Ask the Youth Director – “Creating Zeal in our Students”

Youth Leader Question: What are some things you did besides prayer that gave the youth you worked with that zeal / passion for christ?

XYM Answer: Well, honestly as long as I have worked with youth, only a handful have shown zeal while they were young.  The majority of the time, the fruit of the Word did not show up until they were adults.  I don’t believe this to have to be the case, (I am sure there are youth groups around full of students excited about serving God) but I unfortunately have not experienced a youth group where the majority of the youth are living totally sold out for God and displaying that zeal outwardly.

 I have also found that just because they are not showing a zeal does not mean the Word is not impacting and changing them.  Many youth just don’t “show it.”  Part of this is the nature of a teen.  Sometimes they may just kinda sit there and act like they are bored or not listening.  This many times is not the case.  Many times as adult leaders we want them to respond to the Word and worship as we do.  Most of them don’t in my experience, but that does not take away from our responsibility in teaching them, modeling before them, and encouraging them.  It also does not take away from them experiencing God at their level.

 On a different note, what do they respond to?  Attention and consistent care.  Almost every time.  You want to reach them, you get involved personally.  Don’t be so concerned about their outward “spritual” display per say, but we as leaders showing them Jesus by being Jesus in their lives…man, talk about impact…

 Now, I will say, when you have a smaller group, probably about 25 kids or so, the opportunity to invest the Word into them is much greater.  I would suggest doing small group activities (groups of about 5 or 6 youth) on a regular basis that allow open discussion between the youth and the leaders of the group.  Keeping the youth leader and the youth in the group consistent is a plus – meaning the same youth meet in the same group with the same leaders each time if possible.  The development of the relationships between the leader and the youth, and ultimately the leader and the parents/guardians, goes a very long way.  I have some of my “adult” youth now that contact me on a regular basis based on the relationship that  we developed when they were teens.  Small groups are powerful, powerful ways to invest your heart and the Word.  They get to know you as a leader and through you, get to know God.

 These are just my suggestions from my limited life experience and research.  Every church has their own set of circumstances that make things work or not work as well as their own vision for their youth ministry, so feel free to try things and see what is working for your group – the kids will definitely let you know!  LOL.