Do... and Don'ts of Youth Ministry

Don't...

• Forget that you don't have to save every kid... someone already did that!
• Do it alone
• Get caught up in how many kids come to a particular activity
• Forget that youth ministry is based on RELATIONSHIPS
• Get into struggles that diminish the ministry
• Create a "separate" parish for youth
• Forget adult advisors
• Create an "us vs. them" situation
• Reinvent the wheel. Customize it
• Compete or create an island mentality
• Create personal "kingdoms"
• Be content to have "something for kids to do"
• Apologize for asking people to live out their faith

Do...

• Pray
• Get help
• Be concerned with ALL youth
• Set clear, concrete goals and objectives
• Keep the Pastor informed
• Use the current structure and programs of the parish
• Use youth leaders
• Integrate with the current religious education structure
• Use the publications, videos, diocesan and other programs already in place
• Cooperate with other parishes
• Involve as many parishioners as possible
• Remember the goals of youth ministry
• Challenge adults, parents, parish organizations and leadership to play their part

Copyright © The Catholic Youth Ministry Group 1998-2008 All Rights Reserved. Permission to copy granted with credit to CYMG. May not be included in any collection for sale in print or electronic media. PO Box 229, Elizabethtown, PA 17022