Part of the Reaching Generation Now campaign is to “create a climate of awareness” that will allow children and youth to participate significantly in the life of the church. In most churches, children and youth are present every Sunday. They go to their Sunday School class and then they go to the worship service to sing songs and hear the preacher preach a great sermon. However, do these children and youth feel involved in the activity of church? The following statistic could answer that question.

The Youth Transition Network has found that about 80% of students in high school youth groups have left the church within a year after high school graduation.

How can you help them feel connected to the life and heartbeat of the church? Below are some easy things that you can incorporate into your church to let children and youth know they are needed, valued and wanted in the total life of the church. Here are some easy to do suggestions you can incorporate on any Sunday.

• Plan a children and youth Sunday Service twice a year. Back in the 70’s these were very popular. During these services, a young person would lead the music and a young man would preach. Children would take up the offering and pass out bulletins. Youth were asked to teach adult Sunday School classes. It created a lot of excitement for all who participated and all who watched. Consider planning at least two of these during the year. It will be a blessing to the entire church.
• Have children and youth take up the offering several times throughout the year.
• Have children and youth at the front doors greeting people and passing out bulletins.
• Have children and youth work alongside adults in the guest center and parking lot. This would be a great impression for first time guests to see.
• Have a young person share his/her testimony in the service. Share a testimony about a recent trip they went on and how God spoke to them. (direct students in how to share their testimony before they share it in front of the church)
• Have children and youth sing special music from time to time.
• Incorporate youth-led scripture reading into the service.
• Recognize significant accomplishments in their lives.

All children and youth want to know that their church can use them in some way—big or small. The best way to do this is to give them a job where they are visible before the church. Give them something to do. Stretch them by giving away significant tasks. If children and youth know they are needed by the simple act of giving them something to do, they will be more likely to stay in the church.

With God’s blessing, reaching this generation is within our grasp. Keep loving, believing in, and encouraging every child and youth that is in your community and church.
For more information about how you can reach this generation, go to www.reachinggenerationnow.com.