Here is a great list of games. They are from a game show called, “Minute to Win it.” They are supposed to be either done under 1 minute or against other competitors (This would be preferable wither head to head, or in multiple rounds). Brief descriptions are below and videos explaining each on can be found here:
http://www.nbc.com/minute-to-win-it/how-to/index.shtml
Bite me- Using different size paper bags, the participant must pick the bags off the ground using only there mouth, and only there feet can be touching the floor and they must put the paper bag on the table (about 10 feet from them). (paper bags are cut sequentially shorter- 1st is a regular paper bar, next has 2 inches cut from it, next has 4 inches etc. Until the final bag is only 2 inches high)
Blind ball- The contestant must find toy balls while blindfolded. After spinning around three times, the contestant attempts to find and grab two out of four toy balls that are positioned atop four cardboard cylinders of varying heights. Once the first one is found, they must hold onto it and find the second one. If they knock over more than one ball, the game is over.
Bobblehead-A pedometer is attached to the head and contestant must move their head to rack up a total 125 "steps" to complete the game.
Bottoms up- The contestant must knock over cans with a yo-yo. A standard yo-yo will be tied to a belt and will hang behind the contestant like a tail. The contestant will then swing the "tail" around and attempt to knock eight empty soda cans off of eight pedestals to complete the game.
Breakfast Scramble-
Contestant must assemble one 20-piece puzzle. Cereal box covers will be cut into 20 even pieces. The pieces will be in a single stack, and the contestant will have 60 seconds to assemble both box puzzles correctly to complete the game.
Bucket Head
Contestant is given a bucket containing ping-pong balls. Standing at a foul line five feet away from a wall, the contestant must bounce ping-pong balls from the floor to the wall and back into a two-quart bucket affixed to the head. Five balls must land inside the bucket to complete the game.
Bulb Balance
Contestant must pour salt from one packet onto the tops of three light bulbs that are screwed into unplugged lamps and then stand an egg vertically on each one of them.
By a Thread
Using only one hand, contestant must run a thread through the eye of 10 needles
Caddy Stack
Contestant is given three golf balls. The balls must be stacked vertically and they must stay upright for three seconds without falling.
Candy Elevator
Contestant uses a mini-elevator consisting of two side-by-side pencils that are tied together with long kite threads at each end. From an elevated platform, contestant drapes a thread over each ear and has to raise the pencils with three M&M'S® Brand Chocolate Candies on it. Pulling on the threads, contestant must raise the elevator and get the candy in their mouth.
Cantagious
Contestant must transfer two stacks of soda cans. In one hand the contestant will hold three red soda cans. In the other hand they will hold three white soda cans. They will have to switch the stacks of cans without putting the cans down or using their body at any time.
Card Ninja
Contestant stands six feet away from three watermelon halves and has to throw and stick a playing card into each of the watermelons.
Defying Gravity
Contestants have to concurrently keep three balloons in the air.
Dizzy Mummy
The contestant must unwind a single roll of toilet paper by executing a series of 360 degree spins until all of the paper has been unwound. If at any time the paper rips, the game is over.
Don't Blow the Joker
A standard deck of playing cards is balanced on top of the neck of a glass soda bottle. Contestant must use his/her mouth to blow the cards off the bottle. However, the bottom card must remain balanced on the bottle. If the contestant blows the entire deck and all the cards fall, they must move on to the next of the five pre-set stations.
Double Trouble
Contestant must get two ping-pong balls to bounce from a table and into two glasses on a single throw.
Drop, Sink & Clink
Contestant must drop five quarters into five shot glasses that are at the bottoms of five water-filled fishbowls.
Egg Roll
Contestant must move three eggs across the floor and into a target area only by "fanning" the eggs with an empty pizza box.
Elephant March
Eight unopened water bottles are placed in two parallel rows on the ground, precisely eight feet apart. The contestant must wear a standard pair of pantyhose over the head, with a baseball placed inside the end of one leg. Keeping one foot on each side of the centerline, the contestant must swing back and forth using the momentum of the baseball to knock down all eight bottles.
