Ways to Connect with Students for Leaders

Time outside the church with students can be one of the greatest times of relationship development. Josh Griffin on his blog this week had a guest blogger with some great ideas about how to connect with students outside of church. Parents can even use this to get involved in their student's lives. These 12 ways to connect are divided into three main categories, each category moving to a deeper level of relationship.

Ways to meet new kids and hang out with current youth group kids
1. Volunteer coach a sport at a local school – Coaching gives you a chance to meet dozens of kids. I had the opportunity to coach track this past Spring and I still have kids who call or text me for advice or just want to talk.
4. Tutor for free – Some schools have after school tutoring, volunteer for that in a subject you know well.

Connect and develop relationships with kids
5. Ride with a sports team to away games – Great idea from the guys over at YL Help
6. Help a student work on a project or hobby – Especially helpful during science fair season, or other big school projects. Participating in their personal hobbies are great ways to connect, too.

Disciple kids/transfer life skills to kids

11. Invite a student to help you lead a certain event, then evaluate it afterward – This is a great way to transfer leadership skills through hands-on learning. For example, I invited one kid to help me lead a video game night, asking him to consider “What do video games have to do with Jesus?” During our debrief time (which ended up going just as long as our video game time) we talked about video games as a means to build relationships and how relationships are key to evangelism and discipleship. I bet he learned more through that experience than any youth talk.

12. Be a student of God and invite a kid to learn with you – Pray with a kid, or listen to a sermon together, or read the Bible together. Be an avid learner and invite kids along to learn with you.

There are plenty of other ways to connect with kids. How are you planning to develop relationships with kids this new school year?

Nick Arnold is the youth pastor at New Hope Community Church in Sunland, CA. Hit up his blog at http://ministryallies.com and his Twitter @nickarnold.

Click Here to see the complete list. Tons of great ideas.

Parent:Student Connection Cookout

Parent:Student Connection Cookout

Date: August 9th

Time:5-7pm

Location: The two-story building on The Brook Campus

For More Info: Call Josh Britt @ 837.6633 ext. 107 or check out 72students.net

The Parent:Student Connection is to help parents and students to connect and understand more about our student ministry and each other. We will be sharing some of the upcoming events that are going on as well as resource parents with materials to help them grow closer to their students. This event is for the whole family. We will provide dinner and a great time together. Childcare is provided free of charge for kids 6th grade and under. Childcare must be made in advance by emailing josh@thebrookchurch.com or by signing up online at 72students.net. This will be a great time for us all to connect with each other. I hope you and your family will make it.

Don't Forget Parent.Student Connection

Don't forget the Parent.Student Connection this Sunday at 12:30pm. I hope you will all make it. Even if you didn't RSVP come anyways. It will be a great time of challenge, encouragement, and information. We have several big announcements. I hope you will make this a priority!