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 | Jonathan’s Resource Ezine |
Weekly Resources, Ideas and Articles from The Source for Youth Ministry
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
| In This Issue |
- Feature Article: Can You Program It Just 20 Minutes Long?
- Something You Can Use: Super Bowl Event Ideas
- New Movie Reviews: “Are We There Yet?” And “In Good Company” Hit The Theatres … “Friday Night Lights” Comes To Video
| If you aren’t a subscriber of this EZINE and would like to subscribe – it’s free – just pop on www.TheSource4YM.com and sign up in the upper right hand corner. |
| Feature Article: Can You Program It Just 20 Minutes Long? |
January 18, 2005
Twenty Minutes? What’s so important about programming a 20 minute program?
Good Question. Ask yourself the following:
- Do you effectively “draw” kids into your youth group?
- Is it difficult to segue (or transition) from your “draw” to discussion or teaching time?
- Do students have a reason to come back to your ministry each week?
- Are you “pro-active” about achieving any of the above?
In his dynamic communicator workshop, Ken Davis says, “If you can’t say it in five minutes, it’s not worth being said.” Is the same true for programming in our youth ministry? Can we “program” all the essentials into a program that only has a 20 minute running time?
I believe that if you can learn to program a 20 minute youth program, you can program most anything!
PROGRAMMING IT 20 MINUTES LONG
How can you draw kids in, open a discussion and wrap it up effectively in an alloted time slot? That’s what Daryl just asked me in this recent email:
- Jonathan,
I am a YFC worker in Canada (Eastern Ontario) and have been so for many years. Recent changes in our school systems cause a much shorter lunch period than we have been accustomed to. Now – by the time the teens come and go, we have about 20 mins max to open, discuss and close a topic. We need some ideas on how to develop a short meeting system that is interesting and efficient. Any ideas? Thanks
Daryl, CANADA
This is important, because if we can learn to program something in 20 minutes, those basic principles transcend to the 60, 90 and 120 minute programs as well. (I almost prefer the shorter times-especially with jr. highers!)
First, a comfort: it can be done! A few years ago I worked with a Youth for Christ where we had jr. highers running similar lunch programs where they only had 15 to 20 minutes to do their thing. We had to teach jr. highers how to run programs in that short of time. If they can do it-we can do it!
PROGRAMMING BASICS
Start with your purpose or end-result in mind. Then program backwards from there. If your purpose is to share the Gospel, then your first goal is to perfect a different three to five minute Gospel presentation each week. I say three to five minutes because I’m keeping in mind that we only have 20 minutes. And, considering the fact that we’ll probably have at least four “stages” in our program, that gives us a max of five minutes per “stage.”
Remember, we’re planning backwards-starting at the end. So now that I’ve allocated a three to five minute slot for my Gospel presentation at the end, I now need to ask … “How will we get to there?” In other words, “What is going to provoke that Gospel presentation?” We need to create a three to five minute discussion that will introduce that Gospel presentation.
Here’s where we at THE SOURCE come in. Each week we try to plan new discussion starters, openers, video clip ideas, etc. for you to use in your ministry. So just pop on our OPENER page (CLICK HERE), on our VIDEO CLIP IDEAS page (CLICK HERE) or, in Daryl’s case, our OUTREACH page (CLICK HERE). These pages all have discussion starters that jump-start discussion and segue into a wrap-up or Gospel Presentation. Many of these pages also have small group discussion questions-you’ll just need to bypass that part with only 20 minutes. 20 minutes leaves no time for small groups.
YOUR “DRAW”
Now, continuing to work backwards, we need an activity that would be fun that will draw kids there. In the case of Daryl’s lunch program we need to ask, “What will bring kids to our program during lunch?” My guess is that if we just put up flyers that say “Come to Campus Life where we’ll tell you about Jesus” … chances are, numbers will be small. So how can we draw them in so we create opportunities to share Christ with them?
So often, especially in the church, we forget this step. We don’t put much time into “the draw.” We just hope that kids come to our Wednesday night programs because, after all, we’ve always had a program on Wednesday night. Then we encourage our kids to bring their friends when we really haven’t considered … what is it that we’re asking them to invite their friends to? Are we providing something fun and relevant that our kids can invite their friends to?
This doesn’t mean that we have to run “Fear Factor” games every week. Fun activities can have a draw, but so can “relevant” teaching and discussions. Most of the unchurched kids at the school around the corner are looking for something. They’re looking for an answer to the “emptiness” in their life. We’ve got that answer. And relevant teaching is magnetic. I’ve seen numerous ministries draw students because of their “relevant teaching” alone.
