10 Creative Community Service Projects for Your Youth Group
10. Hold a thank you dessert and show.
Sadly, many church members view their youth ministry as a part of the church that costs money, makes messes, and gives little back. We wanted to change this perception, so we planned a free church-wide event we called Dessert and a Show.
The teens decorated our fellowship hall to look like a classy dinner theatre and teamed up to provide an evening of entertainment. Their parents provided homemade or store-bought desserts and beverages that the youth (dressed neatly in black shirts and pants) served to their “patrons.” Other students performed comedy skits, musical pieces, and entertaining monologues. “We wanted to express our appreciation to you, our church family, for supporting our youth ministry and helping us grow in faith,” my husband said as he welcomed everyone to the event. The teens loved putting on the evening and giving back to our church family. Church members talked about it for months afterward.
Sadly, today’s youth have a reputation for being lazy and self-centered – and sometimes they are. By channeling their time, energy, and thoughts toward others, however, we can help them become more aware of those around them. Through creative community service, we can encourage them to make a positive impact on the world. As they serve others, their self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth rises. Best of all, they get to be the hands and feet of Jesus to the people around them.
Lori Hatcher is a blogger, women’s ministry speaker, and author of the Christian Small Publisher’s 2021 Book of the Year, Hungry for God … Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women.A Toastmasters International contest-winning speaker, Lori’s goal is to help busy women connect with God in the craziness of everyday life. She especially loves small children, soft animals, and chocolate. You’ll find her pondering the marvelous and the mundane on her blog, Hungry for God. . . Starving for Time. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter(@lorihatcher2) or Pinterest(Hungry for God).
Photo courtesy: ©Thinkstock/michaelpuche
Sharing is caring 👌 don’t forget to share this post on Tumblr !