Comments on: How to Create a Genuine Welcoming Environment in Your Youth Group https://youthministry.com/create-welcoming-environment-youth-group/ Daily Wisdom for Youth Workers. Sun, 08 Jan 2017 12:40:36 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 By: Douglas https://youthministry.com/create-welcoming-environment-youth-group/#comment-442065 Sun, 08 Jan 2017 12:40:36 +0000 http://youthmindev.wpengine.com/?p=55291#comment-442065 Sometimes a relaxed atmosphere is what teens crave instead of a high powered presentation or lots of noise. They can get that anywhere. What if church was less geared to grab their attention and became a staying power instead?

]]> By: Theresa Mazza https://youthministry.com/create-welcoming-environment-youth-group/#comment-386789 Sat, 30 Jan 2016 00:43:57 +0000 http://youthmindev.wpengine.com/?p=55291#comment-386789 In reply to Heidi.

I really love your comments Heidi! One of the biggest lessons I learned in youth ministry came when a middle school student looked me right in the eyes and said, “Miss Theresa you are trying to hard.” Okay, it stung a bit but it was true and it gave me permission to be myself. Students love us for who we are and they don’t want us to try to impress them.

]]> By: Heidi https://youthministry.com/create-welcoming-environment-youth-group/#comment-386340 Mon, 25 Jan 2016 19:35:36 +0000 http://youthmindev.wpengine.com/?p=55291#comment-386340 I loved this post! It’s a really good reminder. I would add that I have learned also that there’s a fine line between showing you’re excited that they’re there to being over excited that they’re there or over excited about what they’re talking about. Kids are definite bs readers. One high schooler of mine was talking about another facilitator from our church and made a comment by saying “is she the one who always talks as if there’s exclamation points to everything she’s saying?” They like and want your enthusiasm, but too much of it is overkill and exhausting. Be genuine and be real!

As I reflect. I’m usually that youth leader that is flying in from a previous activity, trying to get snacks out/other various things set out as I welcome kids coming in. This was eye-opening to me to try to bring more a chilled out vibe that’s more peaceful and inviting than chaotic.
Thanks T!

]]> By: Theresa Mazza https://youthministry.com/create-welcoming-environment-youth-group/#comment-386072 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 23:57:25 +0000 http://youthmindev.wpengine.com/?p=55291#comment-386072 In reply to Jiare.

It is a marathon Jiare, so true! Stay encouraged!!!

]]> By: Theresa Mazza https://youthministry.com/create-welcoming-environment-youth-group/#comment-386071 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 23:53:53 +0000 http://youthmindev.wpengine.com/?p=55291#comment-386071 In reply to Shawn S.

So glad to be able to be honest. Thanks for going to that honest place with me. I’ll be praying that all of your leaders and students feel deeply connected and deeply loved.

]]> By: Jiare https://youthministry.com/create-welcoming-environment-youth-group/#comment-385936 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 14:20:20 +0000 http://youthmindev.wpengine.com/?p=55291#comment-385936 These are great insights. Especially important when we are about to begin our programs for this year. They will be handy for the long haul.

]]> By: Shawn S https://youthministry.com/create-welcoming-environment-youth-group/#comment-385848 Wed, 20 Jan 2016 18:48:19 +0000 http://youthmindev.wpengine.com/?p=55291#comment-385848 Right on the head. Thank you for sharing! I am going to share this with my leaders to light that fire under their butts and mine! Thank you!

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