One of the biggest challenges when ministering to a large group of kids or teens is finding ways to connect with each of them. Your ministry probably has at least a few children or teens who feel invisible when they are in your environments. You may not have the time to spend regular one on one time with each of them, yet they all need to feel connected to you. They need to know you love and care about them. Thankfully, there are some things you can do that make it a bit more manageable.
- Know their names, use them regularly and greet every young person each time. Nothing says “I see you and you are important to me” than knowing someone’s name and using it regularly. Some of you are naturally good at this and others (like me) will struggle. It’s important you keep working at it. Find memory hooks for their names. Focus on first names at first if you struggle. Walk around your environment as students are arriving or leaving and make it a goal to speak to every single one of them – preferably using their name. It can be a simple greeting, but it’s even better if you can throw in a sentence about something in their world. Depending on your situation hugs, hive fives, fist bumps or other ways of showing appropriate physical affection can be great, too. No children should be your obvious favorites and no children should be overlooked or ignored – even if they (or their parents) regularly cause problems in your ministry.
- Have rotating small group breakfasts or lunches with students. Most parents would be more than happy to make this happen the few times a year their child would be included. Spend the time getting to know your Bible students a little better. What are their passions? What are their fears? What are their gifts? How do they see their spiritual future as a Christian adult? Make a master schedule and be sure to add any new students as they start attending. Otherwise someone will get left out and that can create problems.
- Host informal feedback sessions. Once again, these should be rotating, regular small group gatherings. What are they learning? What gaps do they think they still have? What are they curious about? What activities do they enjoy? What ideas or suggestions do they have? They may just turn out to be your most valuable ministry advisors.
- Use them as ministry assistants. Identify their gifts. Rotate who you use, but pick several students to help you with any large project you are planning – service, field trip, program or activity. Not only will you get to spend quality time with them, but you get some extra help and they start learning how to use their gifts to serve God.
Don’t let Satan convince you it is impossible to get to know all of your students well enough to have an impact on them spiritually. Get creative. Be intentional. Make sure every student touched by your ministry feels seen, heard and loved.