EVERETT — At Bethany Christian Assembly, your dodgeball skills had better be honed.
Blue utility balls usually found on playgrounds crisscrossed the church gymnasium as students ducked, dodged and dived out of the way, lest they be sent to the sidelines with a resounding “whack!”
Dodgeball at church? How about race cars? Fashion design?
The True Life youth group has taken a new look at small group ministry and designed them around the interests that their teens have, creating an atmosphere that promotes interaction with one another while enjoying something they love. Youth Pastor Josh Hall and associate Jenilee LeFors were able to answer some questions about this new trend in small groups.
Where did you find this small group model and what made you decide to implement it?
Hall: We based it on our own church model and what other churches are doing, but as far as we know, we are the only youth group who is using this model.
We had a discussion on what was most effective, because we found that grade-based small groups were only taking us so far. We want to take it out for a try.
How effective has it been?
Hall: We are now averaging seven new visitors every Wednesday.
LeFors: It’s been exciting to watch it continually grow.
What has been the reaction from your youth leaders?
Hall: Our leaders commit to three months and must go through a training and development course. We have seen their effectiveness grow across the board; they want to lead certain subjects because they are passionate about them.
LeFors: There were leaders who were not going to lead this year, but because of the interest-led groups it re- energized them.
Hall: They get to talk about really specific issues. There is an instant connect between them and the students.
Reporter Justin Arnold: 425-339-3432 or jarnold@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