Face the Cookie
Contestants, using only their faces, must move three Oreo cookies individually from their forehead to their mouth.
Fish Head
Using a fishing rod, place a suspended lampshade on your head while blindfolded.
Go the Distance
Three shot glasses are on top of three pedestals positioned 5', 6' and 7' from the designated start zone. The contestant is given a tape measure and a bucket of ping-pong balls and using only the tape measure, must place one ball into each of the shot glasses.
Hangnails
Contestants have to hang 10 nails concurrently on a suspended string by balancing the heads of the nails on the string.
Hanky Panky
Using only one hand, contestant must pull tissues out of a tissue box one at a time until box is empty.
High Roller
Using only a cup, the contestant must create stacks of three, four and five dice on three tables.
How's It Hangin'
A banana is attached to a belt around the contestant's waist, hanging 12" from the ground. Three oranges are placed on the ground in a semicircle 8' away from a hula hoop on the stage floor. Using only the banana, the contestant must push the oranges inside the hula hoop.
Johnny Applestack
Contestant must stack five apples one on top of the other. Once completed, the structure must remain freestanding for three seconds.
Junk In the Trunk
Wiggle a box filled with ping pong balls and attached to your waist until the box is empty.
Keep It Up
Contestant using only their breath must keep feathers afloat for 60 seconds.
Knock It Off
The contestant will swing a yarn ball at the end of a string, attempting to knock over soda cans at the perimeter of a circle.
Loner
Contestant must knock over one pencil with marbles. The contestant is given 20 marbles to knock over one standing pencil. The contestant will roll one marble at a time while lying on their stomach. To complete the game, the pencil must be knocked over within 60 seconds.
Magic Carpet Ride
Contestant must sit on a bathroom floor mat and use an inchworm technique to move across the floor and around three obstacles.
Mega Bubble
Contestant must blow a bubble from a bubble wand and then blow it in the air 15 feet and through a hoop.
Mouth to Mouth
Contestant must pull a dollar bill from between two bottles balanced mouth-to-mouth on top of each other. The bottles must remain balanced after the dollar is pulled. The contestant must successfully make one out of five attempts.
Movin On Up
Contestant is given a stack of 49 blue plastic cups and races to move their one red-bottom cup through the entire stack. Contestant does so by holding the stack in their hands and one-by-one continuously moving a cup from the top to the bottom.
Nimble Thimble
The contestant is given a cup of standard marbles, and ten 15mm thimbles affixed to a table. Using one hand, the contestant must bounce a marble into each of the 10 thimbles. To complete the game, a marble must be concurrently stationary in each of the 10 thimbles.
Nose Dive
Contestant must transfer five cotton balls, one at a time, from one serving bowl to another 12' away using only the nose. Vaseline on the tip of the contestant's nose is used as a transfer agent.
Penny Hose
Two pennies are placed in the ends of the legs of a pair of pantyhose. Using only their hands, the contestants must inch their way down the legs to retrieve the pennies and pull them out. Each arm must work independently and the player cannot use one hand to stretch or hold the hose for the other.
Ping Tac Toe
In this game, the contestant must get ping-pong balls to land in water-filled glasses. There are nine glasses and the contestant will bounce ping-pong balls until they complete one three-ball line.
Pitch Black
Contestant must toss plastic rings over pre-positioned pegs in a pyramid pattern on the wall in the dark. Using plastic that glows in darkness, contestant must land a ring on each of the six pegs.
Punch Your Lights Out
Contestant must throw beanbags one-at-a-time to hit battery operated "moon lights" hanging on a wall many feet away. The lights are all lit at the start. The objective is to get all lights off.
Rapid Fire
Contestant using only their hands must shoot rubber bands and knock a pyramid of six soda cans completely off a platform eight feet away.
Speed Eraser
Contestant must bounce eight pencils into eight glasses in a line on a table. The contestant holds pencils in one hand and uses the other hand to bounce the pencil into the glass.
