Challenges of a growing Youth Group

You cannot grow a large church with selfish people. I would speak a lot on the issue of being selfless. It is needed in every walk of life too.

 

It may even be more foundational than selfishness. I grew up in church, and was encouraged to avoid worldly things and friends. That can be difficult to overcome in order to befriend those who you might reach out to.

You have to learn to be willing to go out of your way to speak to people and get to know them, even if they are nothing like you, and especially once they come into your church or youth group, you have to reach out to them. The fact that they are there indicates that the Spirit may be working on their heart, and you should not discount the opportunites you have because of who or what they are right now.

You cannot compromise your message, but your group ought to be a welcoming place where people feel like others care about them, they are much more likely to listen to and really hear a tough message if they know you care.

To start with, get your kids involved in bringing other kids in, and reaching out, than maybe they won't be opposed to it when it happens. You have to teach them that even if they are trying not to be "of the world" they have a responsibility to Model christ to the world, and cannot do that unless they come into contact with it. Paul didn't sit in the Balcony at First Baptist Jerusalem and complain about the girls who were coming in with mini robes, and the guys with their earrings in, he went out and spoke the truth of God's Word to them, and taught them, at the same time, you read in his letters about how much passion he had to reach those who had not heard. It is a tough jump, especially for kids who grew up being told to flee at the first sign of Worldly behavior from someone.

 

Dave has a lot of good advice. When I found a similar situation happening when I was youth director, I used a similar opportunity to step-up the "old timers" into leadership roles. I challenged them to disciple the newcomers as they came in. Of the 4 I started with 3 really grew and 1 totally backed out of the youth group. Of course this had a tremendous effect on the newcomers as they were paired selectively and had a chance to have at least 1 friendly face there.
As far as I know the pastor has insisted that this continue with the new youth directors' program. I used some material that I developed, but I have found some better material available from Lifeway, and reccomend it. It helps with bonding and growth for both of the parties involved and is best done 1 on 1.

 

Tim, is there anything helpful that led to the sudden growth?