The Rev. Sheri Anderson, Youth Minister

If you ask a 4–6th grader, "What did you do at youth group last night?" he or she will probably say, "We played games." If you ask 7–10th graders the same question, they are likely to say, "We ate." Dig a little deeper, ask a few more questions, and you might hear the youth say something like, "We talked about times that we got lost and the story in the Bible about the Good Shepherd."  or   "We built these towers out of spaghetti and gum drops and I got really frustrated because no one was cooperating but in the end we made this huge tower."

Kids of the Kingdom Youth Group is for 4–6 graders. I have developed a fairly standard format for the evening. Every night there is a biblically based theme such as stewardship, giving ourselves to Jesus, or the church as family. When the kids arrive, they are immediately involved in a game or some other activity. We always take the time to introduce ourselves and answer an opening question designed to get kids thinking about the theme for the night. We always play a few games and often do a craft activity that relates to the theme. At some point, we all sit down and do a short devotion or Bible study. The youth are given an opportunity to share their experiences or insights that relate to the topic. They are bright, engaged and have a lot to say. At some point we have a snack and usually will end playing yet another game and closing with prayer.

Pathfinders Youth Group is for 7-10th graders. It is a smaller, more personal group. We always have a meal together whether it's nibbling on sandwiches while making cookies for the Church Fair, or sitting down to a homemade lasagna made by a church family. Eating invites conversation, conversation helps us get to know each other. We also play games aimed at helping us to get to know and work with each other on a deeper level. Mini-Bible studies, prayer, worship and service projects are also part of the mix.

I write "lesson plans" for the meetings drawing on lots of different resources but my primary resource is the Bible itself. I begin by asking, *What does the group need to learn at this point in their life together?* Then I go to the Bible for the answer and the program evolves from there. While the Bible study or prayer part of a meeting may be only 10–15 minutes, the wisdom of the Bible is embedded in the whole evening. But the most important thing is the attitude and actions of the adults. We are helping the youth of our church feel important, valued and loved. They are learning  to believe that they are made in the image of God and that the Church is their family and home.

A Vision for Youth Ministry

A place where all are welcome;

All gifts used, even gifts still in the rough;

A place where we can make mistakes

and laugh and learn,

And rely on God’s grace.

A place where we “build each other up”

And gently “teach and admonish each other in all wisdom”

But we never punish or shame.

A place where the youth are known by name;

Where friendship blossoms between young and old;

Where the generations learn from each other.

A place where we eat good food

(and some junk food too,)

Where we learn the art of conversation,

And remember how to play.

A place where the stories of our faith connect

with our own life stories;

And we didn’t even know it was “Bible Study” we were doing.

A place where we learn to pray and praise,

And care about the details of each other’s lives.

A place we come to serve others and in so doing

Discover our gifts, power, confidence and ability to  lead.