Spin doctor
A contestant, using one hand, must spin and stop 10 dimes on their edge in under 60 sec.
Stack Attack
Contestant uses 36 plastic cups to erect a triangle-shaped structure. Once completed, contestant must remove hands from the structure completely and then proceed to stack all cups into a single stack.
Stick the Landing
The contestant must toss water bottles onto a table and get them to land upright. The contestant will have 10 water bottles and from a distance of five feet, they will throw one at a time onto 10 tables. Three bottles must be standing upright in 60 seconds to complete the game.
Suck it Up
Four straws are placed vertically on a stand. Using only a straw in the mouth, the contestant uses suction to pick up one of the M&M'S® Brand Chocolate Candies from a bowl, transfer it six feet, and balance it atop one of the vertical straws. Contestant must get one of the M&M'S® onto each vertical straw to complete game.
The Nutstacker
Contestant must stack one stack of 10 large metal nuts by sliding them off of a chopstick and without touching them with their hands.
This Blows
Contestant must use a balloon to knock cups off of a table. The contestant will repeatedly blow up a balloon and then blow the air out to propel the cups off of the table. All the cups must be completely off the table to complete the game.
Tipsy
Contestant must balance three 12-ounce cans on their beveled lower edges. It is impossible to balance a full can like this, therefore the contestant must first drink from the can. The contestant must balance a total of three cans to successfully complete the challenge.
Triple Pong Plop
Contestant must successfully get five ping-pong balls into a fish bowl by bouncing the balls on a line of three plates beforehand. The plates are 1' apart rim-to-rim and the fish bowl is 10" from the plate rim.
Tweeze Me
Contestant uses tweezers to pick up a Tic Tac and carefully maneuver it through an upright tennis racquet without knocking over the racquet or a tennis ball balanced on top of the racquet. Contestant must complete three out of five stations.
Whack Job
An eight-ounce glass is filled halfway with water then covered by a standard pie tin. A toilet paper spool stands vertically in the center topped by a single raw egg. Using a standard kitchen broom, the contestant must create a perfect spring action to hit the tin, allowing the egg to drop freely into the glass. Contestant must complete 12 out of 15 attempts.
What a Racquet
Contestant must use a tennis racquet positioned between the legs to move a gumball on the webbing from one spot to another without using their hands.
Wheel of a Deal
Contestant must place 20 playing cards (four kings, four queens, four jacks, four 10's and four aces) on five tables set in a circular pattern on the stage. The contestant will grab one card at a time from a central table. Once they determine what the card is, they will run and place that card on one of five tables. Each of the five tables must have four-of-a-kind to complete the game.
Whippersnapper
Contestant must use a towel that is affixed to the floor to propel a ping-pong ball into a container which is 15 feet away. The contestant must place one ball at a time on the towel and pop the towel to launch the balls toward the bucket.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Small Groups 101
GOAL OF A SMALL GROUP:
- Help students understand the topics discussed on Sunday morning better by being able to talk and process questions related to the topic.
- Have students come up with and discuss their thoughts to the questions.
- Provide a fun, yet God focused environment, where students can discover God on a deeper level.
- Building deeper relationships with students with God at the center.
How not to lead a Small Group: (not to start out too negative!)
-***Don’t be too Talkative***
Here is the deal, students sit and listen to adults all the time! Small group is a place for them to talk, share their ideas and thoughts. If you start the group by talking a lot, the students won’t share. If you are talking more than 10% of the time…zip it! =)
-Don’t be Insecure
I know that you think you are too old and dorky to have teenagers think you are cool. (if you don’t…tell me your secret!) But the bottom line is, God has called you to this ministry! Your love, listening year and interest are all students are looking for.
-Don’t be Unprepared
Students are taking the time out of their busy lives to show up…let them know that you value them enough to be prepared for your time.
-Don’t be Inflexible
Leave those control freak tendencies at home! Rigidity, rules, strictness = School
-Don’t be too Flexible
Student’s hang out with their friends all the time, small group can’t just be hang out. We need to have content! We are sheperding students into the Kingdom! Let’s make sure that our small group times are fun, silly, goofy, flexible but at the core about Christ.
