by Ms. Sasha
Are you a part of the movement that wants to detach your teen from their phone? Or perhaps you’ve been praying about finding a community that can support your teen’s development.
In this article, we're going to explore 5 benefits of adding a youth group to your circle, what youth groups do, and how they can help.
1. Youth groups provide a place where friendships can be built and an atmosphere that promotes moral principles and integrity.
During my time as a youth leader, I found that teenagers are simply excited about being together. It energizes them; even the more reserved ones.
Being in a youth group was critical for them, as their other environments demanded them to perform and produce.
Many of their schools and activities are highly structured and lack adequate social interaction. However, a good youth group gives teens a different environment, focused on spiritual nourishment, friendships, and fun.
The youth group experience allows teens to explore their faith with each other and grow spiritually together.
While teens won’t automatically make the right choices just because they attend church, they will have a chance to be mentored by other friends who are making great choices. They will also develop a system of accountability with each other and become positive influences in each other’s lives. The friendships formed in a youth group are invaluable and often last a lifetime.
“As iron sharpens iron, one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17 NIV)
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2. Youth discipleship helps teens grow spiritually and helps them learn how real and relevant the Bible is in their lives.
A well-designed youth program has a prepared curriculum focused on topics teens can relate to. They don’t just learn God’s Word; they learn how the Bible applies to them as individuals.
If you’ve ever sat in the main sanctuary with your parents growing up, you probably fell asleep at one time or another. Not because the Word was boring, but just because you didn’t see what it had to do with your life at the time. Allowing your teen to be in an environment where the curriculum is designed specifically for them is a bonus.
As teenagers see themselves in characters and situations from the Bible, lights begin to come on for them, and the Bible becomes relatable. Further, when your teen realizes that the youth leaders also faced similar issues during their teenage years, they feel more encouraged and less judged.
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4 NIV)
3. Youth groups can help you discover some of your teen's challenges and provide you with a network of help.
One of the main goals of a good Christian youth group is to gain parental support. The leaders on the team are not trying to replace parents in raising children. Instead, they aim to partner with parents in guiding teens spiritually.
Often parents don’t know exactly how to help their teen, because their child won’t talk to them. Other times, parents are absent from their children’s lives for various reasons. In such cases, a good youth ministry team can step in and become an essential part of the teen’s community.
By working together, parents and youth leaders can develop specific plans to address challenges your teen faces at home. When we work together, we are more successful in helping our teens with specific issues instead of taking blind shots in the dark.
4. Youth fellowship provides teens with a variety of activities where they can develop socially.
According to a study by the Pew Research Center, teens in the US spend the majority of their time on education or sleeping. The leisure time that they do have is spent mostly online viewing social media, watching TV, and gaming – primarily independent activities. This means their leisure time with other teens is severely limited.
A good youth program offers teenagers a healthy, guided way to spend their free time and develop socially.
Many such groups organize retreats and camps in the summer or at the end of the school year. In addition, they often plan a variety of activities throughout the year such as skating parties, movie nights, community service opportunities, and yes, game nights. Being able to do activities together has many advantages.
When teens spend guided time with their peers, they gain leadership skills, learn group mindset, develop better communication, and gain better self-esteem in the process.
5. Teen ministry helps youth develop a strong sense of worth and importance.
Most youth groups offer a good combination of social interaction, learning opportunities, and external activities. However, a high-quality youth group takes its ministry even further.
When looking for a youth group, it’s important to consider its larger mission to see if it is a good fit.
Does the group aim to prepare kids for evangelism? Is the focus on developing emotional well-being and steering youth away from at-risk behavior? Or does it aim at introducing new spiritual concepts to teens who are new to the faith? Asking these questions will help you to be sure your child is being developed based on their needs and aspirations.
Good youth programs will help provide your teen with a sense of belonging and purpose. If you know some of your teen’s needs at the moment, you can place them strategically in a program that will help them develop their spiritual gifts and grow in their self-worth.
Is it really all that important for my teenager to learn about God?
In the Bible, Jesus calls all believers “children of God.” Regardless of age, he gently reminds us in Matthew 11:29 to “learn of me.”
Schools help our youth learn academically. Extracurriculars help them develop sportsmanship, talents, and skills. But, how much are our children developing spiritually?
How are they learning to process life challenges and choosing to connect with the world?
A good youth group can help equip youth with the necessary tools for healthy reflection, spiritual success, and purpose. To get more ideas about how to engage your child at home, check out this article on encouraging spiritual growth in children.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts…Impress them on your children.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-7 NIV)
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