Adult volunteers must sit with the group.
I get it, students are intimidating.
Their culture and vocabulary shift every couple of weeks.
Kids aren’t that much easier either. Kids can’t seem to sit still long enough to notice that you are there.
Shoot, most adults are horrible at engaging in conversation with a person outside their friend group!
Unfortunately, there are hundreds of adult volunteers who attend midweek worship services, small groups, and kids worship and fail to connect with their groups.
Like I said, I completely understand. Most days it is easier to stand in the back of the room while the kids or student ministry service is happening. Leaders need to connect with other adults to see how their week has been, follow up with a prayer request, or just chat a bit around the coffee pot. Besides, the family pastor has it all under control.
Can I be frank for a moment? (Seeing as how I am the one writing, I will take your silence as permission to proceed.)
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Why would you attend a student worship service if you didn’t want to disciple students?
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Why would you serve in the kids ministry if you didn’t want to get in the floor and play with kids?
I’m not questioning your desire to connect with young people each week – we simply lose focus and create bad habits that separate us from the group.
So here is my encouragement for this week’s service:
Leader, sit with the group.
As an adult volunteer, you have just as much influence on a young person’s life as the family pastor has. You have been specifically gifted by God to build the kingdom of God.
The truth is that if you are not with your students, you will never lead them.
The best way to engage is to pull up a chair and sit beside a student.
5 Reasons You Should Sit With The Group Each Week:
(These reasons are interchangeable for both kid and student ministries.)
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They Come Back Week to Week
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When they know a leader, they feel cool and accepted.
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It Limits Distractions
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When you are sitting with them, they will not feel the liberty to act up and be loud.
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They Worship More Authentically When They See Adults Worship
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Many of our young people do not have parents who are in church. Seeing adults raise their hands and worship Jesus with all they have leaves a lasting impact.
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They Will Participate More
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If we are leading a game and the adult leaders are laughing, having a great time, and are engaged, young people will loosen up and participate more.
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They Will Bring Their Friends
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When they feel noticed, they will bring others into the mix.
What are some other ways that you engage with young people during programming?
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