-Don’t get Walked on
You aren’t the teacher of a class, but a facilitor of conversation…but you are the adult in the group! Don’t let students push you around. If you have problems with a student talk to Christina or Drew.
How to Lead a Great Discussion
-Encourage your students to verbalize their views and feelings, however unorthodox they may be
We are going not for church answers here, let students know that they can be honest and will still be valued as a part of the small group.
-Be grateful for every answer
We want students to feel comfortable and want them to talk…even if what they say is a little off, crazy, or just dumb. I like to say “Thanks ______ for sharing your thoughts with us.”
-***Don’t be satisfied with the first response to your question***
Instead say things like, “Do you all agree with ____?” “What do other people think?” “Why do you think that?” Sometimes it is even great to play devil’s advocate!
-Keep the discussion moving
Silence is okay…but not boredom. Learn to read your group.
-Be alert to individuals in your group
Some students are silent and scared, other are bold and abrasive. We want to be aware of what students are getting interrupted and walked on, what students might need a little help to share their thoughts, and what students we need to shut up!
-***Don’t, Don’t, Don’t be afraid of silence***
If you fill is with your thoughts you are training students that small group is about you talking. They will feel awkward in silence, but it will motivate them to share. Also, what is long silence to us may not feel the same to people in our group! Some people think slower than others…give space before you ever jump in.
-Turn difficult questions back to the group
You aren’t the teacher with all the answers. When hard questions surface hand it back over by saying, “Well, what do you all think?”
-**Stay flexible to the group’s needs**
Don’t ever be too focused on the agenda to bulldoze over a students need to share, cry or be prayed for and supported right them and there. Once a question is answered don’t just move on, try to get a response out of a number of students, this will create a discussion. Also, if students come to group saying that some crisis or big thing has happened at school or in the world (example: a teacher got fired for sleeping with a student, a shooting at a school in the country, parents that just announced a divorce…) through your agenda out the window and care for that need right then and there! This does not apply to teenage drama (breakups, fights, stress of schoolwork…) Drama can be handled one on one with students, not using the whole groups time.
-Be prepared to learn from your group
You will be amazed at what students have to teach you! Be open-minded, be a good listener, be slow to speak and judge, try to put yourself into their world and feelings.
How to Ask Questions that get Responses
-Avoid yes or no questions
-Don’t ask questions that assume an answer (or leading questions)
-Ask questions that are relevant to our students
-Learn how and when to ask direct questions
-Ask questions that deal with feelings as well as facts
MAPS
Meaningful God centered conversations
Accountability
Prayer
Scripture
- Help students understand the topics discussed on Sunday morning better by being able to talk and process questions related to the topic.
- Have students come up with and discuss their thoughts to the questions.
- Provide a fun, yet God focused environment, where students can discover God on a deeper level.
- Building deeper relationships with students with God at the center.
How not to lead a Small Group: (not to start out too negative!)
-***Don’t be too Talkative***
Here is the deal, students sit and listen to adults all the time! Small group is a place for them to talk, share their ideas and thoughts. If you start the group by talking a lot, the students won’t share. If you are talking more than 10% of the time…zip it! =)
-Don’t be Insecure
I know that you think you are too old and dorky to have teenagers think you are cool. (if you don’t…tell me your secret!) But the bottom line is, God has called you to this ministry! Your love, listening year and interest are all students are looking for.
-Don’t be Unprepared
Students are taking the time out of their busy lives to show up…let them know that you value them enough to be prepared for your time.
-Don’t be Inflexible
Leave those control freak tendencies at home! Rigidity, rules, strictness = School
-Don’t be too Flexible
Student’s hang out with their friends all the time, small group can’t just be hang out. We need to have content! We are sheperding students into the Kingdom! Let’s make sure that our small group times are fun, silly, goofy, flexible but at the core about Christ.
