Building a community of belonging in a youth group is desired but often difficult in today’s teenage landscape. There are many characters, personalities, and family situations to consider, and youth groups are more than creative games, coveted snacks, and captivating Canva slides. In this second part of community building in youth ministry, Dorothy and Justin are joined by special guest Vicky Xi, youth pastor at Living Stones Christian Church, as they discuss how cultivating the whole ministry begins with tending to teens at an individual level.
Listen to the episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, or watch the episode on YouTube!
Building a Biblical Community of Belonging
Building community in a youth group is deeply important, but it can also be difficult. Every youth ministry includes students with different personalities, needs, and experiences. Although every student is different, their deepest shared identity is found in Christ. As youth leaders make space for students to be known as individuals, they can help cultivate a community where students learn to see their differences not as divisions, but as gifts that can strengthen the body of Christ.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Why students need adults beyond their parents who are intentionally invested in their lives.
- How learning students’ names and details about their lives shows them they are seen and known.
- How to recognize and cultivate the different gifts God has given students.
- How churches can faithfully care for students with additional needs
- How prayer and the wider church community can help youth pastors walk alongside students who self-isolate.
Related Rooted Resources:
- Joni & Friends “We bring practical help and Gospel hope to people with disabilities around the world.”
- Fidget stone, recommended by Vicky, for students who may have a hard time sitting still.
- Helping Teenagers Experience the Body of Christ
- When Your Teenager Doesn’t Feel a Sense of Belonging at Church
- What If My Child Doesn’t Like Youth Group?
- Follow this Rooted podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube.
- Join us for our annual Rooted Conference this October 22-24 in Nashville, TN, to be refreshed, equipped, and reminded that you’re not alone in ministry. Consider joining the optional Asian American Pre-Conference lunch gathering as well!