Youth work is often about numbers. How many kids came? Did we hit our targets? Are we growing? But what if we shifted our focus? What if we saw people in ones, not statistics?
Think of Jesus. He didn’t gather crowds just to boost attendance. He saw the individual. Zacchaeus lost in the crowd, the woman at the well, the leper shunned by society. Jesus met them where they were, saw their needs, and offered them love and acceptance.
Imagine the impact if we did the same. Instead of herding kids through sessions, we took time to connect. Ask questions, listen to their stories, and build genuine relationships. It’s about quality over quantity.
This doesn’t mean we abandon large group activities. But it does mean we prioritise the individual within the group. See each young person as unique, valuable, and worthy of our time and attention.
Challenge: This week, focus on connecting with one young person you don’t know well. Ask about their interests, dreams, and struggles. You might be surprised by what you learn.
Let’s move from counting heads to changing hearts, one person at a time.
Leave a Reply