Empowerment Leadership Model for Small Groups, Teams, & Families
Course 3, Lesson 7
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Church High School Youth Program
starting correctly a biblical community of youth
for spiritual growth, rewarding relationships, and fun activities;
all done in a way to honor Jesus Christ
What is written below is just a tenth or less of what you would want
to brainstorm to effectively reach this critical population.
Note: Whenever "group" or "team" is used, it can mean "group", "team", or "family".
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A youth program has far more than average potential for individual teens to be positively affected for Christ ― if this empowerment model of group leadership is used. The greatest opportunities occur in non-structured, non-educational environments. Activities and social events are where personal needs are active, behavior more normal for each individual, and the dynamics of Christian society most powerful to help the Lord change lives. (See our other website www.ChristiansTogether.org for details on life-changing, most-obedient Christian relationships.)
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Tuning-In to the Target Population
Tuning-In to the Target Population
TYPE OF GROUP: LARGE GROUP OF TEENAGERS CONDUCTING THEIR PROGRAM WITHIN CHURCH AUSPICES
therefore,
the TARGET POPULATION is: TEENAGERS LOOKING FOR A CHURCH PROGRAM THAT PROMISES FUN AND FRIENDSHIP WITHIN A CHRISTIAN ENVIRONMENT
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TUNING-IN STEP ONE: Understand the situations of potential group members. What are their lives like? What kinds of things do they face? What might be going on in their lives? What is normal behavior for them?
Teenagers from Church Families Who Attend Public Schools: If they have been involved with church programs all of their lives, they might be bored with church and have very low expectations for anything worthwhile. For some, this youth program may be one of the few approved activities and comprise their main social activity outside of school. A few may have high expectations for spiritual content. Many may hope for a social environment safer than that of school, more accepting. Others will fear a critical environment. Some will be rebellious, while others are compliant. Some will resent having to participate because it is demanded by their parents. Some will have friends in the group. A few might be relatively friendless.
Teenagers from Church Families Who Attend Christian Schools or Are Home-Schooled: Many will be tired of Christian education, especially. Many will hope for something more exciting than Christian school and Sunday school. Some will resent having to participate because it is demanded by their parents. Some will have friends in the group. A few might be relatively friendless. Christian Teenagers from Other Churches Who Come with a Friend Who Attends This Church: Most will be coming just to be with their friend. Some will be tired of their own church and wonder what there is at a different church. Most will be coming voluntarily, so there will not be resistance and resentment. Non-Christian Teenagers Who Come with a Friend Who Attends This Church: Most will be coming just to be with their friend. Some may be curious what a church does. Some will be fearful of the strange environment at first. |
TUNING-IN STEP TWO: What might potential group members be THINKING about their lives? About themselves? What do they want out of life?
As teenagers, many will want to be trying out privileges of being older and escape being treated like "children". Most are self-conscious. They think that they are grown up to take on adult tasks and afraid that they are not, both at the same time.
Some will have happy homes and be fairly content with their lives, but some will be very unhappy at home. Some will be doing well in school and think of themselves as "smart" while others will be struggling educationally and be thinking of themselves as "dumb" or just average and nothing special. All want to be significant and successful, often with vain ideas of success. Most will be quite happy to find their special place in the kingdom of God. *** And much more "anticipatory empathy" can be developed. This should be given some time and thought until a fairly thorough picture of possibilities is developed. |
TUNING-IN STEP THREE: What might potential group members be FEELING about their lives? About themselves?
Some will be excited about their lives while others will be discouraged. They hope that they will be liked by other teens. Most will define their attractiveness physically rather than by deeper personal qualities. Most will feel they should be better Christians. Some will over-estimate they spiritual depth.
*** And much more "anticipatory empathy" can be developed. This should be given some time and thought until a fairly thorough picture of possibilities is developed. |
TUNING-IN STEP FOUR: Regarding the group or program you will propose, what might potential group members think and feel about it? And what might they think and feel about you, the leader?
