Youth ministry games have always been one of the most sought after youth ministry resources by student pastors. And it makes sense because kids of all ages and personality types love to let loose, and if we are honest we do to. I mean what is more fun than pouring flour or mustard all over a kid and then having a group of them chase you to return the favor? Today though, as we look at games I do not want to just give you a list of games you can use but instead I want to look at 3 important things when it comes to games that we as student pastors must consider. Then, in exchange for bearing with me I will give you a free game you can use in your ministry. 1. Youth Ministry Is Not All Fun And Games.- For along time there was an idea in student ministry, that eventually turned into a stigma about student ministry, that all we were supposed to do was play games and let the kids have fun. While I believe most of us have gotten passed this I know there are still some places where either this is what is expected us or maybe we still think this is what kids want. But I want you to know that students need much more than fun and games. Students need community. Students need to grow in their faith. Students need to learn God's word. Students need to go out and share their faith. Students need to be challenged to meet the needs of those around them. Students need to have a high standard set that says they can do big things for God. So it is important that in the midst of having fun, we make sure our primary focus is on more than just that. Because not only do our students need these greater things, at the end of the day they want them as well. 2. Kids Do Need To Let Loose Once In A While.- This is for those of you like me who regularly get told you are no fun. To be honest, I spent a large chunk of my life wasting time and playing video games. And part of the reason why was that the student ministry I was in never called me to anything else. They were just glad I was "staying out of trouble." Now that I have realized how much I missed out on and how many people I could have been reaching, I very much live with an attitude that there is work to be done. But I have to remember that students do need to be challenged but there is also a benefit to having fun and students need that occasional release. So for those of us who are all work and no play, remember to play every once in a while. 3. The Goal Of It All Is A Student Feeling Connected. - Students need to feel connected. They need to know that God loves them and that those around them love them. Not just because they desperately need this in the world we live in but because God has designed us this way. God designed us to need and desire community. So when you are planning games, or anything in ministry, you should think about how the activity helps students find one of those important connections, either with God or with others. And anything that might either make a student feel isolated from others or turn them away from God should not be a part of your ministry. Because even if you or someone else thinks it is funny it is not. And anytime you are uncertain I always say play it safe because no game is worth risking turning a student away from the Kingdom of God. Well there's my two cents. Thanks for bearing with me. You can fill out the form below for your free game.
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