Free Youth Ministry Ideas

Hey followers! In an effort to increase readership I have changed my blogs name to Free Youth Ministry Ideas, so this will be the last post to this blog. I am still Youth Ministry Lite, just under a new name. Enjoy the blog and tell your friends.

Crack-a-Grin
A Sure Cure: Three pastors in the south were having lunch in a diner. One said, "You know, since summer started I have had trouble with bats in my loft and attic at church. I've tried everything..noise..spray...cats...nothing seems to scare them away." Another said, "Yeah, me too. I've got hundreds living in the belfry and and in the narthex attic. I've even had the place fumigated, and they won't go away." The third said, "I've baptized all mine, and made them members of the church....Haven't seen one back since."

Hot Topix
Most teens have a cell phone now days and the age at which one gets their first phone is getting younger and younger. I am 31 and I remember when my mum got her first cell phone. It was a top of the line.........BAG PHONE! I know you're smiling right now. Back then all you could do with a phone was place a phone call and this was in 93-94. I got my first phone during my first year of college in 98 and it was more for emergency than anything.
Today however, kids are getting a cell phone as young as twelve. Parents are not teaching their kids phone etiquette or requiring them to be responsible. Because of the lack of etiquette and boundaries set by the parents, tweens and teens are participating in risky and sinful behavior. Sexting is common among teens and can vary from a seductive pose with clothes on to full frontal nudity to sexual acts.
Teens do not understand that this behavior brands them among their peers and can create big problems down the road. Once a text is sent, a copy on the SIM card can be found even after deleting photo. Now days, employers are visiting applicant's Facebook and MySpace pages and many a potential employee has been skipped over because of their elicit pages.
Parents are good at sticking their heads in the sand and telling themselves that their child would never participate in such acts. The majority of times, that parents kids are the ones participating. As Youth Leaders, it is our responsibility to teach parents and teens about such hot topics and bridge the gap between the two generations. Research the subject and hold a discussion for your teens allowing them to share their thoughts and you to provide God's take on the subject.
Hold a meeting for the parents. Begin by asking them what sexting is and ask what safeguards they have put in place to deter there teens from participating. Come prepared with copies of a list of potential boundaries. Remind them that their kids may not like it now but they will thank them when they are older. LG, a cell phone manufacturer, is making a point to inform and teach parents about this topic, have them visit www.LGTextEd.com for the information.

Stat-o-the-Week
73% of American teens who are connected to the Internet, use Social Networking sites, such as Facebook and MySpace. A significant increase from the 2006 stat of 55%.

Free Resources
A. The Doug and Jon Show - www.thedougandjonshow.com; This website aims to reach teens and young adults with the gospel through humor. They have cartoon short videos, videos which they star in, a blog, and much more where they grapple with the question that matters most, "Is there a God?". The duo don't mind making fools of themselves, which your teens will enjoy.

B. Textmarks.com - With texting the most common form of communication now days among teens, this free service will allow you to send out mass messages about upcoming topics, special events, and so forth.

Scripture
"But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, being always ready for a defense to everyone who asks of you an account concerning the hope which is in you."

My Life
What stresses you out the most regarding your youth ministry?
a. Disruptive teens
b. Preparing my lessons
c. Recruiting volunteers
d. Getting the church to see the youth ministry as an important part of the churches program
** Send your answers to youthministrylite@yahoo.com with your choice in the subject line. Then check back next week for the results!

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