Programming in a commitment level model of youth ministry involves developing programmes at different levels of Christian commitment. In order to use programming effectively within youth ministry leaders should consider various approaches to commitment level programming, develop a programme planning strategy and consider programmes at each commitment level.
1. Approaches
2. Planning
3. Programmes
A. One Event
This approach seeks to cover all commitment levels in one event each week. There are three possible ways in which the one event is used to target commitment levels:
(1) Different Levels in Different Elements
A historical programming pattern stressed the need for a balanced evening approach with equal amounts of spiritual, social, physical and intellectual aspects. It was assumed that the different elements would appeal to different commitment levels. However, in this approach there is no real entry-level event for unchurched youth to move into the group and churched youth feel it is too unspiritual.
(2) Different Levels in Different Evenings
In this approach, on the first Friday of the month, the group has a socially-orientated, fun event to attract unchurched youth to the group. The next week is a serious evening with a Bible study of a relevant topic. This sequence of fun and serious meetings repeats during the month. The problem with this strategy is the lack of continuity for newcomers. The second week is invariable too spiritual for the visitors who return, or when they hear what is coming they decide that it was not for them. As a result, the group battles to assimilate newcomers who attend the fun events. A slightly develop use of this approach allocates a different aim for each Friday night of the month: (1) Social Programme - a fun event like ice skating; (2) Spiritual Programme - like a Bible study; (3) Miscellaneous Programme - like a visit to another youth group or a rally; and (4) Issue Programme - where a relevant issue facing young people is explored. While there is balanced activity in this approach, it has no macro-strategy. It lacks an intentional process that integrates youth into the group and develops them spiritually.
(3) Different Levels in Different Terms
In this strategy the year is divided into different terms and different level ministries are accomplished in each. For example, during the first term the focus is on building up the unity of the group. In the second term the focus is on evangelism. In the third term the same event is used to disciple youth. In the final term the focus is on getting youth to serve Christ. While this approach seems to be better than the first two approaches, it is weak in that it presupposes that new youth only join the group during a certain term. Most youth groups have a constant flow of new people visiting the group, and will alienate youth if they are exposed to commitment levels that are inappropriate for them.
B. Few Eevents
A second approach involves providing a few events - maybe one that targets evangelism and one that targets discipleship. This approach can be either Unintentional - seen where Sunday School and Friday night youth ministries are offered, but where no thought is given as to which commitment level is targeted. A better approach is Intentional - where the two events are aimed at different levels of spiritual commitment - ie. Friday night is used for relationship building and evangelism, while Sunday School caters for Christian education and nurture. The weakness is that there are other commitment levels that are excluded, such as the follow up of new converts and equipping youth for leadership or service.
C. Many Events
In this approach events are provided to reach youth at each level of ministry, with events or ministries at each commitment level. They run concurrently, but at different times and possibly even at different venues. There are three options here: where unrelated events exist in isolation from each other; in a specific commitment sensitive process of events; or best, in a process that has related events, where leaders makes sure that youth specifically move from one level of spiritual commitment to another.
A. Determine Needs
General and specific needs will arise out of close contact with the young people you are ministering to. Youth have general needs such as: to be accepted, to be guided spiritually, to develop life skills, etc. But within each youth group or individual exists needs peculiar to that group or individual. These needs must be kept in mind during planning, ie. youth do not attend church and need to see themselves as part of the church, or the youth have a particular problem with a satanistic movement at school, etc. These needs, once identified, form the basis of programming.
B. Set Goals to Meet Needs
Decide on what you hope to achieve when you meet each need. For example: to present two training session on team work for the leadership team; to bring ten unchurched youth into the group by the end of the term. Goals must be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely (SMART!).
C. Plan Programmes to Meet Goals
It is only after the needs have been discovered and goals to meet them set, that the programming itself can be created. This involves the following:
(1) Design the Programme Schedule - few goals to meet needs will be met with a once off programme. A strategy to meet the need could include a series of programmes on a given topic. Arising out of research into the needs of youth will come some indication of the urgency of the subject at hand and the suitability of addressing the issue during a programme. The leadership team should consider the different approaches to commitment level programming and choose the approach they feel is most appropriate in terms of the history of the group, the leadership within the group, and the make up of the group in terms of spiritual levels.
(2) Determine the Programme Level - the level of commitment for each event that is being programmed must be clearly identified. If this stage is not spelled out, the programme that is designed will miss the target audience and be ineffective.
