Young Adult Ministry
This past Sunday we started up a new Young Adult Ministry for ages 18-29. I decided to call it "Link Up" because I wanted to keep the group's focus on getting to know one another and partnering in the the work of Christ.
We started our meeting by registering people and then mingling and talking around 3 tables (we had 11 young adults). I gave each person a Personal Profile sheet that asked for name, age, occupation, and then 4 random questions like "What's your favorite color?"
Next, we went into what I call "High Speed Connection." It's kind of like speed dating. People would discuss their profiles and a couple of thought provoking questions (about the days Scripture lesson) for 3 minutes at their table and then switch tables and do the same again with different questions for 3 minutes until they had been to all 3 tables.
I picked 3 people to be "locked" and gave them a lanyard with a picture of a lock on it. Locked people did not switch tables when everyone else did. Instead, they were the facilitators of the questions at the table and had to pay special attention to Profile Sheets. This is because they were going to be contestants in the People Quiz.
The People Quiz is very simple. I ask 10 questions based on people's profiles and the locked people compete to see who remembered the most. Such as, "Where was Richard born?" I gave the winner a $5 gift card to Starbucks. That person is now the People Quiz Champion and will automatically be locked next week to defend their title.
We then watched the first NOOMA video "Rain" and read Scripture together out loud. I taught on the subject of building our lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ, the rock, as opposed to building it on the sand, in disobedience to Christ's teachings. It was interactive and some students brought up some very good points concerning keeping our personal lives in order so that we can help others in their needs.
Afterward, each table went into a prayer focus time with needs being shared and then having each person pray for the person on their right. The locked people said the final prayer at each table.
I read this benediction from Jude...
“24 And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating - 25 to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes.” – Jude 24-25
Next week we will also include a time of Giving, where the group will discuss needs among them and how those needs can be met. I want to stress community and caring for each other. I also want them to understand that giving their time or ability is just as important as their finances.
I told you all of this so that you will pray for me and Mrs. JimmyBob as we lead this group. We want it to be wonderful and exciting. What an opportunity we have with this age group to really see authentic community take place.
Let me ask you a question. Do you see yourself as a person who is "linked up" with others as a partner in the work of the Kingdom? Honestly, do you collaborate to accomplish the teachings of Jesus? What's that like? How does it feel? Pretty rewarding, huh?
"We work together as partners who belong to God." - 1 Corinthians 3:9
We started our meeting by registering people and then mingling and talking around 3 tables (we had 11 young adults). I gave each person a Personal Profile sheet that asked for name, age, occupation, and then 4 random questions like "What's your favorite color?"
Next, we went into what I call "High Speed Connection." It's kind of like speed dating. People would discuss their profiles and a couple of thought provoking questions (about the days Scripture lesson) for 3 minutes at their table and then switch tables and do the same again with different questions for 3 minutes until they had been to all 3 tables.
I picked 3 people to be "locked" and gave them a lanyard with a picture of a lock on it. Locked people did not switch tables when everyone else did. Instead, they were the facilitators of the questions at the table and had to pay special attention to Profile Sheets. This is because they were going to be contestants in the People Quiz.
The People Quiz is very simple. I ask 10 questions based on people's profiles and the locked people compete to see who remembered the most. Such as, "Where was Richard born?" I gave the winner a $5 gift card to Starbucks. That person is now the People Quiz Champion and will automatically be locked next week to defend their title.
We then watched the first NOOMA video "Rain" and read Scripture together out loud. I taught on the subject of building our lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ, the rock, as opposed to building it on the sand, in disobedience to Christ's teachings. It was interactive and some students brought up some very good points concerning keeping our personal lives in order so that we can help others in their needs.
Afterward, each table went into a prayer focus time with needs being shared and then having each person pray for the person on their right. The locked people said the final prayer at each table.
I read this benediction from Jude...
“24 And now to him who can keep you on your feet, standing tall in his bright presence, fresh and celebrating - 25 to our one God, our only Savior, through Jesus Christ, our Master, be glory, majesty, strength, and rule before all time, and now, and to the end of all time. Yes.” – Jude 24-25
Next week we will also include a time of Giving, where the group will discuss needs among them and how those needs can be met. I want to stress community and caring for each other. I also want them to understand that giving their time or ability is just as important as their finances.
I told you all of this so that you will pray for me and Mrs. JimmyBob as we lead this group. We want it to be wonderful and exciting. What an opportunity we have with this age group to really see authentic community take place.
Let me ask you a question. Do you see yourself as a person who is "linked up" with others as a partner in the work of the Kingdom? Honestly, do you collaborate to accomplish the teachings of Jesus? What's that like? How does it feel? Pretty rewarding, huh?
"We work together as partners who belong to God." - 1 Corinthians 3:9
posted by JimmyBob at 11:31 PM
4 Comments:
I really like the concept of getting that age grouped linked in. All to often the world seems to pull these young adults.
I think I am beginning to become "linked up" as Carmen and I adjust to our new surroundings and new people@church. As we become involved and become trained as cell leaders(actually only Carm can teach)I think we will grow more in the Lord. I am now at a point where I am excited to see this new venture take place.
What do you mean new surroundings? Where are you guys at?
We left Calvary back in February and are now attending Joy Community Fellowship. Long story~music, youth etc. But are beginning to feel at home. It can never be like our "family" at Calvary, but it feels a lot like it. Sandy
Kathy reminded me that you guys told us something about that at Jake's wedding.
Well, we can relate to making new friends and moving on, etc. We feel exactly the same way you do about "Calvary," as you put it.
God is huge and His people are everywhere. We've learned that. You receive new kinds of joy and new memories.
And I love the fact that we can still connect with this wonderful invention called blogging!
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