-Don’t get Walked on
You aren’t the teacher of a class, but a facilitor of conversation…but you are the adult in the group! Don’t let students push you around. If you have problems with a student talk to Christina or Drew.
How to Lead a Great Discussion
-Encourage your students to verbalize their views and feelings, however unorthodox they may be
We are going not for church answers here, let students know that they can be honest and will still be valued as a part of the small group.
-Be grateful for every answer
We want students to feel comfortable and want them to talk…even if what they say is a little off, crazy, or just dumb. I like to say “Thanks ______ for sharing your thoughts with us.”
-***Don’t be satisfied with the first response to your question***
Instead say things like, “Do you all agree with ____?” “What do other people think?” “Why do you think that?” Sometimes it is even great to play devil’s advocate!
-Keep the discussion moving
Silence is okay…but not boredom. Learn to read your group.
-Be alert to individuals in your group
Some students are silent and scared, other are bold and abrasive. We want to be aware of what students are getting interrupted and walked on, what students might need a little help to share their thoughts, and what students we need to shut up!
-***Don’t, Don’t, Don’t be afraid of silence***
If you fill is with your thoughts you are training students that small group is about you talking. They will feel awkward in silence, but it will motivate them to share. Also, what is long silence to us may not feel the same to people in our group! Some people think slower than others…give space before you ever jump in.
-Turn difficult questions back to the group
You aren’t the teacher with all the answers. When hard questions surface hand it back over by saying, “Well, what do you all think?”
-**Stay flexible to the group’s needs**
Don’t ever be too focused on the agenda to bulldoze over a students need to share, cry or be prayed for and supported right them and there. Once a question is answered don’t just move on, try to get a response out of a number of students, this will create a discussion. Also, if students come to group saying that some crisis or big thing has happened at school or in the world (example: a teacher got fired for sleeping with a student, a shooting at a school in the country, parents that just announced a divorce…) through your agenda out the window and care for that need right then and there! This does not apply to teenage drama (breakups, fights, stress of schoolwork…) Drama can be handled one on one with students, not using the whole groups time.
-Be prepared to learn from your group
You will be amazed at what students have to teach you! Be open-minded, be a good listener, be slow to speak and judge, try to put yourself into their world and feelings.
How to Ask Questions that get Responses
-Avoid yes or no questions
-Don’t ask questions that assume an answer (or leading questions)
-Ask questions that are relevant to our students
-Learn how and when to ask direct questions
-Ask questions that deal with feelings as well as facts
MAPS
Meaningful God centered conversations
Accountability
Prayer
Scripture
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Letters will get you everywhere
Kids love to get mail! I know teenagers who get excited opening envelopes addressed "occupant." Most kids are impressed when they get a personal letter- especially from you! Personal letter make kids feel special, knowing you spent time, energy, and money to send them a letter. They will remember. Often they will save the letter and post it on their bulletin board.
Your letter doesn't' have to be a typed, single spaced novel. A small piece of stationary with a dozen words is sufficient. For example, "I missed you at youth group. I hope you know I care about you. I can't wait to see you on Sunday." Or, "I drove by your junior high the other day and thought of you. I wanted to let you know that I have been praying for you." Or, "It was fun to go to your baseball game. You're great. Give me the schedule for the rest of the season. I would love to go to another game. See you Sunday!"
There is great power behind the few minutes it takes to acknowledge a student in writing. Write a quick letter before today is over, it will be worth your time
-From Doug Field's 'Help I'm a volunteer youth worker!"
Your letter doesn't' have to be a typed, single spaced novel. A small piece of stationary with a dozen words is sufficient. For example, "I missed you at youth group. I hope you know I care about you. I can't wait to see you on Sunday." Or, "I drove by your junior high the other day and thought of you. I wanted to let you know that I have been praying for you." Or, "It was fun to go to your baseball game. You're great. Give me the schedule for the rest of the season. I would love to go to another game. See you Sunday!"
There is great power behind the few minutes it takes to acknowledge a student in writing. Write a quick letter before today is over, it will be worth your time
-From Doug Field's 'Help I'm a volunteer youth worker!"
