I have a friend who describes a lot of youth ministry as a “one-eared Mickey Mouse.” He draws a big circle–Mickey’s head–to symbolize the church, and a small circle–Mickey’s one ear–barely touching the larger circle to symbolize the youth group. Some youth ministry isolates the teenagers in order to provide programing that meets their distinct needs. While a lot of churches have managed to reach youth that way, I think it is the wrong way to build a youth ministry . . . especially in a small church. Why? Glad you asked.

1. Teenagers may not always want to be around adults, but they need adults. Older faith family members need to provide love, encouragement, and instruction to those younger than them.

2. Teenagers will benefit most from a church ministry that involves the entire family. While having Bible studies and events that are for the teenagers (with appropriate sponsors) is a good thing, the church should be rich in activities that helps families to live out their faith together. Ultimately, the family of a teenager will most likely have a greater impact on the faith development of a teenager than the youth group will.

3. Teenagers need to begin to see the church as their extended family. As they grow older, the youth group will be less important to them. If their only connection to God’s family is a youth group, they are likely to “graduate” from church at the same time they graduate from high school.

How do we avoid the one-eared Mickey Mouse?

1. Involve youth in church-wide activities. Encourage them to be a part of church fellowship times, ministry projects, and worship experiences.

2. Be strategic in providing opportunities to connect teenagers with groups of adults in the church. When you lead youth to do yard work for some of the older people, plan time for them to share a glass of lemonade and a few stories.

3. Plan some youth events that involve parents and youth doing ministry and fellowship together.