Youth Ministry
Youth Ministry Articles
Remixing A (Mostly) Beloved Hymn to Prompt Faith Reflection
Kyle Oliver offers an invitation to remix the song “I Sing A Song of the Saints of God” as a way to help us love and claim our tradition and the God who makes our creativity possible.
Confirmation: Hope for a Lost Sacrament?
When young people feel seen and heard, their faith readiness becomes apparent. Valued, confirmands become engaged in authentic community where deep examination of belief and practice matter. Such a dynamic climate sustains a confirmation program, strengthens the host congregation, and retains youth after they are confirmed. The data shows that teenagers are already motivated to participate.
Connecting Camp & Church: How Congregations Can Reinforce the Faith Formation Experiences of Camp
Vibrant faith formation occurs when several components work together. Here are three ways to integrate children and youth’s experiences at summer camp into the ecosystem of your congregation.
Beyond Fun & Games: 3 Series for Going Deeper with Middle and High School Youth
Both youth and adults struggle to make consistent long term commitments such as showing up to youth group every Sunday evening for nine months. Short-term small groups are a great option for going deep even with busy folks.
Gathering, Blessing and Sending Forth with Paperless Music for All Ages
There are many advantages to paperless music. These songs can be used any time, any place, without preparation or printing — all you need is a leader with a song they know “by heart” and the willingness to sing. These songs allow people to be fully present without worrying about finding page numbers or hitting exact notes. This type of music is wonderful for children, older adults, and intergenerational gatherings because you do not have to be able to read or see well in order to participate. It’s also easy to include gestures, steps, or even moving around the space to paperless singing.
Faith Words Matter: Helping Teens Articulate Faith
Naming everyday situations with faith words helps teens articulate their walk with God. Leaders guide and model, helping youth see God at work around them and in them.
Trauma and Youth
A brief introduction to trauma informed ministry and how it intersects with youth ministry. Definitions, resources, and a working example.
Blessing the Light: A Youth Activity for Candlemas
A short reflection by Archbishop Williams provides the framework to ask youth where they can be light to the world this Candlemas.
Webinar: Beyond Screentime—Connecting with Youth
Youth and screens: How is it affecting church and faith gatherings? What are reasonable expectations around “safe church” and social media?
Conversations about Consent with Youth and Young Adults
We believe that God has given us free will. Faith leaders should encourage conversations that recognize consent and routinely encourage autonomy of choice. Long-time youth minister Heidi Carter offers suggestions for how to hold these conversations with youth and young adults.
Scavenger Hunts for Formation and Fun
Scavenger hunts offer a way for groups to work together to discover more about their churches and its important scripture, objects, and ministries!
Experiencing Sabbath with Teens
Use this Confirmation class lesson plan to help the youth at your church experience Sabbath rest, not just get information about it.
Packing for College? Take Along Your Faith
Seven suggestions to help your youth pack their faith as they get ready to leave for college.
How to Build Sustainable Children & Youth Ministry Without Burnout
Two great resources which offer a systems approach to creating vibrant, sustainable Christian formation ministries in a parish setting. Resources provide a detailed, long-term plan for escaping the traditional last-minute scramble for volunteers, curriculum, and supplies and preventing burnout.
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