Bridging the Gap: Activities for Wider Church Engagement

Here are some activities designed to create a bridge for young people to connect more deeply with the church:

Social and Fun:

• Game Nights: Board games, video games (with appropriate supervision), or even sports tournaments can be a great way to gather and build friendships.
• Talent Shows/Coffeehouse Nights: Provide a platform for young people to showcase their talents, be it music, poetry, or comedy.
• Movie Nights: Host movie nights with discussions that connect themes to faith or values.
• Volunteer Activities: Organise events where young people can give back to the community, fostering a sense of purpose and connection. Partner with local charities or organise a church cleanup day.
• Social Media Engagement: Run church social media accounts with content relevant to young people, like faith-based challenges or polls on religious topics.

Spiritual Growth and Exploration:

• Small Discussion Groups: Create smaller groups for young people to delve deeper into scripture or faith topics in a comfortable setting.
• Book Clubs: Choose books that explore faith, ethics, or social justice issues, sparking discussions and applying them to real life.
• Guest Speaker Series: Invite young adult speakers, musicians, or authors who can share their faith journeys and inspire others.
• Mentorship Program: Pair young people with older church members for guidance and support, fostering intergenerational connections.
• Creative Worship Experiences: Incorporate elements like music, art, or drama into worship services to make them more engaging for young people.

Leadership and Ownership:

• Youth Advisory Council: Form a council where young people have a voice in planning church activities and events.
• Worship Team Participation: Allow young people to contribute their talents musically or through technical roles in worship services.
• Service Projects with Choice: Let young people choose causes they’re passionate about and plan related service projects.
• Social Media Takeovers: Allow young people to manage the church’s social media accounts for a day, creating content that resonates with their peers.
• Internships: Offer internships for young people interested in specific areas like media, youth ministry, or social work.

Remember:

• Make it relevant: Tailor activities and discussions to the interests and needs of young people in your community.
• Be flexible: Be open to suggestions and adaptations based on feedback from young people.
• Create a welcoming space: Ensure the church feels like a safe and inclusive place for young people to explore their faith.
• Promote through the right channels: Advertise activities on social media platforms young people use and through youth groups in schools.

By implementing these activities and fostering a sense of ownership and purpose, you can build a strong bridge for young people to engage more deeply with the church community.