As part of the goals of Youth Ministry Ideas, I have attached an application for those interested in becoming an active representative of Youth Ministry Ideas in your state.
What I would love to eventually see is ideas coming in from each state once a month. The ideas are based on the categories already set up on this site. If there is a category that is not currently on here, then we will add as needed.
Thanks so far for the support and comments that many of you have left on this site as it's only going to spur us on more to keep on ministering to the youth in our spheres of influence.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Parachute Night - a themed youth evening of co-operative games and reflection
This is a guest post from Grahame Knox. For more themed youth nights check out Balloon Bonanza, Foot Party, Newspaper Night, Record Breakers.
Parachute games provide an opportunity for co-operative, non-competitive activities and are good for generating a group spirit and togetherness. They can be used with all ages and abilities and work really well with 11-14 year olds. Parachute games can be used in groups of all sizes and I've found that even young people who might normally opt out of 'sport activities' are attracted by the 'novelty' and usually get involved.
Try to get the biggest parachute you can and if possible one with reinforced grip straps. Purpose made nylon parachutes are almost indestructible and a great investment for youth evenings, special events and camps. Recommended users for each size are 6m (20ft) - 12 users, 7.3m (24ft) - 16 users, 9.15m (30ft) - 20 users.
OK Grahame, where on earth do I get a parachute? Play parachutes are available from a number of online educational, youth and sport suppliers. For readers in the UK, try Sports Warehouse, or call on 0800 783 5011. For readers in the USA and worldwide, try S&S Worldwide, or call on 1-800-288-9941. If you Google 'play parachute' or 'rainbow parachute' you'll discover other suppliers. Prices vary, but the two I've suggested represent good value.
GETTING STARTED
Have the parachute spread out as young people arrive for the youth evening. Begin with a practice activity. Get everyone moving together by raising the parachute and allowing it to fall. Keep hold but don't pull it down. Allow it to billow and fall naturally. This is best done to a steady count. Try to get the canopy as high as possible. Practice this basic co-ordination until everyone is happy.
MEXICAN WAVE
One person raises their arms, holding onto the parachute. This action is repeated around the circle to create a wave.
ALL CHANGE
Number the young people around the circle, one to five. Lift the parachute and on the third go shout a number. The young people who are that number then have to swap places under the canopy before it falls to earth. Make sure that those who remain around the edge keep hold of the parachute but allow the canopy to fall rather than pulling it down hard. This game can be varied by calling two numbers at once and occasionally by calling 'all change' where everyone lets go and runs under the canopy. A sight worth seeing!
ROLLERBALL
Everyone holds the parachute tight at waist height. Place a large ball near the edge. The goal is to try and make the ball roll around the edge of the parachute. To do this someone starts the ball rolling. As it comes towards each player they lower the edge they are holding, and as it goes past they raise the edge. When all the players do this in synchronization it creates a wave going round the edge, pushing the ball round in front of it in a smooth, steady circle. It cannot be done without concentration and co-operation! However, it is very rewarding for the group to eventually achieve a smooth, continuous motion. Once you've done this try speeding up - or change direction!
FLIP
Everyone holds the parachute at waist height. One half of the circle becomes team A and the other half is team B. The goal is to shake the parachute and flip the ball over the opposing team. Place the ball close to the centre of the parachute and let the two teams try to make the ball flip over the opposite side. Some interesting tactics usually emerge!
HOLE IN ONE
Use a small ball (tennis ball) which can drop through the hole in the middle of the parachute. Can the group stop the ball from disappearing down the hole? This game demands some fairly sophisticated co-ordination skills, but in short spells can be fun. Alternatively, assign a different coloured ball to each team and ask them to get their ball through the centre hole, while keeping the other team's ball out.
CAT AND MOUSE
Everyone holds the parachute stretched loosely out at about knee height. Someone becomes a mouse and crawls underneath. Someone else becomes a cat and goes on top. The rest of the group try to hide the mouse by rippling the parachute up and down. The cat tries to catch the mouse, but with everyone rippling the parachute it is difficult to see where it is. If you have a large parachute, you can try the game with two or three mice and two or three cats.