(3) Develop the Programme Theme - each individual programme must have a theme which will dictate the content of the programme. The theme could arise from a need that is detected. As far as possible all aspects of the meeting should in some way develop the theme. Clearly defined theme are important because they: (i) provide unity and progression in the meeting, (ii) ensure the effectiveness of the programme in achieving the goal and (iii) help in the process of selecting programme elements.
(4) Draw on Programme Elements - youth meetings will differ according to the aim for each particular meeting. There are specific elements, suitable for different level events, that will help
the event to achieve its purpose. Jesus' words in Matthew 18:20 come to mind, "Where two or
three come together in my name, there am I with them." An integral part of our use of various
programme ingredients is a desire to experience the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ who is
present in all the fullness of His resurrection power. The early Christians who met together made
use of elements such as study, fellowship, the Lord's supper and prayer (Acts 2:42). These and
other elements, as appropriate, will find a place in a youth group programme.
A. Contact
B. Connect
C. Follow-up
D. Growth
E. Impact
F. Minister
A. Contact (Humanity Level)
The tendency in youth ministry is to avoid this level, and reach it indirectly, ie. through the friendship networks of youth who attend come level events. This works well and should be a part of the strategy but it will mean that the group misses youth in the community. While the New Testament anticipates that unbelievers will come into church services (1 Corinthians 14:24) it also stresses the need for the church to go into the world (Matthew 28:18) to make contact with people where they live, school, shop or play.
Suggestions for Contact Events: an outing to a swimming pool; a volleyball or soccer match; an informal meal in a home. The following elements are suggested:
(a) Relationship Building - probably the most basic skill in humanity level programming is meeting an unchurched person and starting a conversation with them that will begin a relationship. This should be a natural process and not forced or artificial.
(b) Sport - unchurched people will generally not be reached during their first exposure to a gospel message. Most people who become Christians testify to the importance of a person who impacted their decision to follow Christ. One way to provide a context in which relationships can be developed is through sport. People will let down their guard and build friendships as they play together.
(c) Refreshments - Jesus asked us to remember him through the partaking of the bread and the wine (1 Corinthians 11:23-25) because eating creates a special bond among the participants. Youth groups should make use of refreshments in meetings to attract unchurched people, to create community or to communicate truth.
(d) Presentations - youth are drawn to visual or dramatic presentation through which the truths of Christianity are communicated.
B. Connect (Come or Grow Level)
These events are geared to get unchurched youth, usually friends of group members, to attend. They may include fun events, such as parties, skating or bowling to show non-Christian youth that Christians can have fun. Here games, activities and refreshments are used.
The Windsor youth group has developed a rave event strategy that is structured around a
four-week programme cycle aimed at attracting, evangelising and assimilating unchurched youth
into the group. The different aims in the rave events during the four week cycle are: (1) make
contact with unchurched youth; (2) build a relationship with them; (3) present the gospel to them;
(4) reinforce the message; and (5) assimilate them into the group. The four weeks are: (a) Mega
Rave - an event like ice-skating or go-karting where the aim is to make contact and build
relationships with newcomers. (b) Gospel Rave - an event like a travelling supper where during the fun event an evangelist shares the gospel. (c) Christian Rave - a programme with a fun event hat includes a message that builds on the previous weeks gospel presentation. (d) Service Rave - a service-orientated programme at a children's home. This event draw newcomers as well as those who have attended the group because of the fun element. The youth group has just decided to move the service rave to a Saturday afternoon and replace the Friday activity wth an Issue Rave programme designed to explore a relevant issue in an evangelistic way, ie. explore the issue but also use the evening as an opportunity to lead youth to further understand and accept the message of salvation. For example, a programme on sexuality could end by challenging youth to develop a relationship with their Maker. The service rave now features under the impact event in this model.
For more details on the rave programme strategy go to Rave.
Suggestions for Connect Events: go karting; sports; record breaking; parties. The following elements are suggested:
(1) Ice-Breakers - an ice-breaker is a group activity designed to break down interpersonal barriers and inhibitions at meetings. An ice-breaker helps to set the stage for healthy interaction among young people. It is unnatural for youth to spontaneously open up to one another as they tend to socialise in cliques. A well chosen ice-breaker will help to overcome this tendency. Leaders should avoid activities that will offend or cause newcomers to withdraw.
