Coming up with fresh event ideas is a daunting task.
Your student ministry calendar only offers a handful of spots that you can add in great events and I know that you want to make sure that your events are home runs.
There is some value in keeping annual events, but I suggest that you mix up your camps, events, and calendaring ever so often to build momentum and guard against creating a stagnant student ministry (more on this read: Fight Against Stagnant Student Ministry).
Events and theme nights are awesome ways to create excitement, start a discipleship focus, and get students to invite their friends.
So to help you as you plan for the upcoming season of student ministry here are a few fresh ideas to connect with students. These are simply raw ideas that you can develop a spiritual emphasis around to connect with your community.
6 Fresh Student Ministry Event Ideas
Christmas Silent Disco
Have you ever heard of a silent disco? The concept is that each attendee gets a wireless set of LED headphones that they use to tune into 3 music stations that are ran from your computer or they can be used with a live band. This could be used with a fun twist on your Christmas party in December. If you search for “silent disco” there are several companies that offer rentals and shipping.
Coffee House Takeover
Send out a text blast to your students, leaders, and parents and have everyone meet at a local coffee shop to hang out and play games. Getting your leaders and parents sitting around the table with students will relationally strengthen your student ministry. In addition to building your ministry you are also promoting local business in your community.
A great game you need to purchase is Pharisees by Kenny and Elle Campbell. Pharisees is the Bible version of the party game Mafia. This is a MUST for your student ministry! Check it out on their website: https://phariseesgame.com/
Weekenders
Students and family schedules are busier than ever. Student pastors are starting to notice a drop in retreat numbers because students can’t carve out a weekend away from sports, school assignments, and work to attend you retreat. Another option is to host a “weekender.” A weekender is a Friday evening and Saturday morning conference centered on a specific topic (like biblical dating) that is open to parents and students to attend. The event is hosted at your church with worship and breakouts sessions but is not an over-night event. A weekender offers the structure of a retreat but cuts down on the cost since meals and housing isn’t in the schedule.
Lumberjack Games
What is better than flannel shirt, pancakes, and outdoor games? You can mix this theme up for a “Highland Games” feel for lumberjacks. This would be an easy event to host at a local park and invite other student ministries to join in as you battle against one another. Run with your creativity on this one!
Mascot Airsoft/Laser Tag Battle
Our crew loves playing airsoft and laser tag with their small groups. You can add a new twist on the traditional setup and get your adult small group leaders to dress in local high school or college mascots suits and have the students play airsoft against them. If you have a hard time finding mascot suits you could always open it up as a costume battle for everyone to come in character.
Film Festival
Your students LOVE making vines, SnapChat stories, and YouTube videos. Why not host a film festival at your church with different categories (comedy, commercials, drama, etc.) for your students to create. Get them to use their phones and some free apps (check out the videoing apps I found this summer: 8 Essential Apps For Student Ministry) and let them create! Just make sure that everyone submits their video prior to the event so you can screen them and keep your job!
Now What
What other fresh student ministry event ideas have you come up with?
You must log in to post a comment.