SHARK ATTACK
A scary game to be avoided if your young people are of a nervous disposition! Everyone sits on the floor in a circle holding the parachute with their legs underneath it. The parachute is the sea and they are sitting on the beach. Sahke the edge of the parachute to generate ripple or wave effects. Once the waves are going well someone is selected to be a shark and disappears under the chute. They move around underneath and because of the 'waves' it will be difficult to see where they are. The shark chooses a victim, grabs them by the feet, and drags them under the parachute. The victim is required to give an appropriate blood-curdling scream before disappearing under the parachute. This person now becomes a new shark. To prolong the game you can have the original shark revert to being a bather - or to make it more lively you can have several sharks in there at once. An alternative is to appoint a lifeguard who runs around the circle to attempt to pull (gently) the victim from the shark before they disappear under the waves.
Other parachute games and activities can be found online with a simple Google search for 'parachute games'.
SAFETY
1. As always, games should be supervised by the group leaders.
2. If playing the games outdoors, grass is the best surface, but make sure it is dry and not slippery.
3. Do not allow young people to use the parachute as a trampoline with the edge held tight and a 'player' bounced in the middle. It is all too easy to be bounced on hard ground as the parachute is slackened, with injury to back or head.
4. Nylon parachute material is inflammable. Use with care and keep away from barbecues, campfires etc.
REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
All of the games require co-operation, working together and being part of a team. You could use this theme to help young people understand more about Chrisitian fellowship and being part of a church. Believers are in the world together. There is no such thing as individualistic Chrsitianity. Jesus calls us to work together and everyone is important, everyone is needed, to bring Good News to the world. When the Apolstle Paul wrote to the Christians in the Greek city of Corinth he described the church as the 'body of Christ'. Read 1 Corinthians 12: 12-31 together and in small groups discuss:
What does this tell us the church should be like?
What happens when everyone gets involved?
How did our games illustrate the 'body of Christ'?
What do you think you can do to play your part in the youth group as part of the body of Christ?What can we all do in our youth group to demonstrate that we are part of the body of Christ?
End by praying for each other and your church. Thank God for Christian friends and fellowship. Thank God for your church and all you receive through it. Pray for the needs of people in your church.
Parachute games provide an opportunity for co-operative, non-competitive activities and are good for generating a group spirit and togetherness. They can be used with all ages and abilities and work really well with 11-14 year olds. Parachute games can be used in groups of all sizes and I've found that even young people who might normally opt out of 'sport activities' are attracted by the 'novelty' and usually get involved.
Try to get the biggest parachute you can and if possible one with reinforced grip straps. Purpose made nylon parachutes are almost indestructible and a great investment for youth evenings, special events and camps. Recommended users for each size are 6m (20ft) - 12 users, 7.3m (24ft) - 16 users, 9.15m (30ft) - 20 users.
OK Grahame, where on earth do I get a parachute? Play parachutes are available from a number of online educational, youth and sport suppliers. For readers in the UK, try Sports Warehouse, or call on 0800 783 5011. For readers in the USA and worldwide, try S&S Worldwide, or call on 1-800-288-9941. If you Google 'play parachute' or 'rainbow parachute' you'll discover other suppliers. Prices vary, but the two I've suggested represent good value.
GETTING STARTED
Have the parachute spread out as young people arrive for the youth evening. Begin with a practice activity. Get everyone moving together by raising the parachute and allowing it to fall. Keep hold but don't pull it down. Allow it to billow and fall naturally. This is best done to a steady count. Try to get the canopy as high as possible. Practice this basic co-ordination until everyone is happy.
MEXICAN WAVE
One person raises their arms, holding onto the parachute. This action is repeated around the circle to create a wave.
ALL CHANGE
Number the young people around the circle, one to five. Lift the parachute and on the third go shout a number. The young people who are that number then have to swap places under the canopy before it falls to earth. Make sure that those who remain around the edge keep hold of the parachute but allow the canopy to fall rather than pulling it down hard. This game can be varied by calling two numbers at once and occasionally by calling 'all change' where everyone lets go and runs under the canopy. A sight worth seeing!