Because of self-conscious factors as well as boredom with church, many will think that the youth program will not be worth their time. Only a few will look forward to it, probably as an opportunity to find a friend or two or to soak up popularity.
Many will be less than enthusiastic about adult leadership. They believe that they will continue to be bored by them and treated like children who cannot guide the course of their lives in any important way. *** And much more "anticipatory empathy" can be developed. This should be given some time and thought until a fairly thorough picture of possibilities is developed. |
TUNING-IN STEP FIVE: What do you think and feel about the potential group members? About the group as a whole? About leading the group? About your skills, the facilities, etc.?
If I do not recognize teen behavior as coming from relatively insecure individuals, I might not like those teens who are stand-off-ish or even obnoxious. Therefore, the danger will be that I like the more approachable teens and unconsciously avoid those who need Christ's love and help the most.
I might be afraid that I won't be able to "stay on top of" the group of kids. Yet, I am challenged to see the teens get the help they need from the church. I know that I will need the help from the Lord and the other ministry leaders. |
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NOTE
NOTE
A Youth Group Program is far different from a small group. The small group empowerment leadership method we teach can be adapted to the large group. Below you will see how the larger group can be approached with some of the same techniques and philosophies as leading small groups.
However, the method we teach for small groups applies expertly to the many smaller groups of the youth program. Small groups of a youth group include each activity outing, special interest groups, athletic endeavors, Bible studies, and Helpful Intervention Groups patterned after our Energy Groups.
However, the method we teach for small groups applies expertly to the many smaller groups of the youth program. Small groups of a youth group include each activity outing, special interest groups, athletic endeavors, Bible studies, and Helpful Intervention Groups patterned after our Energy Groups.
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Formulating a Motivating "Offer of Opportunity"
Formulating a Motivating "Offer of Opportunity"
This "Offer of Opportunity" will be for individuals to join a large Christian community of adolescents. It can be delivered in the initial large gathering of teenagers, as well as to individuals and friendship groups.
What will be unexpected, most likely, is that you are offering something that the teens do. The Youth Ministry Leadership Team will not "put on" the Youth Program so much as to help the teens do it themselves. It will be their group, not that of leadership. This will go counter to what they are used to, and be very attractive.
Decide upon a generalized purpose statement that embodies something critical that (1) the group members want to accomplish and (2) that they need each other to achieve. It also must be a purpose that you want to help the group achieve. Design a purpose statement that connects what you want to offer with the critical needs of those you will invite to join the group.
How would you like to join with other teenagers to help each other run a program in the church for teens?
This would be a biblical community of youth for spiritual growth, rewarding relationships, and fun activities, all done in a way to honor Jesus Christ. It would be your group, led by an adult Youth Group Leadership Team who will train you how to lead and do what a healthy Christian community of kids would do. Most decisions would be yours as a group, but will need to be consistent to the beliefs and lifestyle of the larger church. |
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Establishing the Agreements of "The Contract"
Establishing the Agreements of "The Contract"
The Contract is the set of agreements between the members of the group– and, also, the group and its members with the leader. The Contract establishes the understanding and commitment necessary for the group to accomplish its purpose.
For most of the first meeting there will not be a group, only a collection of individuals working at deciding whether or not they want to form a group. Starting with item #10, the group has begun and has its own responsibilities.
To get a group started right, the leader will:
1. Present the possibility of a group experience.
2 . Help prospective group members consider the offer.
3. Help those who want a group experience actually form a group.
4. Help the new group define their expectations through agreements that will help them
be successful at achieving the group purpose.
CONTRACTING STEP ONE: Using the “tuning-in” that you did previously, communicate with teens wherever they can be found. Let them know that the Youth Ministry Leadership Team understands some of what they want out of life. Lend a vision about the benefit of participating in the youth group, which is yet to be defined because most of that will be done by the teenagers themselves. Here is one way to use an "IF ---- THEN" vision.