(2) Community-Builders - these are activities which encourage youth members to participate and interact with one another. What often masquerades as community-builders are one-man shows, dramas by comic youth leaders or practical jokes at the expense of youth which actually do more harm to self image than good. The goal is koinonia - oneness, closeness, harmony with one another and the Holy Spirit. Community-builders are games which provide positive interaction. They have a threefold purpose: (a) to build group identity - they are designed to promote a positive feeling within the individual and also to create a sense of oneness or community within the group ("encourage one another" 1 Thess 5:18), (b) to boost self-esteem - they increase the individuals sense of importance, uniqueness and giftedness (Ephesians 4:29; Matthew 19:13f), and to (c) to bring appropriate touch - activities designed to allow non-threatening touch are valuable to satisfy the need of youth for physical closeness. Handshakes and hugs help make closeness more accessible. Jesus often used touch as he related to people (Matthew 8:3,15;9:29;17:7;20:34).
(3) Big Events - many groups are finding that the traditional way of programming around separate events, ie. ice-breakers, games, singing and a talk, is not as effective as a big activity that takes up most of the evening and that leads into a time of reflection or gospel presentation. Examples include: action cricket, a sports cafe', adventure golf, simulation games. Added to these examples would be any type of service project, such as visiting sick people in a hospital, feeding homeless people, taking physically handicapped people out for an evening, etc. These service-orientated programmes are effective because they provide youth with a sense of significance.
(4) Music - during high school, the average teenager will have listened to 10,500 hours of rock music. Music used effectively will: (a) promote group unity - singing helps to create a bond, a climate of togetherness that will serve as a uniting factor in the youth group, (b) provide group focus - music helps to point everyone in the right direction by focussing on the meeting's theme, reinforcing learning or teaching scripture, (c) prepare group atmosphere - for fun parts use high energy songs but precede the devotions with worshipful songs, and (d) promote group talent - when young people showcase their musical gifts they become more involved in the youth group.
(5) Gospel Presentations - a vital part of this level of youth meeting is the presentation of the gospel in a way that youth can understand. The presenter should be aware that unchurched youth need to have Christian concepts explained and may not even believe in the existence of God. At times, an apologetic approach may be necessary.
(6) Closings - careful though must be given to how this event is closed, as this will partly determine whether newcomers return the following week. Youth should be invited to speak to leaders, but leaders should also be trained to make contact with newcomers in order to follow-up the message.
(7) Refreshments - this serves a dual purpose: it provides youth with refreshment after a two or three hour meeting and it provides a non-threatening environment in which relationships can be developed and newcomers followed-up.
Example Programme: present a series, based on Matthew 16:13-16, on the "I Am" sayings of Jesus with the following sessions: (a) I am the Way, the Truth and the Life - Jesus teaches about heaven (John 14:1-14); (b) I am the Light of the World - Jesus heals a man born blind (John 9:1-34); (c) I am the Good Shepherd - Jesus presents himself as our shepherd (John 10); (d) I am the Gate for the Sheep - Jesus teaches on the shepherd and his flock (John 10); (e) I am the Resurrection and the Life - Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44); (f) I am the Bread of Life - Jesus feeds the 5000 (John 6:1-15); (g) I am a Servant - Jesus washes the disciples feet (John 13:1-17); (h) I am the True Vine - Jesus teaches about the vine and the branches (John 15);
C. Follow-Up (Grow or Disciple level)
This level of programming is aimed at youth between the grow and the disciple levels, who have just been converted and need to be established in their faith. A basic follow up course is presented for youth to be grounded in their faith.
Suggestions for Follow-up Events: set up small groups in which new converts are taught the basics of Christianity, or use one-on-one discipleship. Some of the best discipleship material are: (1) The Word on the Basics of Christianity by Jim Burns in the YouthBuilders Group Bible Studies; (2) Moving Toward Maturity by Barry St. Clair; (3) Five Steps of Christian Growth by Campus Crusade for Christ; and (4) Going the Distance by Duffy Robbins. The following elements are suggested:
(1) Bible Study - new converts must be taught how to read and study the Bible for themselves. Doing Bible study with new converts will help them develop the skills that they need to interpret the Bible.
(2) Life Application - they may need help in applying what they read in the Bible to their own lives and be taught that Christian seek to obey the Word of God.
(3) Question and Answer - new converts have many questions that they need answered. An open, discussion-orientated environment should be created in which youth feel free to ask question, to express doubts and even struggle with areas that are considered sacred.