ROLLERBALL
Everyone holds the parachute tight at waist height. Place a large ball near the edge. The goal is to try and make the ball roll around the edge of the parachute. To do this someone starts the ball rolling. As it comes towards each player they lower the edge they are holding, and as it goes past they raise the edge. When all the players do this in synchronization it creates a wave going round the edge, pushing the ball round in front of it in a smooth, steady circle. It cannot be done without concentration and co-operation! However, it is very rewarding for the group to eventually achieve a smooth, continuous motion. Once you've done this try speeding up - or change direction!
FLIP
Everyone holds the parachute at waist height. One half of the circle becomes team A and the other half is team B. The goal is to shake the parachute and flip the ball over the opposing team. Place the ball close to the centre of the parachute and let the two teams try to make the ball flip over the opposite side. Some interesting tactics usually emerge!
HOLE IN ONE
Use a small ball (tennis ball) which can drop through the hole in the middle of the parachute. Can the group stop the ball from disappearing down the hole? This game demands some fairly sophisticated co-ordination skills, but in short spells can be fun. Alternatively, assign a different coloured ball to each team and ask them to get their ball through the centre hole, while keeping the other team's ball out.
CAT AND MOUSE
Everyone holds the parachute stretched loosely out at about knee height. Someone becomes a mouse and crawls underneath. Someone else becomes a cat and goes on top. The rest of the group try to hide the mouse by rippling the parachute up and down. The cat tries to catch the mouse, but with everyone rippling the parachute it is difficult to see where it is. If you have a large parachute, you can try the game with two or three mice and two or three cats.
SHARK ATTACK
A scary game to be avoided if your young people are of a nervous disposition! Everyone sits on the floor in a circle holding the parachute with their legs underneath it. The parachute is the sea and they are sitting on the beach. Sahke the edge of the parachute to generate ripple or wave effects. Once the waves are going well someone is selected to be a shark and disappears under the chute. They move around underneath and because of the 'waves' it will be difficult to see where they are. The shark chooses a victim, grabs them by the feet, and drags them under the parachute. The victim is required to give an appropriate blood-curdling scream before disappearing under the parachute. This person now becomes a new shark. To prolong the game you can have the original shark revert to being a bather - or to make it more lively you can have several sharks in there at once. An alternative is to appoint a lifeguard who runs around the circle to attempt to pull (gently) the victim from the shark before they disappear under the waves.
Other parachute games and activities can be found online with a simple Google search for 'parachute games'.
SAFETY
1. As always, games should be supervised by the group leaders.
2. If playing the games outdoors, grass is the best surface, but make sure it is dry and not slippery.
3. Do not allow young people to use the parachute as a trampoline with the edge held tight and a 'player' bounced in the middle. It is all too easy to be bounced on hard ground as the parachute is slackened, with injury to back or head.
4. Nylon parachute material is inflammable. Use with care and keep away from barbecues, campfires etc.
REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
All of the games require co-operation, working together and being part of a team. You could use this theme to help young people understand more about Chrisitian fellowship and being part of a church. Believers are in the world together. There is no such thing as individualistic Chrsitianity. Jesus calls us to work together and everyone is important, everyone is needed, to bring Good News to the world. When the Apolstle Paul wrote to the Christians in the Greek city of Corinth he described the church as the 'body of Christ'. Read 1 Corinthians 12: 12-31 together and in small groups discuss:
What does this tell us the church should be like?
What happens when everyone gets involved?
How did our games illustrate the 'body of Christ'?
What do you think you can do to play your part in the youth group as part of the body of Christ?What can we all do in our youth group to demonstrate that we are part of the body of Christ?
End by praying for each other and your church. Thank God for Christian friends and fellowship. Thank God for your church and all you receive through it. Pray for the needs of people in your church.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Halloween After Thoughts
Surprisingly, I saw that many had searched for Halloween ideas for Youth Ministry. Next time around I will gather some ideas that other youth groups do for Halloween and you can make the decision.
I personally told the students that I lead that they need to respect what their family believes about Halloween as their seems to be many different interpretations on what to do and not do.
One thing stands out loud and clear for me and that is it's a huge opportunity to talk about spiritual things!
My family and I dressed up our kids and we went tricker treating because we don't see any harm in it - matter of fact I had a great conversation with my 5 year-old son who asked many questions about ghosts and heaven and hell. It was so awesome! What an opportunity as a parent!