If you would join with other teenagers to establish a God-honoring, biblical community of youth for spiritual growth, rewarding relationships, and fun activities, your life will surely improve with new friends, a closer relationship with Jesus, and more personal success.
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CONTRACTING STEP TWO: Offer the group in as simple a way as possible. Communicate the “Offer of Opportunity” and seek their feedback about joining.
Plan helpful actions that will engage the possible feelings, thoughts, and actions of potential group members in a way that will help them overcome doubts and commit themselves to the group. Anticipate problems that might come up when you offer the group or program, such as concern for confidentiality.
"How would you like to participate in the youth group and work with other teenagers to develop and run a biblical community of youth for spiritual growth, rewarding relationships, and fun activities, all done in a way to honor Jesus Christ?"
"Your participation means that you would help at whatever level your talents are needed, but especially to help other teens feel welcome and to encourage them in living for God, being good to their friends, and having fun. All of the teens together will define what activities the youth program will have. Each activity will be led by a leadership team made up of teenagers and that leadership team will be led by one or two adults who will do only what the teens cannot do on their own. For example, if the youth group wants to have a picnic, a Picnic Leadership Group will be formed of teens to plan and carry out the picnic and an adult will help that Picnic Leadership Group to do a good job. You might want to serve on the Picnic Leadership Team or just go to the picnic where you will enjoy yourself and do your part to make sure that others have an enjoyable time." |
Be patient when talking youth group participation over with a teen or group of teens. Listen carefully for their concerns. If you have done a good job at "tuning-in", you will recognize and deal with issues that may get in the way of participation.
CONTRACTING STEP THREE: Help kids to tentatively commit to trying the youth group.
“Do you think you might like to give the youth group a try?”
"Is there anything that you think the youth group should do? Would you be willing to lend a hand at getting that done?" |
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VARIATION FOR A LARGE GROUP
VARIATION FOR A LARGE GROUP
Usually kids just come to a youth group. There is no formal "joining".
But, let me suggest another approach which allows commitment to be a member of a youth group with the purpose of building a biblical community of youth for spiritual growth, rewarding relationships, and fun activities, all done in a way to honor Jesus Christ.
Kids can still come and observe the youth group. But, just as church membership is offered for obvious reasons, youth group membership should be offered. Kids can "join" at any time, but that joining must be marked by the set of agreements that will assure the youth group can successfully pursue its purpose.
At the start, an initial meeting would be held. Instead of filling the meeting with music and entertainment, I suggest that this should be a meeting for the business of forming the Youth Group. All kids present can make the agreements necessary to be a member of the Youth Group (rather than an observer or someone outside of the community of teens). Later on, teens can join by making the same agreements. They should not be allowed to known as members without making those agreement that come below.
Contracting Steps 1 - 3 can be done with individuals or small groups of teens prior to the first large meeting. But, they should be repeated at the first large "Kick Off" meeting.
But, let me suggest another approach which allows commitment to be a member of a youth group with the purpose of building a biblical community of youth for spiritual growth, rewarding relationships, and fun activities, all done in a way to honor Jesus Christ.
Kids can still come and observe the youth group. But, just as church membership is offered for obvious reasons, youth group membership should be offered. Kids can "join" at any time, but that joining must be marked by the set of agreements that will assure the youth group can successfully pursue its purpose.
At the start, an initial meeting would be held. Instead of filling the meeting with music and entertainment, I suggest that this should be a meeting for the business of forming the Youth Group. All kids present can make the agreements necessary to be a member of the Youth Group (rather than an observer or someone outside of the community of teens). Later on, teens can join by making the same agreements. They should not be allowed to known as members without making those agreement that come below.
Contracting Steps 1 - 3 can be done with individuals or small groups of teens prior to the first large meeting. But, they should be repeated at the first large "Kick Off" meeting.
