But starting youth ministry – or revamping one that isn’t working – can feel overwhelming.
Use the steps below to start or enhance how your parish disciples youth.
Start, one step at a time . . .
DISCERN
Take time to reflect and pray about how God is calling your parish or community to disciple youth.
-
Learn how to disciple youth with Everett Fritz of Andrew Ministries. Watch Time – 1 hour
- Explore the Archdiocese of Boston’s vision for youth ministry to gain inspiration and direction.
-
Learn about relational ministry with Annie Grandell of YDisciple. Watch time – 1.5 hours
Resources
RECRUIT
Effective ministry always begins with investing in people rather than programs. Adult disciples play a vital role in modeling authentic discipleship for young people.
-
Watch Deacon Nathan Gunn of YoungLife discuss best practices for recruiting and supporting your adult disciples.
Watch time – 1 hour and 20 minutes
Resources
Need help forming adult disciples?
EQUIP
Set your volunteers up for success—especially those who will be directly leading youth. Create opportunities for community, prayer, and education. Start small with forming and equipping your team and allow your efforts to grow organically over time. Then consider how you might engage parents and others who are interested in helping but are not yet active disciples.
- Learn about Gen Z and Gen Alpha with Katie Gray of LifeTeen.
Watch time – 1 hour and 30 minutes. - Join us on-line as archdiocesan youth leaders share how to enjoy working with youth while maintaining a safe environment.
Resources
START
Just take the first step! It’s normal to feel nervous — whether it’s wondering if teens will connect with their leaders or worrying about tough questions they might ask. This is normal! Just remember: we are here to support you! Your abilities will increase with experience over time. Growth happens through action and every step forward builds confidence and skill.
- Communicate to parishioners how the parish is discipling youth in the parish.
- Learn from Everett Fritz of Andrew Ministries about facilitating a successful small group.
Watch time – 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Resources
Have questions?
Ongoing Work
Great! You have launched! But do not forget that prayer, discernment, communication, and evaluation of the work should not stop.
- Intentional prayer supports your ministry.
- Ongoing discernment allows volunteers, leaders, and teens to decide their gifts and what God is asking of them.
- Communication with the parish about your efforts fosters energy and desire among disciples to be part of your movement.
- Evaluating the ministry will help you learn where it can grow and adapt.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
Join the movement! Consider what you can do to help youth encounter Jesus and learn to follow him.
