If you’re a small-church children/youth worker, you’re not alone. In America, 65% of churches have fewer than 100 members, and the average youth group in America has 7 to 8 students. The good news is that you can still do sustainable children/youth ministry. Some of the many benefits of small-church youth ministry include the following:

  • You can know every kid’s name
  • You can be present on every kid’s turf (school, programs, sporting events, etc.)
  • You can make quick, last-minute changes
  • You can integrate student events into the larger church calendar
  • You might be able to fit all your students into 1 church van

Pray

Before you do anything else, before you call any meetings, plan any events or think of themes for youth services, you need to pray. If your work as a youth leader isn’t born out of prayer, it will be in vain. Here are some things you can pray for as you start a youth ministry:

  • pray for each child/youth. Pray that you will see them as God sees them and that he will fill your heart with love for them.
  • Pray for their parents, that they will love and be an example for their children, especially in faith-related things.
  • Pray for your pastor, leaders, and volunteers. Pray for wisdom for them, for love for the children/youth. Pray for their families, that they won’t suffer.
  • Ask God to give you insight into what the ministry needs, where it’s at, and what the biggest issues are. Pray that your ears and your heart will be open to all signals.
  • Pray for yourself; for strength and wisdom to lead and serve well.

Make a Plan

Here are some initial suggestions:

  • Does you have a mission statement? If so, does the congregation know it? Does it function? If not, this is your first priority.
  • Is there any kind of strategic plan for the next two or three years or so? Is there a vision for the future? Are any kind of goals written down?
  • Is there a teaching plan? How are the subjects and themes for groups events and retreats chosen?

Focus on doing a few things really well.

There is a temptation to try and keep up with the programming and schedules of neighbor or larger churches, but it may not work in your context. Scale back and focus on a handful of things you can do well, then you can still deliver a quality event or program in a ministry setting with limited resources.

Integrate students into the entire church.

If you’re part of a small church, it’s important for you to create a space at the table for children/youth in everything you do. If you’re holding a church-wide event such as a potluck, a yearly pumpkin patch, or a movie in the park, be sure to create room for them to help in the preparation of the event. Their involvement will communicate that they matter and that there is a place for them to serve in the rest of the church.

Stephanie Caro (Ministry Architects) suggests that you invite the rest of the church to children/youth events. For instance, if you have a student performing in the annual Christmas concert at school, use that as an opportunity for the church to support and celebrate the student. Invite the entire church to the performance and host a dessert bar at the church afterward. Imagine a student looking out into the crowd and seeing seats filled with people from church who have come to cheer him or her on.

Communicate! Communicate! Communicate!

People want and need to know what’s going on, so communicate to all who have a stake in children/youth ministry: teens, parents, leaders, pastor, etc. If you’re new to children/youth ministry, introduce yourself in a letter. Plan early and communicate what you’ll be doing. And don’t forget the adage in marketing that you have to “say it seven times” before the message sticks!

Never cancel an event.

When you’re planning out your yearly event calendar, plan events that don’t require a minimum number of students. That way you never have to cancel an event if only one or two students show up. When you cancel an event due to low attendance, you’re communicating to the few students who decided to show up that they aren’t valued. Steer clear of events that require a certain number of students and have a plan B in case attendance is lower or higher than expected.

Write Things Down

Most of us will not be serving for the next 10 or 20 years. One of the best gifts you can leave behind for your small church is a description of what worked and what didn’t. Write it down in a notebook or easy-to-access computer program. This will help whoever steps into your shoes know the best ways to plan for each event and prepare for the year-long youth ministry calendar.

From Kali Kadelbach:

Hello leaders,

My name is Kali Kadelbach and I’m the Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries at St. Luke’s in Summerville and helping to lead the synod’s CYFM ELCA team. The ELCA has a lot of resources available for the use of youth workers and lay leaders that I hope to connect you with in the next year.

The one resource that has been a great help to me since 2018 is the ELCA Youth Ministry Network. This network exists to strengthen and empower adult leaders in children, youth and family ministry, in service to Christ. This network does have a fee to join but it will totally be worth it. They host events like Oasis zoom sessions, the yearly Extravaganza, and offer many resources, such as Open CYF positions, Congregation Hosting Groups, Martins List, and more. Today I will be telling you about the Extravaganza which is so much more than an event, it’s an experience and it’s a community. This is a 4 to 5 day continuing education opportunity that will totally transform your youth ministry no matter if you are a volunteer, a youth leader or a Pastor. “The Extravaganza is about faith formation, helping you in your ministry, and is about renewal, education, and connection.” The Extravaganza this year is located at The Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky. The intensive Care Courses run from January 22-23, 2025, and the Main event runs from January 23-26, 2025. You can find more information or register at elcaymnet.org/ext25

Don’t miss this opportunity to get to know other leaders in the Church, grow in your own theological and spiritual gifts, learn about different ministries happening within the ELCA and enjoy some self-renewal.

Blessings in your ministry,
Kali Kadelbach

REMINDERS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

The South Carolina Synod Children, Youth and Family Ministry (CYFM) is Updating our List of Congregational Contacts! Who is the best person in your congregation to receive information about synod children and youth events and other updates and resources?
Please call the Synod Office at 803/765-0590 or email Deborah at deborah@scsynod.com.

Training for Children, Youth, and Family Ministry (CYFM) Workers
Sat. October 12, 2024, 10am – 2pm at the Synod Office
Topics include:
Remaining Non-Anxious while Talking about Sensitive Topics
Leading a (Small) Group
Establish Safety/Boundaries
Including Special Needs Kids

This is mandatory for any adult who participates in Synod Events (It will be recorded).
Please RSVP by October 10th to Deacon Deborah Poole deborah@scsynod.com

How can your children and youth help with hurricane relief?
Assemble Clean Up Buckets and Children’s Comfort Kits (details and supplies list in October 2 E-News)

Do you like to organize events? I’m looking for one or more people from each conference to plan a “Love in Action” event for your conference in January. Please contact me for more information. deborah@scsynod.com

Please note this change:
Elementary Retreat is February 7-8, 2025 instead of 7-9. There will also be a program for parents.

NOV. 16, 2024
LUTHERAN YOUTH DAY AT NEWBERRY COLLEGE
LOVE IN ACTION WEEKEND
If you can’t join us for service and football, do something for others in your congregation and community.
Details to come!

SC Synod Kids Day
December 7
St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Lexington
10am-3pm

Opening our Hearts to Advent
Worship! Games! Songs! Skits! Crafts and Other Activities!

Cost: $25
(Includes lunch, snacks, t-shirt, Advent wreath to take home and other supplies)

Each child is also encouraged to bring a box/bag snack for our service activity – fruit cups, granola bars, tuna & cracker packs, trail mix, nuts, crackers

Registration will open on November 1

#EmbracetheShift

Resources for October

Halloween
10 Ideas for Celebrating Halloween at Your Church (tithe.ly)
12+ Halloween Ideas for Christian Kids – Out Upon the Waters

Reformation Sunday
Reformation Day Activities and Resources Round Up for Kids! — Reformed Mama
Six Activities to Teach Kids about the Reformation (cph.org)

Looking Ahead to November

Native American Month
Discipleship Ministries | Worship Resources for Native American… (umcdiscipleship.org)
Native/Indigenous American and Alaska Native Heritage Month Resources for 2023 (buildfaith.org)

Thanksgiving
Guide to Organizing Thanksgiving Church Activities (churchministryhelp.com)
Practicing Gratitude: 8 Ideas for a Thanksgiving Church Service (tithe.ly)
Thanksgiving Activities for Church and Families (buildfaith.org)