We could ask “What is the most most buzz worthy thing you’ve done in your youth ministry that got the whole town talking?” but News Flash: The landscape has been expanded to the Digital Universe. Anyone in your town, another town, and the rest of the world can know what’s going on in your youth ministry if you want them to.
Which brings up a good question: What do you want your town or area to know about your youth ministry?
How big it is?
How small it is?
How many activities you do?
What makes your youth ministry distinctive?
All are note worthy and possibly buzz-worthy but nothing is more buzz-worthy than a changed life. Look at all the people in scripture who were radically altered by the life giving power of Jesus Christ.
The woman at the well – “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” ” John 4
The leper-“Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.43And He sternly warned him and immediately sent him away,and He said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”45But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the news around, ” Mark 1
The shepherds – “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child,”
A changed life will always be the best buzz for your group, but barring a skin diseased student being healed or the Christ child re-entering your room, that is a little out of your hands. That is not say kids are not healed or saved in our youth ministries, God is always moving. But we must also remember that these dramatic events of scripture took place, and are recorded, over the course of three years. So, what can we do to send a little buzz our way? Let me offer three things you can do:
Do something with your group that is cultural but not sinful. Lately all the buzz has been about these Harlem Shake videos, so we did one with our group and focused it on missions. Make a video that is timely and worth sharing:
We were ahead of the curve on Gangnam Style
Serve Big: Do something in your community that is very public like cleaning up your local park or putting together a Flash Mob. We are doing a Wash In this Sunday. We are partnering with another church that a ton of clothes ruined by some rain. Kids are bringing $5 each to do a load and $1 to dry We are rewashing them at a local laundry mat. The point isn’t to bring glory to our group, but to show Christ active in us.
Talk on a hot topic: Dating, Sex, Homosexuality, Abortion, Atheism, etc, create their own buzz because kids want straight answers. If you go this route, you don’t have to do just another message. Have a panel of “experts” to discuss the subject or show a compelling video with discussion and snacks to follow.
We must always be asking, what is is the most buzz worthy, God glorifying, thing we can do to reach people for Christ? The world is smaller now and who knows, you may just get your whole town to show up to see what God is doing.
What is the most buzz worthy thing you’ve ever done with your group?