Youth Leadership

Rev. Josh Patty

Regional Minister & President

I recently read an article on team-led youth ministry, with key practical ideas. Foremost: let youth lead, including in worship services. The former youth minister in me would suggest, especially in worship services.

This is excellent spiritual formation for everyone involved. In one congregation with many kids, we increased the frequency of youth-led worship services from once a year to four times a year, including one specifically planned by our middle school youth. It was community building. One elder privately shared with me that he used to think youth Sunday was ‘just a show,’ but by doing it more everyone was more invested. “They truly are leading us in worship,” he shared.

More than that, by better understanding the different parts of the worship service, these youth became better worshipers. And it got to the point that we didn’t need a “youth service” to have them lead in worship on regular Sundays. Junior deacons, who offered prayers for offering and communion on youth Sundays, would sometimes be partnered with an elder. One Easter, a team of high schoolers offered the children’s moment – and were amazing. Certainly there was guidance to help youth do this well, but great stuff came from them. A beaming 4-year-old’s enthusiastic welcome to worship is still the best single greeting I’ve ever experienced in worship.

This is a good way to nurture and build community – work to hand other people, including youth, the microphone in worship services. Trust them and trust others to worship with them and be led by them. I worship with a lot of congregations – I’m always impressed when I see a young person lead in worship – Advent readings, special music, announcements, prayers, parts of sermons or entire sermons. I think most visitors would have a positive reaction too.

Welcoming Guests Around Easter

Speaking of visitors, I hope that you and other leaders are getting ready for extra people in worship services in the coming weeks. You might share some of these 50 tips with key people to improve how you welcome these folks. Perhaps you might sense a 51st tip above – find ways for younger people to lead in some of these service.