If, like myself, you grew up in church, you may remember that junior and high Sunday school was, well, rather tiring, if not downright boring. Or perhaps you’ve taught this age group in Sunday School and watched your pensive teens stare at the floor as you waxed eloquent on the Hypostatic Union.
Well, here’s a thought. I haven’t actually done this and I don’t know anyone who has. But I think it’s worth a try.
How about starting a-you got it-team ministry with your teens serving widows and single parents in your church. One Sunday morning a month, during the Sunday School hour, divide your teens into teams of four each and send them out (with an adult, of course) to serve in the home of someone in your church or community who can use their services. Then send them back on the same team to the same person every month so they gain a vision for relational ministry.
Then use the other Sundays in the month to teach your teens about service, the love of Christ, and the needs of the widowed and single parents. I guarantee you these lessons will stay with them for life. And the widows, widowers and single parents in the church can pray for your teens and keep in touch with them throughout their lives.
Yes, your teens will get a little dirty by the time they get back to church.
But it will be holy dirt.
Do you teach this age group at your church? What do you think about my idea? What have you done to energize your teens?
This post first appeared in NewCommandment.org.
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Learn how to form teams of men for every widow, single mom
and fatherless child in your church at NewCommandment.org.
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