Having an organized youth group with dedicated adult leadership is a great blessing.  One of the negative aspects may be that if the group is the sole and/or primary provider of Christian growth and community some individuals within the group may find it difficult to continue their walk when there’s a change within the group or they experience a lifestyle change.  A trusted and admired leader may leave, young people in the group eventually age out of it or they may move away.  If they enter college and have only had experience in a congregation as a youth in a youth group they may not make the effort to find a church as an adult for many years, if ever. Perhaps they may never have felt a part of that particular group and have no sense of belonging to any Christian community. 

In addition to their participation in a youth group there are numerous ways to link youths to individual Christians, a different congregation and the wider Church.  Having a broader range of connections with other Christians and Christian communities would assist them in making the Christian life their own as they enter adulthood. 

Rather than a specific program, (with all the usual time, money, tasks and people involved), a culture change within the congregation can provide ways to include youth into the main body of the whole congregation and the wider Church. There are many ways an individual congregation can affect a culture change that fits their size and situation.  The list of possibilities below contains ideas that may be helpful to congregations of all sizes. 

Please let us know what’s worked for your congregation so we can pass it along.

CONNECTING TO THE CONGREGATION-Inclusion into the adult life of the congregation. 

 Participation in a Session meeting as a representative of the Youth Group.

 Participation in the committees of the Session if they have an interest in what the committee is involved in.

 Working alongside, (and as equals), of adults in the tasks that need to be done i.e., maintaining the facility, participation in Worship Service etc.

 Inclusion in some of the Men and Women’s groups’ special activities.

 Inclusion in the congregations small groups for those aged 16 an older.

 Friendship Program:  One on one intentional relationship between one adult and one youth under the auspices of the church.  The youth chooses the adult.

CONNECTING TO THE WIDER CHURCH 
 
The Presbytery of Seattle:

 Attend Presbytery meetings.

 Participation in an event or Committee of Presbytery, i.e. Social Justice and Peacemaking.

 Join with Youth Groups from other churches for special events.

 Seattle Presbytery Education Committee-provides leadership and support for youth functions.
  www.presbytery.org/Committees/DevelopLeadership/EducationCommittee/tabid/1176/Default.aspx

The Synod of Alaska Northwest:

 Presbyterian camps-Sound View Camp near Tacoma and Tall Timber Ranch in Leavenworth.

The PC (USA):

 YAD’S   Youth Advisory Delegates attend and participate in the General Assembly.  Info on PC (USA) website.

 Youth Ministries-Website for youth leaders.  www.pcusa.org/youthministry/     

 Youth Connection-Website for youth and everyone else.  Lots of ideas for connecting in various ways.  www.pcusa.org/youthministry/pyc.htm  

 Youth Triennium-A huge event that occurs every three years for Presbyterian and other Reformed youth.    http://www.presbyterianyouthtriennium.org/

 Young Adult Ministry-Transitioning into college and young adulthood  http://www.pcusa.org/youngadult/

Christians grow best in community.  That’s one reason God invented the Church!