MOMENTUM
So how do we draw them in? An important principle exists here that is often ignored in youth ministry programming. This principal is building “momentum.” We must realize that the first few weeks of programming are very important. “First impressions” are key. If we can build a momentum of fun activities and relevant discussions in our program, drawing students back each week, they will begin to “trust” the program. They’ll begin to return simply because it’s now “the place to be.”
That doesn’t mean that we don’t have to continue to create fun and relevant programming each week. (After all, each week brings new kids, building new momentum.) But we do need to realize the importance of the first few weeks.
With campus clubs like Darly’s, some ideas of a “lunchtime draw” for the first few weeks might be:
- Inflatables like jousting arenas or boxing rings
- Napoleon Dynamite Dance Contest
- Root Beer Floats
- Free Pizza
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER INTO A “PROGRAM”
Each week we should have something fun that draws kids in and gets their attention. With jr. high students, crazy games work. A general principle that I used to use is this: Start with something everyone can do, then do something that entertains the group up front (that way you begin to focus the attention up front).
So you might start with an activity like the “I NEED A SHOELACE” game (on our AUDIENCE GAMES page … CLICK HERE) and then do the “HAPPY SHAKE” (on our SICK AND TWISTED GAMES page … CLICK HERE).
So now your 20 minute program might look like this:
- Fun opening activity that draws kids/gathers attention (5 minutes)
- Up front game activity that focuses attention up front (4 minutes)
- Opener- Discussion starter/video clip that starts discussion on topic (3-5 minutes)
- Gospel Presentation- (3-5 minutes)
Remember: if you can program it just 20 minutes long … you can program most anything. Keep giving them something to bring their friends to!
Jonathan McKee is president of The Source for Youth Ministry and author of the new book “Do They Run When They See You Coming? Reaching Out to Unchurched Teenagers.” (CLICK HERE FOR THE BOOK) Jonathan speaks and trains across the country and provides free online resources, training, & ideas for youth workers at www.TheSource4YM.com| Something You Can Use This Week: Super Bowl Thirty Nine – Party Ideas |
THE SUPER BOWL PARTY QUIZ: Our Annual Tradition-we at THE SOURCE love to provide you with a fun game/activity you can use at your Super Bowl Event … another ready-made “Super Bowl Quiz” for your Super Bowl Party!
Picture this- students take a quiz as they enter the party. They have to fill it out before going in (or entering the main room). Questions range from basic football knowledge (How many points is a safety?) to questions specifically about the game that day. (Who will catch the most passes for the home team?-multiple choice, of course!)
Then you just let everyone enjoy the game. At the end of the event, tally up the quizzes based on the statistics from the game and give away prizes to the top three.
THE SOURCE will send out the 2005 quiz to all EZINE subscribers next issue-the week before the Super Bowl. (CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT LAST YEAR’S QUIZ)
THE COMMERCIAL COMPETITION:
Can you say “Wardrobe Malfunction?” Yes … many of us were shocked last year by the Janet Jackson “incident.” So why not have your small groups do a Commercial Competition. That’s what Carl from Texas did.
One to two weeks before the Super Bowl, they can put together their own commercial and edit it. They have 3-4 minutes to broadcast a product, real or pretend (ie. the “shut up your youth pastor who talks too much” remote control, etc.). On game day, during the first half, we tape the real S.B. commercials while displaying our small group commercials. Then we show the real S.B. commercials that are “edifying” in the second half. No one gets slimed by the junk (except the one deciding which ones make the cut) and we give prizes to the winning commercial group. Hope this idea helps. – Carl, Texas, USA
THE ANTI-SUPER BOWL PARTY
A group of youth-workers came up with this idea at my “Reaching the Unchurched” training in Cincinnati. Their ministry has attracted a lot of skaters over the last few years. They don’t see a lot of interest in the Super Bowl, so they thought, “Why not do an Anti-Super Bowl Party.”
They are bringing in all kinds of skateboard ramps and equipment for students to skate on all afternoon. Then they’ll have some special activities like The TV Smash, where students will smash TV’s with sledgehammers. (NOTE: If you opt to do this, you obviously will want to research all safety precautions necessary, safety goggles, jump suits, safety for your audience- use discernment.)
They said that they’ll actually have a TV there with the game on as well- because they’d hate to lose anyone who actually wanted to see the game. But, as you can see, the potential of ideas here is endless.
THE SUPER BOWL FEAST
Nothing brings out students like food. And the cheaper the better. This might be the opportunity to do that burger bash or that pizza feed. All you can eat pizza for 3 bucks, prizes, the game on the big screen, etc. This is a great one to use our Super Bowl Quiz that we provide every year (see below) and award prizes for the top 3 quizzes.
