Kristin Schmidt

Volunteer Service Project Ideas for Youth Groups

Volunteer Projects for Teenagers

            Youth groups thrive on fun activities. Special events and seasonal celebrations bring teens together and encourage interaction among peers. Sometimes it feels like these things need to be flashy and exciting in order to engage students and compete with other demands on their attention. We might throw in a devotion or simple Bible study at some point, but the focus is often on the game or event itself. It’s fine to provide entertainment and enjoyable gatherings, but it’s also important to offer volunteer opportunities for servant projects. We can emphasize to our youth that community service is not just about filling in hours for school requirements, but is a way to genuinely serve God and honor others.             The … Read more

Halloween Youth Group Ministry? Handling Controversy and Autumn Youth Activities

As October rolls around, many youth leaders, as well as parents, begin to wonder how to address the topic of Halloween. Children and teens will inevitably encounter celebrations and conversations about the holiday, but how do we handle it in church? Should we ignore it all together, and hope no one asks about it? Are we to shun and decry any recognition of Halloween? Can we discuss it? The approach of Halloween is actually an excellent opportunity to open conversation with teens about culture, tradition, and the danger of the occult. The season is also a great time to celebrate autumn or harvest. Use some of the following activities to talk about Halloween and, if desired, to have fun with … Read more

Back to School Youth Group Activities & Bible Lessons

By the teenage years, most students do not find themselves particularly thrilled at the prospect of returning to early morning alarm clocks, homework, and teacher talks. Going back to school might come with mixed feelings in middle and high school. Getting back to the books might not sound appealing, but it’s a great opportunity for re-focusing on the most important book of all, God’s Word! Back to school season is also a great time to discuss things like witnessing to friends, using our minds for God, and enjoying the season we’re in. Consider capitalizing on the start of an academic year for a Bible study or special fall activity afternoon. Use this “event builder” to select various concentrations for games, … Read more

Seed and Plant-Themed Youth Lessons & Activities

It Starts with a Seed…Plant-Themed Youth Activities The Word of God is full of agrarian references. From Old Testament to New, seeds and harvests are a prevalent theme. Plants were a significant element of daily life in the Ancient Middle East, so Jesus used numerous farming analogies in His teachings. In our modern age of fast food chains and xeriscape yards, some of these seed ideas might not be as readily appreciated, but are still well worth exploring. Whether it’s harvest season, a church garden day, or just an occasion needing fun themed elements, consider a plant-based focus for your next youth activities! Use this “event builder” to select various concentrations for games, Bible passages, and more. Choose a few … Read more

Addressing Conflict and Cliques in Youth Group Ministry

“You wouldn’t believe what he did to me…”“I’m never talking to her again.”“I hope that one kid isn’t on the trip. He’s weird.” Perhaps you’ve heard statements like this from students in your youth group. Let’s face it: conflict is always going to be present when groups of people try to work together. Humans are sinful creatures, and managing group dynamics is never easy. Teenagers in High School and Middle School are dealing with a lot of social pressure. Remember, relational challenges can seem even greater when it comes to working with hormonal teenagers! Dealing with drama, gossip, fights, and factions is unavoidable in youth ministry. So how do we best handle it? How much can or should we be … Read more

7 Fundraiser Ideas for Youth Groups

Ways to Raise Money for Youth Ministry Groups

Most churches incorporate some sort of budget for youth groups. However, between special events, mission trips, and camps, it’s more than likely that you will encounter the need to raise additional funds for teens. You’ll want to be well aware of the monthly budget allotted, and aim for fundraising goals according to your specific needs. There are a variety of fundraiser options available for your youth program at church, but some require much more effort than others! Getting creative with fundraising makes the process more enjoyable and fulfilling. Best options will vary according to your group size and dynamics. Whenever possible, it’s important to incorporate students into the preparation and execution of fundraisers, giving them genuine “skin in the game” … Read more

Small Church Youth Ministry: 6 Benefits of Smaller Youth Groups

As youth ministry leaders, it can be easy to fall into a pattern of looking at numbers as a sign of success. After all, this is how much of the world seemingly operates. The sports team with the most points wins; the restaurants that make more money stay open; sold-out concerts attract attention… It can be frustrating when efforts to increase participation in youth group seem to falter and students don’t attend in droves. In the church, however, we must value quality over quantity. Relationships count more than head counts. If you find yourself working with only a handful of teens, don’t lose hope! There are wonderful benefits to ministry programs with fewer numbers. Even as you pray for growth, … Read more

Youth Ministry Lesson (Acts 10:1-33) Peter and Cornelius

Use this free youth ministry Bible study to teach your the story of Peter and Cornelius to the teenager groups at your church. This is a perfect Sunday School lesson from Acts 10:1-33 for High School and Middle School Students.

Use this free youth ministry Bible study to teach your the story of Peter and Cornelius to the teenager groups at your church. This is a perfect Sunday School lesson from Acts 10:1-33 for High School and Middle School Students. Bible Lesson focus: This lesson focuses on Peter’s revelation that the Gospel was meant for all people, not just the Jews. In this day and age, of course, teens might not encounter “unclean meat” or questions about Jewish tradition. But this story provides a great way to emphasize the Gospel. We are not saved by what we do or who we were born to, but by the blood of Jesus. The story of Peter and Cornelius also reminds us that … Read more

Second Chances: Youth Bible Study on the Life of Paul the Apostle

Second-Chances_-Youth-Bible-Study-on-the-Life-of-Paul-the-Apostle

Use this free youth ministry lesson plan to teach about the Life of the Apostle Paul, from Murderer to Missionary for Jesus Christ. This Bible study is ideal for Middle School and High School students in Sunday School class or youth group meetings. Teenagers will be encouraged to see the forgiveness of God and the power of the Holy Spirit to give a new life through faith in Jesus’ Christ. The apostle Paul is a remarkable Biblical figure for several reasons. Paul is a villain turned hero, an enemy of Christ turned servant of Christ. Once transformed, he lived a life completely devoted to spreading the Gospel and suffered greatly for the name of Jesus. Paul is another great example … Read more

Second Chances: Youth Bible Study Lesson on the Life of the Apostle Peter

Use this free youth ministry Bible study in your church group to share with teenagers the incredible story of the Apostle Peter. This lesson plan is designed for High School or Middle School students and build around the theme Second Chances through God's grace.

Use this free youth ministry Bible study in your church group to share with teenagers the incredible story of the Apostle Peter. This lesson plan is designed for High School or Middle School students and build around the theme Second Chances through God’s grace. The apostle Peter provides a remarkable character study for all ages. In some ways he can be considered the spokesman of the disciples, and in fact he was often quite outspoken. Peter was a man of great faith in Jesus, but he certainly made mistakes, too. Looking at some of the events in Peter’s life provides example and encouragement for us as Christ-followers. As teens look at who Peter was, they should see that God can … Read more