Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand

How are you encouraging young people to share their gifts with the community?

It's important for churches to create space and a good vibe so young people can share their gifts - but it's also really important that young people are encouraged to do their part in creating the giving vibe too. Ani Prasad talks about some of the ways in which St J's youth intentionally look to spread the giving vibe in their church.

We at St Johns believe it is vitally important to build relationships between young and old - the Church Whanau connects us, makes us feel like we belong and helps us grow closer to God. Here are some great idea's that have worked for us and could help you build community in your Church.

<typohead type=4>Communicate to your Church</typohead>

Set up a notice board at the front of the church, with a calendar of events, photo's and brochures on what the youth group has happening. This reminds the church that they have a dynamic youth ministry operating and encourages them to keep on praying for it.

<typohead type=4>Have fun with your Church</typohead>

There's nothing that gets people connecting than having FUN! So hold a social night and invite old and young to participate. This term we held a games/quiz night called 'SURVIVOR, Battle of the Ages'. It was a night of crazy competitions and through it all, everyone got to know
each other more.

<typohead type=4>Give to your Church</typohead>

Bless them! This Christmas we're going to make up sweet packs and randomly knock on church member's doors, drop off the packs (and run away). The packs will be complete with a written encouragement on why they are such an awesome part of our church plus an invite to come to the next evening youth service coming up.

<typohead type=4>Be part of your Church</typohead>

Don't let your young people expect everything to fall into their laps. Challenge them to say hello after church to at least one older person that they do not know. This encourages young and old to begin to talk with each other. We have found that the culture is changing from 'I don't get you because you're crusty...' to 'Hey, that old guy over there is cool...'

<typohead type=4>Get support from your Church</typohead>

Let your church in on the vision. We recently held a friends of the vision evening.  The youth group after church on Sunday went around and invited members of the church to a wine and cheese evening where they heard all about the youth group's vision. We had people turn up and get passionate about youth ministry and now we have a large support network.