Atmosphere and Student ministry

I recently had someone share something very interesting with me about the atmosphere of a youth room.  A student walked in The Underground (our youth room) for the first time ever and made the statement, "this is not what I expected when walking into a church."  I have thought a lot about the idea of the "feel" when walking in a room.  That student made a decision about us within Seconds of being in the room.  The best part of all is this student has not missed a wednesday night since.  I feel that a church needs to have a feel of comfort when a person walks through the door.  A student ministry works the same way.  That night this particular student walked into a room with loud music, moving colorful lights, and students just hanging out as if it were a weekend hang out.   These students are playing games and having fun weekly in an environment that is inviting and some what "night clublish" for lack of a better phrase. The difference though from the weekend hang out or night club is what takes place once they are inside.  These students are hearing the word every week.  I feel it is important to create an atmosphere that is exciting to students and acts as a place they would want to go and hang out.  With all that said, Student ministry is constantly evolving at a rapid rate.  Just because that works today, may not mean it works tomorrow.  To be successful in student ministry, it is important to meet these students where they are and bring them along.  Student ministry is completely different from when I was there and I have only been out 10 years.  The way our generation was ministered to is not an option for todays teens.  Student ministry is constantly changing, but the STORY stays the same.  An atmosphere that gets there attention and draws them in so they can here that God sent his son to die on the cross for their sins.    

Students and Church

Studies show 60-80% of Students drop out of church after high school graduation.  The best thing a parent can do during their middle school and high school years is keep these students involved in church.  As much as we love sports and extra curricular activities, building a relationship with Jesus Christ and fellowshipping with a body of believers is far more important.  Parents, I encourage you to keep your students involved in church regularly. I also encourage you to set the example for your students and be a part of what is going on at church.  Going to church is not what makes you a Christian, but it does provide a place and time to meet with God and fellowship with other believers.  Parents are in control of their students decision to attend, and no excuse is great enough to miss out on what God can do in their lives even as teenagers.