Youth Ministry Involvement?

[sstress]

I have this idea in my head that "youth" would love to have a section of their church website that they could play with... post their own videos, photos, maybe their own creative worship writings... a social-forum? But, I have yet to find church-youth with any interest in anything beyond video gaming (passive use of technology).

Have any of you found that internet saavy teens attend church? Or do church kids have different interests? Is the internet something that church youth avoid due to its content? Or is it just a generational thing where they prefer "consuming technology" rather than developing/discovering technology? I really thought I'd run into willing and excited youngsters wanting to show off their own work and "own" the youth section... but I'm getting blank stares. Hmmm... <sniff sniff>... maybe I need more deoderant?

Do any of you have any examples of youth involvement? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. :)

[flutem3]

Have any of you found that internet savvy teens attend church? Or do church kids have different interests? Is the internet something that church youth avoid due to its content? Or is it just a generational thing where they prefer "consuming technology" rather than developing/discovering technology? I really thought I'd run into willing and excited youngsters wanting to show off their own work and "own" the youth section... but I'm getting blank stares. Hmmm... <sniff sniff>... maybe I need more deodorant?

Your deodorant is fine. We have very few youth in our church...meaning middle and high school age. I don't know where they are, but few are there. They do NOT seem to be at all interested in anything having to do with the web site at all except they enjoy the CD reviews which change every two weeks. In other words, they are passive.

Carol

[sstress]

Thanks Carol... I thought it seemed so strange. Maybe it is more universal than I thought.

:confused:

[flutem3]

Thanks Carol... I thought it seemed so strange. Maybe it is more universal than I thought.

:confused:

Hi, Michael,

I will ask the question on UMConnect as well. I don't know how many responses we will get since people are so busy with Christmas, but I will give it a whirl. We can see what happens. If little happens, I will ask after the first of the year when things settle down...more or less.

Carol

[sstress]

That would be super awesome :) Thank you!

[flutem3]

That would be super awesome :) Thank you!

Hi, Michael,

I have had three responses so far. All three have the same problem...two of the churches were small, ours is middle sized, and one large church.

Bob W. who helped me before I knew what help was says that he thought the kids would enjoy working on a web page for themselves. But he said he thinks they are into playing games and massaging one another. :D I don't think I said that right...as in text message. Well, maybe I did at that.

You are not alone. It was a good question to ask on UMConnect as well. One of the people who responded felt that she was all alone in that the youth were not responsive. Unfortunately, we seem to have lots of company.

I don't know if you know what UMConnect is because I didn't check your church. I apologize. Anyway, UMConnect is a forum for web site editors in the United Methodist Church. I have also dragged a couple of people in from here who needed one on one help. That group is willing and able to do that. It is a ministry in itself. And they are nice like the people here.

I will let you know of more answers as they come in. I was surprised that I got responses at all this fast!! But I am delighted too.

Carol

[sstress]

That response is awesome! And confirmed my fears. But thank you so much! I will check out UMconnect too and see what else they have goin' on.

I guess I'm not super surprised. Gen Y is indeed different.

Now the only question is... does anyone here know how to build a "Jesus" video game? ;)

[flutem3]

That response is awesome! And confirmed my fears. But thank you so much! I will check out UMconnect too and see what else they have goin' on.

I guess I'm not super surprised. Gen Y is indeed different.

Now the only question is... does anyone here know how to build a "Jesus" video game? ;)

No, I don't as a matter of fact. I wonder what all it would contain...fascinating thought. Would it be a role playing game...action?

UMConnect is quite different from this forum. The aims of each are similar, but they are different in approach somewhat. People who are really novices feel like they can get help on UMConnect. I have felt the same here, but I have a feeling many don't because the talk can be very technical. However, this is a wonderful place to learn. I just keep reading information I don't understand or trying things people suggest, and eventually, I learn something new. They are both great...and both unique...in my not so humble opinion. :D

Carol

PS UMConnect is not so busy right now as sometimes. All of these church people are doing church things!! Sometimes it is so lively we can hardly keep up.

[mrbelfry]

I don't think youth involvement would happen spontaneously (sp?). If I worked hard and pestered them enough then I'm sure I could get a couple of our young people to do something. However the question I would have would be one of content. Would they give me something suitable and appropriate or would I have to 'censor' everything they do - thus negating the point somewhat?

[Faithhb_lutheran]

Youth will not want that type of involvement in a church's website unless the congregation was massive. the "net generation" uses the web as a community hangout, they come for belonging and lots of it and most churches just don't have the mass to provide it, you will not replace myspace or facebook in the life of your youth, but there are other things you can do, like carol said make sure there is content that they will want to come read, also try and differentiate the section from the rest of your web presence, make the graphics different, or better yet use a blogger account that the church site is linked to and have the youth leader(s) start a blog, over time they can find a few youth who may want to write up an article or two.

[sstress]

No, I don't as a matter of fact. I wonder what all it would contain...fascinating thought. Would it be a role playing game...action?

I guess I have no idea, I wouldnt even know where to start.

I did see that there is a new video game based on the book serioes "Left Behind". http://www.leftbehindgames.com/ Interesting concept. It might actually get played by some young-uns.