If you are still in grade school and attend church or are thinking about attending, you may have heard of something called youth group. Other kids could talk about youth groups at school, discussing game nights, lock-ins, and youth worship services. So, what exactly is youth group, and why should you attend?
Both denominational and non-denominational churches have youth ministries because they understand how important the coming generations are in the church’s life and how important it is for youth to have a healthy relationship with Christ. So, are regular church services not enough for the youth of today? Not at all!
Youth groups exist to give young people a community of other people around the same age to befriend them and walk alongside them on their spiritual journies. In our faith, it helps to be surrounded by a community of people of varying personalities and backgrounds that can both relate to you and challenge you. Sure, regular Sunday services are vital to your faith, but youth group is a chance to tackle other issues you face when growing up surrounded by people walking through the same thing.
As a child, preteen, and teenager, you face many difficulties that often are not discussed in regular church services. Youth group is a place where you can listen to sermons directly targeted toward your audience, with topics such as the dangers of porn, dating, sexuality, identity, depression, anxiety, and more. With topics specifically catered toward your age group, you are bound to learn more about God and deepen your faith in Him.
As you have probably gathered, youth group isn’t just for sermons. Sure, sermons are some of the main focuses of youth groups, but youth pastors and leaders also like to make sure that everyone in attendance is having fun. Many groups create and organize fun games to build community, trust, and a whole lot of laughs between students. Overnight sleepovers at the church are organized, as well as movie nights, sports, and sometimes trips away to campgrounds and other fun locations.
Many groups participate in missions trips, partaking in fundraising activities to go out and serve Christ and others in local communities in and around the country. Youth groups also have worship services, allowing students to actively participate in worship with their peers, which is a vital part of becoming a solid body in Christ.
So, if you have been on the fence about joining a local youth group, decide to at least try it out. For some believers in Christ, large group settings can be anxiety-inducing, so do not feel pressured to join a group if that is the case for you. But, if you seek close community with peers in a church setting, a local church group may be just what you need to further your faith.
Reality Church, a non-denominational church, has two Lancaster youth groups catered to different ages. Reality Church gives a personal feel to their youth ministry and focuses on helping youth build their relationships with Christ through strong, foundational knowledge of the gospels. Perfectly balancing ministry with fun (such as corn mazes, game nights, cookouts, swim parties, and more), Reality Church has a message, game, or event for everyone who walks through their doors.
All are welcome at Reality Church’s Lancaster youth groups. Head to their website today to find a group that is right for you.