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Hello, Pastor
Let's delete the words, "I'm just a volunteer" from our vocaublary. If you are caring for kids, you are fulfilling a pastoral responsibility. I realize your denomination or church may not call you a pastor (and that's probably good), but you are not just a volunteer. You are a pastor to kids and should begin thinking like one. You may not have the title, but you fulfill the role.
Pastors oversee and attend to the needs of there people. You may not ever teach a Bible Study, lead games, or design a promotional flyer, but I encourage you to pastor at least 1 kid. That one Jr. Higher will attend yout group knowing someone loves him/her. When he is sick visit her. WHen she has an important test, pray for her. Care for her as if she were the only kid in your goroup. You can become the hands and feet of Jesus to them.
Pastors oversee and attend to the needs of there people. You may not ever teach a Bible Study, lead games, or design a promotional flyer, but I encourage you to pastor at least 1 kid. That one Jr. Higher will attend yout group knowing someone loves him/her. When he is sick visit her. WHen she has an important test, pray for her. Care for her as if she were the only kid in your goroup. You can become the hands and feet of Jesus to them.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Availability is next to Godliness
We recently asked our youth group if they wanted more bible studies, more meetings, more speakers. They said they wanted more opportunities for discussion. Their response reminded me of a simple principle I often forget: Kids have a strong need to talk and be heard.
I have a 72-year-old-friend named Marv. He's one of our most loved volunteers because kids know he is available. He listens. He's not as flashy as the other guys, and he isn't much of a challenge in a foot race. But when kids want to get serious and talk, they look for Marv. He has learned that God had a good reason for giving him 2 ears and 1 mouth.
Finding people who are available as good listeners is rare. There's a delicate balance between availability and privacy. Your phone doesn't need to ring all the time, and it is okay to instruct kids to call before they come to your home. Having too many kids wanting to talk to you can be a good problem. It means that you have a gift for listening and you love them enough to be available. Your time is valuable, but when you give your time to someone, you give that person value too.
Leaders,
Our interaction with students is not just something that makes them feel welcomed, but is an opportunity to give them value and make them feel loved. I was reminded when reading this that often times students don't feel listened to by adults. Lets really listen to our kids. Ask them how they are doing so that you can know how they are doing, not just fulfill your, "How's it going quota." Spend time find out about students and finding real interest in them. Remember, our goal is to meet 2-3 new people a week as well as continue to love the students that are here. By really listening to students and letting them know they have your full attention they will feel loved.
I have a 72-year-old-friend named Marv. He's one of our most loved volunteers because kids know he is available. He listens. He's not as flashy as the other guys, and he isn't much of a challenge in a foot race. But when kids want to get serious and talk, they look for Marv. He has learned that God had a good reason for giving him 2 ears and 1 mouth.
Finding people who are available as good listeners is rare. There's a delicate balance between availability and privacy. Your phone doesn't need to ring all the time, and it is okay to instruct kids to call before they come to your home. Having too many kids wanting to talk to you can be a good problem. It means that you have a gift for listening and you love them enough to be available. Your time is valuable, but when you give your time to someone, you give that person value too.
Leaders,
Our interaction with students is not just something that makes them feel welcomed, but is an opportunity to give them value and make them feel loved. I was reminded when reading this that often times students don't feel listened to by adults. Lets really listen to our kids. Ask them how they are doing so that you can know how they are doing, not just fulfill your, "How's it going quota." Spend time find out about students and finding real interest in them. Remember, our goal is to meet 2-3 new people a week as well as continue to love the students that are here. By really listening to students and letting them know they have your full attention they will feel loved.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Let Kids Know You Believe In Them
Kids have the power to make a difference in the world. They need to know that. Their growing years are filled with self doubt. They constantly question their existence. You can empower them with four simple words: "I believe in you." These words can transform impressionable adolescents in a world that views them as "excess baggage."