I wanted to share a couple of other blog posts that I read about Halloween and would appreciate other youth workers opinions about the subject now that it has come and gone.
The first article is from Greg Stier (Dare2Share) guy:
“Want to see something REALLY scary?”
This line from an old school scare fest from the eighties (can you guess the movie?) is a perfect halloween zinger. So do you? Do you want to see something REALLY scary?
Beyond the fright night micro goblins and monsters that will be wandering our neighborhoods tonight with a bloodlust for everything that will rot their teeth and fit in a paper bag, is their anything that should scare us? I mean REALLY scare us?
How about hell? There I said it. I used the “H” word (and not on TBN this time!)
Since Halloween is a time when people talk about “the dark side” of other-worldly creatures, why not use it as a discussion about the reality of the real dark side of a Christless eternity? Why not speak about the unspeakable with those who don’t want to think about it?...
CLICK HERE for the rest.
Another article I found was from Adam Mclane a fellow youth worker and co-founder of YMX.
Here are his thoughts:
Here are 3 reasons why I think every Christian should embrace Halloween as a cultural phenomenon beyond personal convictions that you are endorsing evil.
I personally told the students that I lead that they need to respect what their family believes about Halloween as their seems to be many different interpretations on what to do and not do.
One thing stands out loud and clear for me and that is it's a huge opportunity to talk about spiritual things!
My family and I dressed up our kids and we went tricker treating because we don't see any harm in it - matter of fact I had a great conversation with my 5 year-old son who asked many questions about ghosts and heaven and hell. It was so awesome! What an opportunity as a parent!
I wanted to share a couple of other blog posts that I read about Halloween and would appreciate other youth workers opinions about the subject now that it has come and gone.
The first article is from Greg Stier (Dare2Share) guy:
“Want to see something REALLY scary?”
This line from an old school scare fest from the eighties (can you guess the movie?) is a perfect halloween zinger. So do you? Do you want to see something REALLY scary?
Beyond the fright night micro goblins and monsters that will be wandering our neighborhoods tonight with a bloodlust for everything that will rot their teeth and fit in a paper bag, is their anything that should scare us? I mean REALLY scare us?
How about hell? There I said it. I used the “H” word (and not on TBN this time!)
Since Halloween is a time when people talk about “the dark side” of other-worldly creatures, why not use it as a discussion about the reality of the real dark side of a Christless eternity? Why not speak about the unspeakable with those who don’t want to think about it?...
CLICK HERE for the rest.
Another article I found was from Adam Mclane a fellow youth worker and co-founder of YMX.
Here are his thoughts:
Here are 3 reasons why I think every Christian should embrace Halloween as a cultural phenomenon beyond personal convictions that you are endorsing evil.
- Don't punish your kids for your convictions. We don't let our kids dress up as demons or witches... but we do allow them to wear costumes because it's fun. But to keep them at home, locked in the basement while you watch some cheesy Christian movie instead of getting bucket loads of candy tonight... that's just mean. We are called to bring light into darkness not hide from darkness. (Ephesians 5:8-14) You can take your kids to your neighbors houses, keep them safe, and show them that being a Christian isn't about hiding from the world.
- Be hospitable. I know plenty of people live in rural areas and don't get trick-or-treaters. So you folks are exempt... for a night. But if you are like me and hundreds of kids will be walking by your house looking for a few pieces of yummy candy don't be the jerk on you block. Head out to the store right now and get yourself a couple bags of candy. Titus 1:8 pretty much makes it clear that anyone in leadership at their church must be hospitable. Turn your light on, answer the door, and be hospitable. Even if you can't be home tonight, leave out a bowl and turn the light on. People know what to do! (Yes, just let people steal your candy!)
- Don't be afraid! I think a lot of this anti-Halloween stuff is based on terrible theology. The Bible tells us to resist the devil. Peter tells us to "resist him" which indicates a struggle. (1 Peter 5:8-9) But the Bible doesn't tell Christians to hide from evil. Look at the example of Paul as he went to various towns. He encountered evil in all its forms and chose to bring Christ there.
You can read his entire article HERE.
So what did your church do? What did you do? What would Jesus do?
