Tips for Getting Your Student Connected with Williams Youth
Make Church a priority. There are so many things we do these days, and sometimes church can seem to be one more thing on the list. If your student doesn’t see you making church a priority, they are less likely to make it a priority for them.
Make attendance a habit for your student. Attending church is a discipline of faith, therefore it does require some level of commitment to making it become a habit. Eventually, the habit should lead to a dependence on God and a time in community with other believers.
Commit to a specific Sunday service. This goes back to forming a habit. We are all creatures of habit, so doing the same thing every week can lead to it being easier and easier to do as the habit is formed. But, remember that doing things in addition to “your normal schedule” can be beneficial.
Serve as a volunteer. Do something in the church to show that you care about what is happening. It doesn’t have to be the student ministry, but being active in ministry shows that you’re making church a priority.
Take advantage of special events. We do a number of special trips/retreats/nights every year. These are designed to offer a time to connect with other students, leaders, and most importantly- God. The more special events a student attends, the more likely they’re going to find someone they can connect with, and having a partner to help you along in life and in faith is crucial.
Partner with the youth staff. We’ll work better as a team, and we are here to assist you in raising your student to be a disciple of Jesus. Let us know if you need any resources or have any questions about anything.
Know and get to know your student’s friends. Whether we like it or not, most students are more influenced by their peers and friends than by any other group or individual. The friends that your students hang out with can tell a great deal about what direction your student may be headed.
Remember, you’re the parent. It’s fine to require your student to attend youth activities. Many leaders in the church (including many youth workers) went to many youth activities against their will. Talk with the youth staff about your student and provide tips on how to help your student feel more at home. After all, no one knows your student better than you do.
Ask your student about their experiences at events. Don’t allow answers such as “Oh, nothing.” Use questions that prompt your student, such as: “What was the funniest thing that happened?” “What is the next big event and would you like to go?” You can even speak to the youth staff and ask for specifics on programming, so that you’ll know what questions to ask.
Attend youth events, then talk about them with your student. One way to avoid the “Oh, nothing” response to questions about youth events is to be at the event yourself. Then ask questions like, “What did you think about that game/question/message/song… If you’re actively participating and showing interest, and asking questions…your student will be more likely to actively participate and get something out of youth functions.
