Here is a list of three things you can do to help engage your students in worship.
1. Make every Sunday “Youth Sunday”- Many churches set aside one week where the youth take over the church. On that particular Sunday the youth get to be ushers, greeters, choir, read scripture and even sometimes give the sermon. What would happen of the youth knew they were encouraged to participate every week? Find ways that they can help with all aspects of the service all year round. Make youth part of your usher team, worship band, choir or media ministry all throughout the year.
2. Let them know they are not just the future of the church- The reality is the youth are as much the church now as anyone else. 1 Timothy 4:12 says “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. ” Telling the youth they are the future let’s them know they should wait till they grow up to take part in the church an worship services. The youth have so much to contribute right now. Knowing that they are the church empowers them to use their gifts now to glorify god and build up the body of Christ.
3. Give them input into the content- Youth know what speaks to them. They know youth. Having a youth on your worship team or planning team will help to bring in elements and ideas that help them to connect with God in a real meaningful way. You may also find that what speaks to them also speaks to adults, just we never would of thought of the idea, or would be too afraid to say it. Having youth on your worship planning team is another great way to engage them in worship.
These are three ideas but I know there are hundreds more. In what ways does your church help to engage youth in worship?
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I hate what “youth sundays” communicate to teens. I definitely agree that every Sunday should be a “youth Sunday.”