D. Growth Group (Disciple Level)
At the disciple level youth take initiative for their own spiritual growth. Group training or one-on-one mentoring programmes can be used. This event should take place at a separate day and time to the connect events to ensure that only youth who are at this commitment level attend.
Suggestions for Growth Events: studies on the Bible; prayer; church; spiritual gifts. The YouthBuilder Group Study Series by Jim Burns is suitable for this level. The following elements are suggested:
(1) Worship - various aspects of expressing love to God should be included in the meeting, such as: singing, prayer, confession, thanksgiving and praise. Although these elements for worship can be taught, the impetus for worship grows out of the individuals relationship with God. The developing of this relationship will enhance the time of worship. Leaders should teach youth that worship is an encounter with God in which they become aware of Jesus' presence and respond to Him by expressing their love and devotion.
(2) Devotions - understanding principles of how young people learn most effectively will help to ensure effective learning. There are three important aspects of learning: (a) relational - learning does not happen in isolation - as youth bounce ideas off one another a depth of insight results that is not seen in individual learning; (b) wholistic - it is wrong to separate Christianity from the any aspect of life, so youth should wrestle with issues that are relevant to them; (c) experiential - learning involves doing, so personal involvement provides the best results in learning. To make youth passively listen to a twenty minute sermon is one of the weakest forms of education. Youth should be involved in learning by: speaking, reading, interacting, playing, etc.
(3) Discussion - the life of the young person is filled with a host of moral choices to be made daily. Youth meetings can provide a learning environment where young people can take what they learn and apply it to life-situations. They need help in developing decision making skills. The discussion of life related issues in a youth group context will help youth to cope when faced with such issues. Some general guidelines are: (a) create an atmosphere for growth by open-ended discussion, (b) convey the acceptance of the group as youth express honest feelings and (c) construct an authentic life-situation that youth could find themselves in. During or after the discussion make effective use of scripture by applying relevant passages to the discussion. Have the youth analyse the passage and come away with a summary statement on the issue under discussion.
(4) Affirmation - many teenagers have a low self-image because of negative feedback received at home, school or church. As a result they wall off the outside world and allow no one in. God affirms His people in Scripture: "You are precious and honoured in my sight...I love you" (Isaiah 43:4). Youth leaders need to reinforce the positive in youth. The results will be a transformed group, increased group unity and a growing self-esteem in the individual. The teenager needs to hear God say, "You're okay, I love you." Explore ways in which corporate affirmation can form part of the programme.
(5) Prayer - the inclusion of meaningful prayer into programmes will unleash the power of God in the meeting as it opens up lines of communication between God and youth group members. The presence of Jesus will be experienced through appropriate use of prayer. Prayers should be brief, to-the-point (Matthew 6:7f), and in contemporary language, without theological jargon. The request of the disciples to Jesus was, "Lord, teach us to pray." (Luke 11:1). Leaders must not assume that youth know how to pray and should run a school of prayer, or present a series of programmes to equip youth to pray.
(6) Closing - As Jesus closed His life on earth He let His disciples know that the meeting was over and that it was time to move on (Mark 16:14-20). Closings are important because they: (a) foster a sense of completion by wrapping up the programme, (b) focus the sense of community built among youth in the meeting, (c) feed the sense of confidence in the youth by affirmation and (d) fashion a sense of commission by sending youth out to serve. As the last impression is a lasting impression the closing could take the form of a ritual, ie. circle prayer time, group hug or special song.
Example Programme: present a series on the doctrine of God, with the following sessions: (a) God is... - an introduction to the doctrines of God's character; (b) God creates - he created the world and us; (c) God rules - he rules the world; (d) God speaks - he communicates with us; (e) God loves - his love us; (f) God forgives - his forgives us; (g) God listens and answers - he hears our prayers and acts accordingly; and (h) God understands - he makes sense of our lives.
E. Impact (Develop Level)
Develop level are youth who are ready to be involved in the lives
of other youth. Service projects should be used to develop in youth the servant attitude found in
Christ. They should explore the concept of service and engage in practical acts of service. If a
group decides to embark on service-orientated programming it would be wise to prepare youth
with input on servanthood and then expose them over a few programmes to different service
opportunities. This is to give them a taste of service and challenge them about how they should
respond as Christians. After a term of service projects it is time to sit down with the group and
decide on an extended service project that the group could handle. One example is to present a
monthly programme in a children's home. This will show youth the more committed and
disciplined aspect of serving that goes beyond the first terms approach. In fact, the first term
activities probably do more for the members of the group that the people being served as it
changes attitudes and challenges youth to further action.
