1) Five-Year Goals
Really, who came up with this business model for the church? This year’s goal is last year’s goal: get teens to meet Jesus.
2) Church Family Service Projects
This is also known as Why don’t we “invite” the youth to come and do the dishes at the spaghetti supper? I’m sure they need a service project. Maybe you should invite the teens to the spaghetti supper.
3) The Word X-TREME in Curriculum
Put an X in front of a word and suddenly it’s a youth thing: X-TREME Bible study, X-TREME mission trip, X-TREME Sunday school. How about X-TREME baptism or X-TREME communion? We might shell out money for that.
4) Cheesy Graduation Books
Jesus in My Dorm Room: How to Save Your Roommate
Prayers for College Life: Calling on Jesus When You’re Barfing Doesn’t Count
A Freshman’s Guide to Impure Thoughts
Let’s just bite the bullet and give every graduate a Starbucks card.
5) That Cheer
“Yes, yes, yes we do! We love Jesus—how ‘bout you?” It never seems to end with the same energy it starts with, and there’s always that one girl who just keeps going and going . . .
6) Hatred, Ignorance, Bigotry
Oh . . . and anchovies on pizza.
Steve Case has been active in youth ministry for 18 years, currently at Windermere Union United Church of Christ near Orlando, Florida. He’s also a popular speaker and the author of several books, includingEVERYTHING COUNTS and THE BOOK OF UNCOMMON PRAYER. Find more of his books HERE and visit his website HERE.