Y.O.U.T.H.
by Anand Menon
Working with youth is a challenge. But it is also a blessing and a rewarding ministry. The youth are the future of the church and our faith. They are the next generation disciples and future evangelists who will tell the world of the One who came to redeem it!
Working with youth, however, brings into consideration several unique characteristics that you might not find too much when you work with little children or with adults. For example, little children will listen, believe and even obey what you tell them. Adults, having learnt from experience in life, are more open, mature and accommodating and respond better when you share the gospel with them. Youngsters, on the other hand, will challenge and question you. They will probably demonstrate disbelief and even a strong 'belief' that all of this is really not necessary. Peer pressure and the possibility of ridicule from their non-spiritual friends can play havoc with their mind and their intention to continue to attend a youth group or participate in any public activity.
When working with youth, the following guidelines will help you go a long way in helping creative positive energy, encouraging open and honest communication and helping shape young spiritual Christians who are built up on strong foundations of scripture and the teachings of the church.
Y Young at heart
O Open minded approach
U Understanding attitude
T Trust worthy
H Honest and open responses / behavior
Young at heart
With youth, participation 'with' them is key. Youth are apprehensive of adults who appear 'condescending' and use an 'I know better than thou' approach. Youth identify well with someone who they feel they can connect with. That does not mean you need to rip your jeans, pierce your belly button or tattoo the small of your back! But it most certainly means that you are going to have to sometimes speak their lingo, connect with them on a level that is comfortable with them and well
yes, sometimes just be like them
young at heart! Use challenging activities that involve high degrees of participation and inspires youth to discuss, reflect and share their thoughts and views objectively.
Open minded approach
The never ending battle of 'the generation gap.' Youth tend to perceive adults as being old fashioned and old school in their thinking as well as their behavior. Many a times, youth groups do not succeed because leaders are not willing to take into consideration the fact that the world has changed since their days! An open minded approach towards the youth of today, their genuine problems, peer pressure, changing social environments and influences upon them must be considered with a non prejudiced and open mind.
Understanding attitude
Youth, like every other group of people, are looking for pretty much the same thing. Acceptance, compassion, love and understanding. Respect the youngsters. Make them feel that they are important. Respect their intelligence and intellectual faculties. Listen to their views. Try and empathize with them and put yourself in their shoes. I have learnt a lot from young people and I believe that there is a lot of value that we adults can gain from them. When they fail, don't discourage them or run them down. Encourage and inspire them. Demonstrate understanding. Do it genuinely and I guarantee you they will come all the way across to your side by the end of the day!
Trustworthy
Youth need to know if you can be trusted. They are willing to be frank, open and candid if they perceive you as genuine and trust worthy. The moment young people begin to trust you, there will be a tremendous impact on your youth ministry. Youth can be very dedicated and willing to participate when they believe they have a leader who is 'on their side' and who can be depended on. Trust begets trust. Show them that you trust them and believe in them and they will return you the favor!
Honest and open responses/behavior
Someone once said, 'Honesty is the best policy!' With youth, this time tested truth holds good. There is no harm in telling youngsters that you don't have an answer when you actually don't have one. Promise them that you will make the effort to seek out answers for them and that's all they ask for. You were never expected to 'know it all' in the first place! When youth are wrong, be honest with them. When they have done well, be honest again! At the end of it all, youth, like all other groups of people recognize and appreciate honesty and will value your leadership if they see you as an honest, loving and open person.
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