Student Ministry Never Stops

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A number of years ago I (Steve) marveled at my son’s fourth grade teacher. She positioned her class as the most important thing happening in our son’s life. Her expectations showed up in everything she communicated. We responded in kind, making sure his life was prioritized as his teacher prescribed. He had an incredible experience, one that formed him well.

This is the mindset we strive to emulate in student ministry. We believe what the church offers students must be the most important thing in their lives. Now, how do we do that?

It begins with a relentless outward focus. We must always be doing and thinking student ministry. In all our interactions we are promoting students, encouraging students and pointing people to a faith that produces community, resilience and depth. In other words, student ministry never stops. Here are some ideas for maintaining a relentless outward focus.

1. Partner with other organizations that support students

   • Reach out to your school’s guidance counselors or athletic department and see how you can support them.
   • Identify youth sports organizations and offer to support them – maybe offer to be a referee, coach, work the concession stands, or bring drinks to the families who participate.
   • Build a relationship with school districts in your area and find out what they might need. We supported mental health first aid training for coaches and faculty for one of our school districts.

2. Show up where your students are

   • Go to your school’s football games and work the concessions stands or offer to volunteer in the school in some way, just like parents volunteer in their children’s classrooms and schools.
   • Attend school plays and sporting events to support your students and meet their friends. Your subsequent youth group invitation to students you don’t know seems more authentic once they meet you.
   • Bring bottles of cold water to a park or pool where students hang out in the summer.
   • Drop off something at the door of your students’ homes to remind them you care about them. We have done this at the beginning of the school year.
   • Consider hosting a special interest group for students outside the walls of your church at the local library (think chess club, crochet group, or another hobby).

3. If you can, offer a free treat somewhere

   • Drop into your students’ favorite coffee or ice cream shop for a few hours and buy any students who show up a treat. If you call the restaurant in advance, sometimes they may even offer you a deal because you are bringing in some bonus business. If you decide to advertise this, be prepared to meet lots of students!

Whatever your strategy, remember to also communicate the importance of what the church offers students. Parents and students want to know the incredible benefits of being involved in your church community. How is it different than sports or other activities? We’re hoping you know the answer. Just be sure to share it relentlessly because…student ministry never stops.

Megan DelGrosso is the Student Ministry Location Director at Resurrection Leawood. She has been serving in student ministry for over a decade and is passionate about creating safe spaces for students to explore their faith in community. She loves spending time with her husband and two kids and, when she has some extra time, getting lost in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or a good book.

Steve Schneeberger is Resurrection's churchwide Student Ministry Lead Director. He has served in United Methodist youth ministries in Kansas and Florida, founded the non-profit Youth Ministry Institute, and taught at Florida Southern College.  He enjoys running, playing basketball, reading, and life with his wife Carol and their three children.