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Youth Ministry Ideas Blog Stats
Above is a picture shot of my Blog Stats since April of this year. I do realize for those that come to Youth Ministry Ideas - you probably could care less as you’re here to gather ideas and resources for your youth ministry that you are leading. However, for those that blog, it’s always interesting to share some stats because most bloggers check stats very often.
Here’s my brief breakdown:
Total Visits for October estimated: 9,000
Highest Referrers:
YouthPastor.com - this is because my posts show on their every time.
Google.com - my words that I use show up really well as I’m usually within the top 5 for keyword, “Youth Ministry Ideas”.
Search Engine Terms:
Youth Ministry Ideas
Youth Ministry Lessons
Youth Group Ideas
Youth Group Games
Many other specific phrases that seem to pull up my sight as well.
Highest Visits in a Single Day: 503
Links Coming In: 10
Posts: 77 (78 with this one)
Comments: 56
Tags: 22
Spam Comments: 1,269 (most bloggers get a lot of this)
Besides these I discovered that on Google I’m on page 3 for the keyword, “Youth Ministry” which is estimated to be searched about 50k times a month using Google, MSN, and Yahoo combined.
As per goals stated HERE, I want to up the quality and diversity of this blog which means things will continually change and be updated. I really like the vision of having a youth worker or two in each state reporting back what youth ministry ideas are taking place currently in their state.
I do know this may mean getting this site hosted where I have complete control of it which means you may eventually see some advertising to off set cost of doing that because I want this to be a place for free ideas.
If you would like to become a contributor from a specific state please email me - I’m still working on getting together an application that should be ready by next week.
Here’s my brief breakdown:
Total Visits for October estimated: 9,000
Highest Referrers:
YouthPastor.com - this is because my posts show on their every time.
Google.com - my words that I use show up really well as I’m usually within the top 5 for keyword, “Youth Ministry Ideas”.
Search Engine Terms:
Youth Ministry Ideas
Youth Ministry Lessons
Youth Group Ideas
Youth Group Games
Many other specific phrases that seem to pull up my sight as well.
Highest Visits in a Single Day: 503
Links Coming In: 10
Posts: 77 (78 with this one)
Comments: 56
Tags: 22
Spam Comments: 1,269 (most bloggers get a lot of this)
Besides these I discovered that on Google I’m on page 3 for the keyword, “Youth Ministry” which is estimated to be searched about 50k times a month using Google, MSN, and Yahoo combined.
As per goals stated HERE, I want to up the quality and diversity of this blog which means things will continually change and be updated. I really like the vision of having a youth worker or two in each state reporting back what youth ministry ideas are taking place currently in their state.
I do know this may mean getting this site hosted where I have complete control of it which means you may eventually see some advertising to off set cost of doing that because I want this to be a place for free ideas.
If you would like to become a contributor from a specific state please email me - I’m still working on getting together an application that should be ready by next week.
Friday, October 26, 2007
35 Icebreakers for Small Groups
For my last post this week for blogging for one year on Youth Ministry Ideas I wanted to share 35 Icebreakers for small groups created by Grahame Knox.
Grahame shares these icebreakers for small groups out of the UK. For me it is interesting to see how youth ministry is done differently elsewhere. Thanks for sharing your youth ministry ideas from the other side of the world!
Here is one of them:
My Name is….
“Go around the group and ask each young person to state his/her name and attach an adjective that not only describes a dominant characteristic, but also starts with the same letter of his name e.g. generous Grahame, dynamic Dave. Write them down and refer to them by this for the rest of the evening.”
Check out the rest of them below…
Breaking the ice-using icebreakers in small groups
Breaking more ice-10 more icebreakers for small groups
Grahame shares these icebreakers for small groups out of the UK. For me it is interesting to see how youth ministry is done differently elsewhere. Thanks for sharing your youth ministry ideas from the other side of the world!
Here is one of them:
My Name is….
“Go around the group and ask each young person to state his/her name and attach an adjective that not only describes a dominant characteristic, but also starts with the same letter of his name e.g. generous Grahame, dynamic Dave. Write them down and refer to them by this for the rest of the evening.”
