Engaging youth in church activities is a topic of importance to our faith partners. When children attend church, so do their parents. How can we encourage youth to remain connected to their church, Sunday School and participate in service projects? We spoke with two of our faith partners on this subject.
Rev. Dr. Alberto Lanzot at Akron First United Methodist Church talks about intentional teaching, working on faith formation which is not too theological but speaks to students using terms they relate to. He also feels strongly that youth leaders, parents and students must be in sync with each other. Pastor Lanzot explains, “Practically speaking to work together, schedule times for activities which don’t conflict with events at the local schools. Don’t try to compete with football practice. You will lose the kids and their families.”
Rev. Jeremy Lopez at Salem United Church of Christ in Tonawanda plans youth events after church service on Sunday. His team organizes social activities like bowling, mini golf, and lunch which the kids look forward to after church. He combines these group gatherings with service opportunities. His youth group recently delivered Easter Baskets to area nursing homes and a shelter for youth in crisis. He feels it’s important for the youth group to see people in different stages of life. Pastor Lopez shared that “Receiving feedback from those we serve, has a lasting impact on our students. Lopez adds “At Christmas time when we took the youth group Christmas caroling to the homes of church members who are shut in, the group told me the best part of the experience was seeing how happy we made these church members.”
Pastor Lopez explained that some members of his congregation found his church because they were seeking a place for their children to get involved. It’s important to evolve and adapt activities to reflect the age of your students to keep them engaged.
A friend of Hearts and Hands recently shared her joy in the fact that her young adult children still attended church and were actively involved in church activities. She went on to say that her son agreed to lead a youth missions’ group. When asked what motivated him to lead this group, she answered simply “He agreed to lead, because the pastor asked!”
If your youth group is looking for service opportunities, Hearts and Hands has yard cleanup, and card writing, projects for the older adults we serve.
