Hands on help: Outreach

Group, Jul/Aug 1998

Rural Church Ministry Many rural churches struggle to meet the needs of kids in their congregations and communities. If you have the resources and commitment, a rural church can give your group a platform for a genuine ministry experience. Tom Horton, rural youth ministry director for ProYouth, advises that you include the following steps and begin planning now for next summer.

* Create a strong prayer base for a rural "church camp" within your church community.

* Connect with a rural church by contacting your church denomination, other church members, a Bible college, a seminary, or a rural church ministry for suggestions.

* Join the pastor and leadership of the rural church for prayer, direction, and planning. Determine what the ministry event will be. Options range from a weekend campout to a weeklong series of meetings, including a daytime vacation Bible school and youth outreach events in the evening.

* Determine which kids can be involved in greater leadership roles. An important goal is for your kids to run as much of the ministry as possible.

* At least three months before the event, begin training sessions for everyone who's going. Include briefing, planning, prayer, and teaching kids how to talk about God's reality in their lives. Work together to adapt group activities such as retreats, Bible studies, and skits.

For more information, call ProYouth at (206) 248-0070 or e-mail RuralTom@aol.com

Elder Care

Visiting someone in a nursing home isn't a comfortable experience for many adults, and it can be even more awkward for teenagers. Yet an outreach to nursing home residents gives kids a valuable opportunity to learn from the wisdom and maturity of these older adults. Proper preparation and follow-up can enhance the impact for your kids.

Before she visit-(1) Invite kids to talk about their elderly relatives; (2) study passages from the Bible that deal with growing old, such as Psalms 71:5-9; 92:12-15; and 1 Timothy 5:12; and (3) give kids ideas for conversation topics, such as the person's childhood, job, family, or hobbies.

During the visit-Have kids...( 1 ) bring along small pets to show the residents (with permission); (2) check out some '40s music from the library and play it; and (3) distribute large-print cards that include your group's name and inspirational Scripture verses.

After the visit-(1) Encourage kids to talk about their experiences, especially what they learned about the ups and downs of growing old; (2) pray for the residents by name; and (3) take note of significant issues that you can incorporate into future youth group meetings.

Bus Stop Service Any bus stop where a significant number of teenagers catch a school bus affords a great outreach-op. Get kids' attention by showing up with free food or drinks.

* Hand out soft drinks to kids when they get off the bus. On the cans, attach labels that give information about your youth group.

* Have pizza and soft drinks waiting for kids when they get off the bus. Write information about your youth group on the pizza boxes.

* In warm weather, set up a table and serve breakfast to kids before they get on the bus in the morning.

* When the weather's chilly, serve hot chocolate in the morning