How to be a Youth Worker when you can’t meet with your youth [Issue 1]
Using your time well
Spending personal time with God so easily gets squeezed out of our busy day. I know that anything that rocks my routine knocks me off course. Try to build routine into this bizarre time we’re going through and set your time with God high on your priority list. If you’d like suggestions of what to read feel free to ask.
Most of us have a number of books that we’ve wanted to read for a while but haven’t been able to find the time. This is an excellent opportunity to read some good books. If you’d like suggestions feel free to ask.
I heard many years ago of a Chinese pastor who, when released from prison after years of incarceration, preached as well if not better than before. What prevented him from getting ‘rusty’? He continued to prepare a sermon each week while in prison.
A vital aspect of ministry to young people is teaching them and helping them to engage with God’s word. Let’s keep up the practice of studying God’s word and preparing how we would teach its message to help young people engage with what God is saying. (Look out for further tips on engaging teens with God’s word.)
Some of you may come up with very creative ideas for connecting with teens – that’s really excellent.
All of us, however, should make sure to spend the necessary time on our content so that there's integrity in the way we read, understand and apply God's word. Let’s continue to sow and water the precious seed of God's eternal, life-giving word.
Maintaining Integrity
We all must work within our Childcare Guidelines. It may be necessary at this time to update these guidelines, particularly with regard to social media, to enable us to continue to connect with the teens under our care. Often only the overall leader will have permission for personal contact with teens. Respect this protocol and follow agreed procedures.
Obtaining written permission from parents/guardians is critical and where this hasn’t been granted we must respect parents’ decisions by operating only with the permission we’ve been granted. This can be done digitally if necessary.
Parental/Guardian permission is only one step. All of us must respect teens’ privacy and guard against this current directive of social distancing as an excuse for inappropriate communication with young people.
Public platforms are better than private conversations. Of course we want to show personal care but it’s so easy for good intentions to wander into unhelpful places. If you’re unsure about boundaries talk with your overall youth leader. If you are the overall youth leader feel free to connect with us for advice.
Anticipate and Respond
Anticipate what teens may be going through at this time and discuss with other youth volunteers or your church leadership how best to respond. Fear is huge among many at this time. Worry regarding education, exams and college places may be impacting others. For others the needs may be less obvious and may require personal messages using permitted means.
Responding as a team where possible is ideal so you can give coordinated and sound advice. Chat online with other youth volunteers or your church leadership and come up with a plan for ministering to those in your care.