

[14:05] Don’t burnout

[17:09] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

1 Corinthians 11:1

Psalm 23:5-6

In youth ministry, it is important to balance engaging content with biblical teaching, and to spend time with God personally so that you overflow with God's love to others. It’s about facilitating the group meeting, asking thought-provoking questions, and creating space for discussion and growth. Get to know your students and challenge them with truth from Scripture, rather than simply entertaining them with games and fun activities.

Unlike community centers, local churches have a unique role in making disciples of Jesus Christ. No community program for youth can do that except the church.

Additionally, youth don’t need more friends. They need men and women of God to be themselves, love God, and help them become believers in Jesus Christ, rather than try to be cool or relate to them in a superficial way.

We can teach youth the Word of God while also making it engaging. I want to share resources for youth ministry leaders, including training and small group facilitation tips.

When leading small groups of students, ask thought-provoking questions and give space for discussion. Our series called How to Facilitate a Small Group can walk you through how to lead small groups.

How to Facilitate a Small Group

Leading small groups is important, but I can’t emphasize enough the importance of self-care for youth ministry leaders. You want to avoid burnout by refueling and staying connected to the source - God. There is a danger for leaders in overgiving and under-receiving.

“If my output exceeds my input, my upkeep will be my downfall.”

Youth Ministry Leaders Videos

Spend time with God so your ministry to youth is an overflow from your relationship with the Lord. Consider the unique context and ministry of the church you are serving. Bring your genuine love for God and His Word to your service in youth ministry.

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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In this podcast, I will share resources and offer training on teaching kids about the Lord. These are practical ways to help kids connect faith and life.

[0:00] Intro

[2:10] The goal for kids ministry

[6:10] Proclaim Kids Resources

[7:00] The EPIC teaching method

[9:45] Connecting with Children

[11:45] The Gospel for Children

[15:00] Other Kids Ministry Resources

Bible Verses:

Romans 1:16

In kids ministry, it's important to start with a focus on simplicity and humility. Connect with kids, share the Gospel, and be a faithful steward of resources. Listen to kids and create a safe space for them to feel heard and seen.

Teaching methods for engaging kids in church:

EPIC is a teaching method for engaging and connecting with kids using experiential, participatory, and image-driven approaches. Visual aids enhance kids’ understanding of the concepts you are teaching. The goal is to connect with kids through the teaching process.

EPIC

Connecting with Children is a leader training about listening to kids and learning how to better connect with them so they know that you care. When adults can learn to be better listeners to kids, kids will be better communicators with adults.

Connecting with Children

The Gospel for Children is a series on how to share the Gospel with kids, explaining key elements and ways to present to them. This series offers strategies to help kids understand and grow in their faith.

The Gospel for Children

How to Teach a Memory Verse

The SMILE Technique - Classroom Management

Kids Ministry Leaders VLOG - Encouragement & Training

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Unlocking the Potential of Kids Ministry | Connecting Faith & Life Podcast Ep54

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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Is your Kids Ministry creating disciples or providing daycare? It’s an honest question I think we all should be asking ourselves, so we are incorporating the next generation into the body of Christ. Join me in this discussion with Pastor Travis Osborne.

[0:00] Intro

[5:22] The impact of Kids Ministry

[7:12] The role of VBS in the church

[15:00] Final thoughts

Bible Verses:

Ephesians 4:11-13

Colossians 1:13

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

The focus of any ministry, including Kids Ministry, should be in creating disciples. Our job as the church is to equip parents to disciple their own kids and provide support, not just babysit kids, to help them grow in faith. Supporting parents and Kids Ministry requires intentionally incorporating kids and youth in the main church.

I asked Pastor Travis to join me today because I noticed a unique approach to teaching kids on Sunday with parents at VC Family Church. This is especially the case with Vacation Bible School.

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is fun and it’s an extended time to teach God's word to kids. It’s also an outreach to kids who might not come to church on Sundays. Pastor Travis also incorporates a VBS Sunday to reach more people and make it a team effort.

Inviting kids into church service and parents into VBS creates opportunities for intergenerational connection and Gospel sharing. It connects kids and adults through the Gospel message.

For churches looking to make more connections between Kids Ministry and the main service, here are some ideas:

Plan to intentionally seek out opportunities to align the messages taught in Kids Ministry with the Sunday sermons.

Consider providing parents with notes or summaries of what their kids are learning in Kids Ministry.

Engage kids in the main services by having them write down notes from the sermons and sharing them with parents.

Continue your efforts to reach, teach, and equip the body of Christ in the context of family and relationships.

VBS Sunday Service June 30 2024

Colossians 1:13 Memory Verse

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Memory Verse

"Live for God by connecting faith and life."

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