Youth Ministry: Depth & Fun

I have been involved in youth ministry for 12 years and have spent the last 6 as a Lead Minister. As a Lead Minister, part of my responsibility is to provide oversight to our Youth Minister. In my six years at this position, I have had the priviledge of working with three different young men. To say that they have all been different is an understatment. 

I often hear people talking about and critiquing our ministry or another one. They often use the words depth and fun. It will go something like, “that youth ministry has lots of students but all they do is fun and games, there is no depth”. The other thing I will hear is, “In fact our numbers are down but there is depth to our youth ministry. We are just trying to dig deep with these students.”

My question is why does it have to be depth or fun, why can’t it be both? Leonard Sweet called this approach to learning “edutainment”. I think that our efforts need to focus on discipleship that is engaging and yes, even entertaining.

Here are some ways this can be accomplished.

1. Listen, don't just talk
When I first started off in youth ministry I was insecure (let’s be honest I still am) and so I wanted to show everyone what an amazing communicator I was. I wanted to be the next (insert hot preacher name here). Over time I started to care less about being the next big preacher and more about the students “getting it”. One of the best ways for students to engage and enjoy delving into the Bible is if they can ask questions and interact.

2. Interaction is a must
Interaction is a must! Any time you can pull up a student or get them in groups to do something that reinforces your point, do it. I know you are thinking that this is childish and the students won’t like it. I disagree. Not only is interaction fun but it reinforces the lesson you are trying to communicate. I say do games but they must reinforce the lesson and are not just done for fun sake.

3. Laugh often and mostly at yourself
Please do not take yourself too seriously. Don’t get me wrong, strive for excellence and be a good steward of your resources but remember to laugh often and poke fun at yourself. Nothing is more freeing and invites students to ask tough questions than when they see that their leader will to make a mistake and laugh about it.

4. If you are not having fun digging deep no one will
This is the simplest leadership lesson, LEAD BY EXAMPLE. If students do not see you having fun as you delve deep into the things of God, why would they? Following Jesus is serious business but it should be the most life giving, enjoyable and fun thing we could ever commit our lives to.  So live that way!
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 How do you manage the tension between fun and depth?