Youth Group? You’ve Got to be Kidding

by Charleen Burghardt

I will never forget a warm evening with the moon barely visible in the sky when we walked into an 1893 wooden dance hall. A flickering neon Coors beer sign greeted us as we entered. We noticed only one guitarist and one vocalist occupying a stage surrounded by small twinkling lights. As a last-minute decision, on Christmas Eve, those few steps took us on an unexpected journey.

A fledgling church plant held a candlelight service in that well-worn building near our home. A few simple worship songs gave way to a relatable message from a thirty-something pastor with sandaled feet and a shirttail hanging out over his jeans.

New church gathers in a 1893 dance hall

We returned Sunday morning, and after visiting a few more times, we wanted to commit to this new growing congregation but had an enormous concern. It was actually a problem. We desired that our son, who was in ninth grade, would have a place for spiritual growth and be in a group with other teens who loved Jesus. This church had no student ministry.

I met with the pastor and discussed the situation. He encouraged my husband and me to start a student group, to which I replied, “Youth Group? You’ve got to be kidding?” The youth culture seemed foreign and intimidating to us as older parents. We felt inexperienced and unqualified, but also wondered if we were too ordinary and not cool enough to relate to teenagers.

Too Ordinary

Not Cool Enough

We responded much like Gideon, with excuses. “How do we grow this group, starting with only three awkward teenage boys?”

After much prayer and wrestling with God, my husband and I accepted the challenge of starting a student ministry.

To add to the complications, our new church, meeting in the dance hall, had no space for a group of teens to gather. We collected this gangly group outside at a splintered picnic table under an oak tree with distractions like traffic, heat, and bugs.

After extra prayer, God came through with an old, disreputable school bus. Men from the church and two of the boys remodeled the interior. Then the church towed it to the dance hall. The novelty of the bus created an exciting draw the boys bragged about, telling their friends.

A seasoned youth leader passed on sage wisdom that gave us courage, “Love Jesus and love the kids. That is all you need!” We grabbed onto those words. My husband and I could share our love of Jesus and love each one who came, trusting God to change lives. Several faithful prayer warriors interceded for these teens and for more kids to come, specifically more girls.

Saga Wisdom

Love Jesus and love the kids

Besides Sunday morning, we started a Friday night Bible study at our home. Of course, we included youth-friendly cuisine (unhealthy snacks) and imaginative activities. The students named the gathering Avalanche. What a fitting name for middle and high schoolers descending on our home. Fun included marginally dangerous activities that thrilled the boys and a few girls. Interactive and relevant Bible studies with lively discussions kept our youth engaged. They became comfortable with each other regardless of their differences in age, ethnic background, and schools.

Imaginative and Dangerous Activities

Our leadership gifts emerged. Teens invited friends, we welcomed neighbors, and families joined our church because of the teen activities. We witnessed the Holy Spirit igniting zeal in our kids’ hearts. Anticipation grew, and Avalanche became a highlight of each week. My husband and I heard complaints if we took a week off.

Typical to most teens, these young people experienced stress from peers and family. They battled low self-esteem and exclusion from popular groups. Connecting with others and being part of a group enabled them to rise above those struggles. Being loved by God and others gave them new worth. Piercing laughter, charged energy, and rowdiness filled our home on Friday nights. The bus on Sundays became crowded with sweaty middle and high schoolers.

One regular high schooler brought her cousin, who had never been to church. Our newcomer sensed the love of God, and her heart opened during a Christian concert. She accepted Christ on the way home, praying in our car. This young lady’s dramatic conversion changed her life and that of her siblings, whom she later brought to church.

After a year and a half, it was time for a Confirmation Class. Sixteen young people confirmed their faith; some confessed it for the first time, while a few received baptism. By the way, they chose baptism by immersion, prompting the church to borrow a stock tank for the baptisms. 

Our teens served in setting up for Sunday services, cleaning the dance hall and the grounds, and helping church members with odd jobs around their houses. Their enthusiasm and faith encouraged our congregants. Some teens shared their testimonies in church, while others assisted with worship services. Leadership skills developed, and several served on a retreat called Chrysalis. One of our teens became a leader in Campus Life in his high school.

Tiny Seed

Loaves and Fishes

Looking back, what seemed impossible became possible because God brought the increase. The tiny seed my husband and I planted grew. We were willing, even though unsure of ourselves and our abilities. Walt often said, “If God can use a jackass, he can use me.” (Numbers 22:21-39 NIV). God took our loaves and fishes and multiplied them.

 Best of all, young people came to know Jesus and grew in their faith. Friendships continued after high school, and they still talk of those years in the youth group.

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God made it grow. Because of this, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but the only one who is anything is God who makes it grow” 1 Corinthians 3:6,7 (CEB).

This is a fun story to tell, and hopefully encouraging. Please consider sharing.

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