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Ask and Receive
group magazine: May-June, 1998
GROUP MAGAZINE - May-June 1998
Ask & receive PROBLEM WEDNESDAY NIGHTS I’m trying to figure out what to do on Wednesday nights: praise and preaching? crowdbreakers and Bible study? other suggestions? Via Internet YOUR RESPONSES Wednesday nights are tough, especially during the school year. Your activities should be geared toward a more laid-back, low-key style of worship. Crowdbreakers and Bible study are great, as well as prayer and share groups. Allow youth to facilitate the meetings and generate the discussions. Via Internet Is there a gap between your existing programming and the things you want to accomplish? Bridge those gaps during your midweek meetings. The methods you use to move the group to where you believe God wants it can be as diverse as your imagination will allow, but have some purpose and direction first. Robert Tharp Muncie, Indiana If you’re trying to grow believers, then a steady diet of ice-breakers and games won’t accomplish your mission. On the other hand, if you’re trying to reach unbelievers, then the fun aspect will need to be strong and the content shorter and more narrowly focused. Don’t fall into the trap of simply pandering to what your teens want. They might have fun, but what eternal benefit are they deriving? Bernie Bannin Norfolk, Nebraska Providing an environment that allows kids to praise and worship, relate to each other, and share what’s on their minds is the key. Once you do that, you can use any kind of programming elements you like. Via Internet We’ve found a successful Wednesday combination. First, share the week’s highs and lows. Second, pray for one another. Finally, allow the youth to choose and discuss a subject dealing with how to be a Christian teen today. Youth help guide and disciple one another through the trials and tribulations of teenagedom. Becca Rausenberger Saginaw, Michigan WHAT WOULD YOU DO? How do I involve the family in youth ministry? I just planned a retreat for parents and teens and no one signed up! The kids didn’t want to go with their parents, and the parents let the kids decide for the family. Via Internet |