Jesus did this with his Disciples. He looked beyond their sins and inadequacies (which junior highers have a lot of) and said, "I believe in you." That's what he did when he changed Simon's name to Peter, meaning, "Rock." Then Jesus showed that he believed in Peter. Jesus gave him a vital role in establishing the early church.
Teenagers change when someone believes in them and views them through God's eyes. One day, a female volunteer told Beth that she believed Beth would become a woman of God. At the time, I didn't think much about her comment. But afterwards, Beth told the volunteer that her words became a challenge. That affirmation was a turning point in Beth's life. Beth continues to grow and demonstrate godly qualities. I'm not suggesting that Beth's maturity is solely due to the volunteer's words, but the affirmation gave her strength to pursue a godly lifestyle.
-Doug Fields
Leaders... I believe in you! I know that is cheesy, but I do. I am continually amazed and grateful for the leaders God has provided our Junior Highers.
Make sure that the students know you are not just here to hang out, but to encourage and motivate them on to a lifelong journey with Christ because you believe in them.
-Drew
Jesus did this with his Disciples. He looked beyond their sins and inadequacies (which junior highers have a lot of) and said, "I believe in you." That's what he did when he changed Simon's name to Peter, meaning, "Rock." Then Jesus showed that he believed in Peter. Jesus gave him a vital role in establishing the early church.
Teenagers change when someone believes in them and views them through God's eyes. One day, a female volunteer told Beth that she believed Beth would become a woman of God. At the time, I didn't think much about her comment. But afterwards, Beth told the volunteer that her words became a challenge. That affirmation was a turning point in Beth's life. Beth continues to grow and demonstrate godly qualities. I'm not suggesting that Beth's maturity is solely due to the volunteer's words, but the affirmation gave her strength to pursue a godly lifestyle.
-Doug Fields
Leaders... I believe in you! I know that is cheesy, but I do. I am continually amazed and grateful for the leaders God has provided our Junior Highers.
Make sure that the students know you are not just here to hang out, but to encourage and motivate them on to a lifelong journey with Christ because you believe in them.
-Drew
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Full-Time Youth Ministry Isn't What It's Cracked Up To Be
A paid ministry position can seem more glamorous that volunteer work. The impression is that full-time youth work is more fun, constantly affirming, and always filled with quality time with students. Not true! A paid position does not necessarily equal effectiveness. You can often have a more worthwhile ministry as a volunteer than in a paid ministry position.
My wife, Cathy (Doug's not mine) has a great volunteer ministry. When kids want to talk about problems or important issues, they approach Cathy. She has deep, meaningful conversations with kids. She can spend her ministry time building significant relationships while I'm at the office making flyers, returning phone calls, and digging out from under the administrative piles that come with a paid position.
I've meet dozens of ex-volunteers who decided seminary and a career change would make their ministry more effective. Most of them were wrong. They ended up disappointed.
As volunteer, you're the church's most valued treasure. Unless you're confident of God's calling into full-time ministry, remain a volunteer and allow your present employer to finance your youth work.
Leaders, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! You are hugely valuable and my hope and prayer is that God is working on each one of you personally and through what God is doing you are influencing these students. Know that you are highly valued and loved. Cling to God and let him show you how great you are.
-Drew
My wife, Cathy (Doug's not mine) has a great volunteer ministry. When kids want to talk about problems or important issues, they approach Cathy. She has deep, meaningful conversations with kids. She can spend her ministry time building significant relationships while I'm at the office making flyers, returning phone calls, and digging out from under the administrative piles that come with a paid position.
I've meet dozens of ex-volunteers who decided seminary and a career change would make their ministry more effective. Most of them were wrong. They ended up disappointed.
As volunteer, you're the church's most valued treasure. Unless you're confident of God's calling into full-time ministry, remain a volunteer and allow your present employer to finance your youth work.
Leaders, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! You are hugely valuable and my hope and prayer is that God is working on each one of you personally and through what God is doing you are influencing these students. Know that you are highly valued and loved. Cling to God and let him show you how great you are.
-Drew
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