The Sacred Seven Elements of a Strong Youth Ministry

What are some of the key elements of a strong youth group - especially the ones that might not spring immediately to mind? This is a classic question and recently I uncovered a set of answers from some of our Kiwi cousins. The team of youth staff in Wellington NZ have identified these seven practices as being integral to youth ministry in their diocese. (I've added my comments on each one.)


  • Tribal Identity: Ensure you have a group culture and that everyone knows they are part of your group.  (Comment: There are lots of ways to produce a good sense of tribe. Some churches have a designated Youth Room or youth group name or particular rituals each time they meet.)
  • Small Group Belonging: Every young person will be part of a smaller group with a leader assigned to that group.  (Comment: if the YG is already small (say, ten members or fewer), smaller groups may not be necessary.  But otherwise, some kind of 'small group time' is almost essential so that people can be heard and recognised and not just 'lost in the crowd'.)
  • Journey with Jesus: Jesus is at the centre and is the reason you do this youth group – he must be part of it! (Comment: no argument here! If youth and leaders don't hear Jesus being at least mentioned (let alone being sung about, being prayed to, etc) every time the YG meets, something is out of whack.)
  • Neighbourhood Facing: This group is about inviting and engaging with young people around your community. (Comment: this is easy to overlook, but often also easy to fix.  Ask yourself a simple question - where can I find young people in this suburb? Answers often include schools, shopping centres, skate parks, sporting fixtures, etc. Next - how could our YG go and engage with young people in those places?)  
  • Leadership Formation: Develop your key young people to be able to take over – work yourself out of a job! (Comment: OK, well, I don't really want to be worked out of a job just now, but I know what you mean - the idea of offering leadership experience to young people as often as possible is a great one, and includes youth being involved in worship services and ministries of all kinds.)
  • Lean In Together: We are part of the Diocese. Involve yourself in the big events and networks. (Comment: great idea. There are numerous opportunities in the Anglican church for young people to get involved. One is to represent "Youth" at the annual Diocesan Synod.  If you're interested in that, contact me ASAP.)
  • 7. Be Conscious Of The LAST, LOST, and LEAST: Your ministry should take into account the Last, Lost, Least in our communities. We should be caring for these people also.  (Comment: this is spot on, but remember that there are numerous Anglican and other Christian agencies and groups doing great work already.  How about getting in touch with Anglicare SQ and asking them what kind of volunteer work is available at the moment? Doing a doorknock for a charity or doing a 40 Hour Famine together to raise money is a great and really worthwhile experience.

    • What do you think about these Seven?

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