Suggestions for Impact Events: service projects; mission trips; training programmes. The following elements are suggested:
(1) Scripture Reflection - youth should be guided to reflect on passages of Scripture that challenge Christian to compassion and service: ie. the Sermon on the Mount; Matthew 25:31-46; James.
(2) Service Projects - leaders should think of practical projects that youth can be involved in. Short-term projects include: hospital visitation, feeding the hungry, visiting the elderly, collecting and distributing clothing to the needy, doing household chores for those unable to do them, etc. Once youth have been exposed to short-term service they should get involved in a long-term project that requires greater commitment, ie. ministry in a children's home.
(3) Report Back - in order for service projects to really impact youth they must include a time of review and evaluation, as soon after the experience as possible. This helps youth to think though their experience and reinforce what they have learnt in the experience. Jesus often used projects with review to teach the disciples truth or equip them with skills for ministry.
Example Programme: base a series on Matthew 25:34-38. Have an introduction programme to motivate youth to a life of service; and then separate events on the following: (a) visit the sick - a visit to a hospital to give flowers and a card to people without visitors; (b) feed the hungry - an introduction to poverty and hunger and going out to feed street people; (c) comfort the lonely - a challenge to care for the elderly with a visit to the homes of some elderly folk; (d) clothe the naked - the group gathers, sorts and donates clothing to the needy; (e) visit the prisoner - take physically handicapped people out for an evening; and (f) welcome the stranger - an evening where strangers are invited to a banquet. The following complete programme is presented as an example:
Introduction: "Tonight we are going to experience something of what it is like for a poor person (maybe a beggar or a street person) to have to survive for a whole day on food they have bought with money they have received. We are going to a shop down the road where you have R3.00 each to buy food that will last a whole day. The food that you buy will be used later this evening. You are not to eat what you buy." During this part of the programme, youth were amazed at how expensive food is, and some of them clubbed together to ensure wise and adequate provision.
Reflection: The group reflected on whether it was difficult to think of what food to buy and whether they were concerned about where their next meal would come from?
Input: During this phase each person was handed a verse of Scripture that related to caring for the poor: Exodus 23:11; Deuteronomy 15:11; Proverbs 14:31; Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 21:13; Proverbs 28:27; Luke 6:20; 1 Timothy 6:18; Hebrews 13:15; 1 John 3:17; 2 Corinthians 9:9. They each gave a twenty second talk on what their verse had communicated to them.
Application: Youth were challenged to consider what they were going to do in response to what they had read. The decision was made (guided by the leader) to go out and give the food to a group of needy street people. Youth were briefed about the community of street people who live within walking distance from the youth centre (the leader had visited the community and received permission to bring the youth across). They were encouraged to ask question of the people during the visit: How long have you being living here? How do you survive? Do you have a job? Do you have family? parents? children? Where do you hope to be in a years time?
Reflection: This was a moving experience, judging by the responses of youth on returning. When asked what they had learnt from the experience comments were made about how fortunate they had felt as they realised that people could live with so little. A desire was expressed to help the street community in a more consistent way. The leaders wondered if Friday night was the best time to have done the visit as many of the people had been drinking. However, the group realised on reflection that drink is a part of their lifestyle as a way of coping with the harsh realities of life without adequate shelter or food.
F. Minister (Multiply Level)
The group has a leadership team made up of youth who came through the come level, attended growth group, and are now ready for significant ministry responsibilities. They have become multipliers who practise hands-on the skills that they have been taught, and evidence maturity in leading others. They are those who are prepared for works of service (Ephesians 4:12). They share their faith and train others to share their faith, and could be involved in presenting Bible studies in the growth group.
Suggestions for Minister Events: leadership training; mentoring; ministry responsibility. The following elements are suggested:
(1) Training Seminars - multiply level youth should be exposed to training that will equip them with knowledge and skills in order to develop as leaders. Seminars on relating, evangelising, discipling and counselling youth should be included, as well as training in youth ministry philosophy.
(2) Ministry Opportunities - these youth must be given a chance to lead ministries in the youth group, so they can try out the skills they are developing and learn on-the-job. They could run Bible studies, take responsibility in contact events, or engage in care ministries.
(3) Mentoring Relationships - leaders should be spending more time with these level youth than
any other level, in order to impact their lives positively. Just as Jesus allowed the disciples to live
with Him, leaders should find ways to allow their faith in God to be caught by these youth.
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