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CONTRACTING STEP FOUR: Spell out the costs of membership in the youth group for successful work toward accomplishment of the purpose. Things to communicate may include but are not limited to the following: (a) friendliness with all other members as well as guests, (b) contribute to the enjoyment and spiritual growth of all other members, (c) no gossiping and only helpful concern in discussion for planning how to help someone, (d) participation is some activities, (e) etc.
"There are some costs of membership for you to agree with if you want to be a part of this youth group rather than just an onlooker. It will be necessary to do your best to treat all members of the group with Christian love. There are many birthrights that come from being a Christian and a citizen in the kingdom of God. Members of this youth group will have an excellent chance to give those privileges of the faith to one another. This will include basic friendliness, occasional encouragement, helping one another have fun, learn, and glorify God through living for Him. You will be learning more and more about how to be a community of teen Christians -- and how wonderful that is. You will learn to work together, to work out the problems you occasionally have with one another, the forgive one another and find the freedom that brings, as well as many other characteristics of the people of God."
"You will need to contribute to the enjoyment and spiritual growth of others. It will be important for you to resist gossiping and learn how to talk with each other about how to help someone whose behavior does not match up with the expectations of Jesus." "Can you commit to doing your best at things like these?" |
CONTRACTING STEP FIVE: Acquire from each potential member an agreement to be a part of the group, committed to the group’s purpose and willing to pay the cost of membership.
Restate your “Offer of Opportunity”.
If anyone does not want to join the group, ask them to stick around for the rest of this meeting and offer ideas. Let them know that if at any time they change their mind and want to join the group and its purpose, they just need to say so.
“Now that you know some of the costs of membership, do you want to join this youth group for the purpose of working with other teenagers to develop and run a biblical community of youth for spiritual growth, rewarding relationships, and fun activities, all done in a way to honor Jesus Christ?"
"If anyone is not sure about joining, please talk with me or one of the other Youth Ministry Leadership Team. Let us help you decide one way or the other." |
CONTRACTING STEP SIX: Ask for commitment of group members to each other. Note that at the beginning of a group the purpose cannot be repeated too often. It must be ingrained in everyone's mind as the ultimate reason for getting together as a group. Other agendas and purposes must be prevented by this conscious action at focusing effort.
“Let's make sure that you all can commit to each other as Christians. Can each of you commit, not only to the group and its purpose, but also to every other member? This means that you commit to help other youth group members from time to time in their roles in helping the group achieve the purpose. In doing so, you will be praising God by acting like Jesus Christ, His Son. And, you will be earning treasure in heaven"
"Can you commit to being helpful and not harmful to the others in the youth group?" |
CONTRACTING STEP SEVEN: Help the potential group agree to and accept your role as group leader. Give and explain your own commitment to help the individuals become a functional group and to help the group work toward success at its purpose. Make clear why you cannot be considered a member of the group because your focus needs to be, like a coach or consultant, on helping the group develop and grow into a strong team. Explain that you cannot do that and also focus on helping the youth group as a whole with its tasks. Make sure they know that success is and must be in their control.
“It is the job of the Youth Ministry Leadership Team to help your youth group do its best to achieve the purpose of developing and running a biblical community of youth for spiritual growth, rewarding relationships, and fun activities, all done in a way to honor Jesus Christ."
"My role and the role of the other adult members of the Youth Ministry Leadership Team are like the functions of athletic coaches, and your your group is like a sports team. We help, but you kids do most of the work of the youth group. We will work in this way to produce a youth group you enjoy and can be proud of. Even more important, it will be a youth group that Jesus will be proud of.” “We adults must avoid, whenever possible, doing what you are capable of doing. Otherwise, we will hold the youth group back from the growth that brings success. It is your group, and you must become capable to do the work. We will not be distant or inactive. We aim to be very active in helping your group develop into a powerful organism.” "As such, we will lead the youth group in the sense of helping the youth group to become skilled and successful. You will lead the youth group in the sense of doing the work of the group, which includes making many decisions and carrying out those decisions." “Does anyone NOT agree to this leadership arrangement?” |
CONTRACTING STEP EIGHT: When they agree, it is time for you to commit yourself to help the group and its group members.