Check out the rest of them below…
Breaking the ice-using icebreakers in small groups
Breaking more ice-10 more icebreakers for small groups
Friday, April 13, 2007
The Way I Structure Youth Ministry
I thought that I would share how I structure our youth meeting times.
Before I do that, I have to mention that what I'm about to explain flows out of our current purpose statement. This purpose statement was developed before I came on board. It's a, "purpose driven" statement that will be redeveloped because our church is going through a revisioning process and has chosen: "Simple Church: Returning to God's Process for Making Disciples" by Thom S. Rainer (Author), Eric Geiger (Author)
So, what does our youth ministry currently do?
Ok, our purpose statement is: Our Youth Ministry exists... To GATHER together to GLORIFY God; to GROW in our knowledge and understanding of Him; to GIVE of our time and talents, and to GO and share God's love in our community.
Our programs (or things that we do to accomplish this purpose) should all be tied into this statement.
So...
We meet in large group every other week for both Jr. High and Sr. High. for the purpose of Glorifying God our key word for worship. On the opposite weeks we have small groups for Jr. High and Sr. High. The purpose of the small groups is for students to Gather together and Grow which is our keywords for fellowship and discipleship. We have currently restructured our Sunday School to be a place where students are Giving their time and talents which is our keyword for ministry or service. Instead of just showing up and listening to an adult (usually me) teach about the Bible, we have student led tables where they teach the Bible lesson to the other students. Once a month we offer to them a time where they can choose the following things to learn and do: Media Shout presentation software, Music, Drama, Sound and Lighting, and I believe that's all for now. This change alone has been great for the students! The only thing we have with the word "Go" is we try and have 1 fun activity a month where students feel comfortable inviting friends to it and thus we are trying to reach friends this way. I would have to admit that our "Going" which is our key word for evangelism is weak. I, however, try and share the gospel every single large group time and with my small group every week.
That pretty much sums up what we do. I will touch more on what I think the change will be with the church adopting this new model of making disciples and how that will affect the youth ministry side of things.
Before I do that, I have to mention that what I'm about to explain flows out of our current purpose statement. This purpose statement was developed before I came on board. It's a, "purpose driven" statement that will be redeveloped because our church is going through a revisioning process and has chosen: "Simple Church: Returning to God's Process for Making Disciples" by Thom S. Rainer (Author), Eric Geiger (Author)
So, what does our youth ministry currently do?
Ok, our purpose statement is: Our Youth Ministry exists... To GATHER together to GLORIFY God; to GROW in our knowledge and understanding of Him; to GIVE of our time and talents, and to GO and share God's love in our community.
Our programs (or things that we do to accomplish this purpose) should all be tied into this statement.
So...
We meet in large group every other week for both Jr. High and Sr. High. for the purpose of Glorifying God our key word for worship. On the opposite weeks we have small groups for Jr. High and Sr. High. The purpose of the small groups is for students to Gather together and Grow which is our keywords for fellowship and discipleship. We have currently restructured our Sunday School to be a place where students are Giving their time and talents which is our keyword for ministry or service. Instead of just showing up and listening to an adult (usually me) teach about the Bible, we have student led tables where they teach the Bible lesson to the other students. Once a month we offer to them a time where they can choose the following things to learn and do: Media Shout presentation software, Music, Drama, Sound and Lighting, and I believe that's all for now. This change alone has been great for the students! The only thing we have with the word "Go" is we try and have 1 fun activity a month where students feel comfortable inviting friends to it and thus we are trying to reach friends this way. I would have to admit that our "Going" which is our key word for evangelism is weak. I, however, try and share the gospel every single large group time and with my small group every week.
That pretty much sums up what we do. I will touch more on what I think the change will be with the church adopting this new model of making disciples and how that will affect the youth ministry side of things.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Capture the PEEPS!
Last Wednesday we played a game called, "Capture the Peeps".All I did was I used the game Barbarian Capture the Flag from and all credit due to "The Source for YM".
We divide our gym up into 4 quadrants with 4 teams. Each team had a hoola hoop with different colored peeps in them. Each color worth different points.
As long as the rules are explained well, this game is crazy fun watching them run around with peeps.
Some kids thought it was even cool eating them after the game was over! Just building their immune system I guess.
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