“Since you’ve committed yourselves to the group, to one another, and to my help, the Youth Ministry Leadership Team is with you. We will help you as best as we can.”
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CONTRACTING STEP NINE: Explain that they have just formed a group: two or more people who need each other to work on a common purpose.
“You have just done the most important thing for group success -- you have become a group with a purpose that you will work on together as a group to achieve. ALWAYS don't forget the purpose. You are now the youth group of this church in its beginning stage.”
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CONTRACTING STEP TEN: Go over a little more carefully who is to be a "true" member of their group. Explain that membership has benefits like cooperation and friendliness and respectfulness. Ask them if anyone cannot give those things to the people in the room who have accepted membership. Usually they will readily agree, and this may be important later if any of those things are withheld from someone.
Ask the group if there is anyone they know of who should be invited to be a member of the group, but was not.
"It is very important for all of you to begin thinking like a group. The first thing is to recognize that everyone in the youth group gets the privileges of membership in a group that is a Christian community."
"At the start, this means friendliness and acceptance that everyone is okay not because you agree with them but because they are identified with Jesus Christ. Occasionally the membership privilege of giving loving advise and speaking the truth in love will be given to one another." "Absence of harmful criticism and gossiping is also a privilege of membership in this group because of its purpose to become more and more a community of youth living for and glorifying God." “So, look around and see all the people you need to treat with kindness and respect." "There will usually be visitors and other teenagers who have not committed to this youth group and its purpose to develop and run a biblical community of youth for spiritual growth, rewarding relationships, and fun activities, all done in a way to honor Jesus Christ. The privileges of membership do not belong to them, but as a Christian community some of them like friendliness should be extended to them. Other privileges such as help and encouragement over time cannot be extended to them without their commitment to the youth group." "Some visitors and those who have not accepted Christ as their Savior and do not have the help of the Holy Spirit inside of them will have to not get in the way of the purpose of the youth group if they are to be with your group. As such, and this is not that different than most groups, this is not an open group for anyone. Just like someone who disrupts a football practice session will have to leave the football field, your group will have to develop a way of helping those who disrupt to leave the group environment." |
CONTRACTING STEP ELEVEN: Help the group explore the feelings of each member about being in the group so that work in the group can be as free as possible of fear, ambivalence, anger, embarrassment, etc.
“If any of you has any questions or fears or even excited expectations that you are afraid will not be met, let me recommend that you talk these over first with your closest Christian friends, especially if they are in this youth group. Then, until the youth group develops its own style of leadership, come to one of the members of the Youth Ministry Leadership Team. Let's talk things over so that you can fully contribute to the success of the youth group to become a truly Christian community of teens."
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Steps 12 through 14 will not work well with the larger group of teens. If the youth group is under twelve individuals it will, but this example has been for a group of 25 or more youths. Steps 12 - 14 will work well as smaller groups within the large youth group begin their work. For example, if the youth group decides to have a Leadership Council, an Activities Committee, a Spiritual Development Committee and/or other smaller groups, these last three steps will be invaluable.
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CONTRACTING STEP TWELVE: Help the group explore what kinds of individual behavior will be expected of each of the members if the group is to go well and be successful in working toward the group purpose. After dealing with individual behaviors that will help the group succeed, discuss what behaviors will be detrimental to group success.
CONTRACTING STEP THIRTEEN: Help the group consider what it will need to do as a group, i.e. the group as a whole rather than the individual members. Help them to identify things like creating a "can do", positive, accepting atmosphere. There is no need for the group members to understand the span of their responsibilities. But they do need to know that the group as a whole will need to do many things – as a group. Considering some of them at the beginning of the group will focus the minds of group members on their existence as a group as a whole rather than as individuals.
CONTRACTING STEP FOURTEEN: Help the group discuss general goals necessary to achieve the group's purpose.
Copyright 2012 Dick Wulf, Colorado, USA