THE COMMERCIAL FREE SUPERBOWL PARTY
Some of you might have noticed that the commercials can be pretty bad during the Super Bowl (or anytime for that matter). Why not do a “Commercial Free” Super Bowl Party.” Have a tech guy kill the game every commercial (while watching it on a small monitor, knowing when to turn it back on) and lead game or activities from our UP FRONT GAMES page during every break. This is another great one to use our Super Bowl Quiz that we provide every year (see below) and award prizes for the top 3 quizzes.
| New Movie Reviews: “Are We There Yet?” and “In Good Company” hit the theatres … “Friday Night Lights” comes to video |
(will be released in theatres 1/21/2005)
Rated PG
Directed by Brian Levant
Starring Ice Cube, Nia Long, Aleisha Allen, and Philip Bolden
Are We There Yet? was a pleasant surprise. I admit, the thought of Ice Cube playing a “father figure” or “positive role model” was a stretch. But Ice Cube’s reputation aside, the message of this film was a good one, a message that needs to be heard to the young “playa’s” out there.
The film is about a bachelor named Nick (Ice Cube) who falls for Suzanne (Nia Long), a divorced mother of two. Nick, a guy not particularly fond of children, realizes that the key to Suzanne’s heart is her children. “If the kids hate ya-the momma won’t date ya!”
When Suzanne’s work keeps her in New York City for the holiday, Nick offers to bring her kids to the city from Washington D.C. The kids, never approving of any of the men their mom has dated, are determined to turn the trip into a nightmare for Nick.
The film was funny. It was Home Alone meets Planes, Trains and Automobiles. The gags were amusing … let’s face it … it’s comical seeing a brand new Navigator get trashed.
At the beginning of the film I was a little skeptical when I saw how hung up Nick was with his SUV and his bling-bling. But the film revealed a realistic transformation in Nick’s character as he saw the pain that the kids experienced being abandoned by their father. The message of “the importance of fathers sticking around” came through strong.
(released in the theatre 1/14/2005)
Rated PG-13
Directed by Paul Weitz
Starring Dennis Quaid, Topher Grace, and Scarlett Johansson
In Good Company is just like a Dodge Caravan. At first it’s great … but after a short while it breaks down and just starts to tic you off!
Baby Boomer Dan Foreman (Dennis Quaid), top sales guy at a big Sports Illustrated-like magazine wakes up to find his company a victim of a corporate merger and himself demoted to make room for his new boss Carter Duryea (Topher Grace), a Generation “Y” kid half his age. This happens the same week that Dan’s wife throws him a serious curve ball-she’s pregnant. And of course, his college daughter (Scarlett Johansson) wants to transfer to the much more expensive NYU. Sounds just like life, huh? A great template for a good James L. Brooks or Mimi Leder film-one that makes you feel good at the end and walk out of the theatre holding hands.
Sorry, not this one. I guess that wasn’t Paul Weitz’ goal.
The movie starts strong. The blend of comedy and drama is incredible. The theatre was laughing hysterically one moment … and the next minute you could hear a pin drop. The film paints a masterful picture of the clash between Baby Boomers and Generation “Y” in the work place. It also gives us a realistic glimpse of the effect of corporate mergers and office downsizing-the fears and frustrations of the people these decisions affect. In Good Company is the best peek into the work place since Office Space.
The film also begins with likable characters that make you laugh and tug at your heart just the same. Topher Grace is hilarious, but also reveals the loneliness that Carter feels at the top-an emptiness not filled by his new Porsche, his corner office or his fat salary. And you can’t help but empathize with Dan, a committed department head and dedicated family man, humbled into the position of “wing man” to someone the age of his kid.
Then there’s the love story. Carter meets Dan’s daughter and a romance starts kindling-a sweet relationship based on honesty and good conversation.
An hour into the film I was thinking that this was one of the best films I had seen in years. I love a film that balances humor and heart. But then everything changed …
(released on video 1/18/2005)
Rated PG-13 for thematic issues, sexual content, language, some teen drinking and rough sports action.)
Directed by Peter Berg
Starring Billy Bob Thornton, Lucas Black
Friday Night Lights is a true story from the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Buzz Bissinger who spent 1988 in Odessa, Tex., a town obsessed with its champion high-school football team, the Permian Panthers. Publishers Weekly called this book a “superb, if disquieting, portrait of heartland America.” Seventeen years later the story is brought to the big screen.
The film is very powerful, but be prepared to catch a glimpse at the real world’s dirty laundry. If you’re looking for a fun football film to bring the family to … turn the car around, stop by Blockbuster and rent Remember the Titans. This one’s not for the kids. Berg maxes out the PG-13 rating with as much language as possible, implied sex, partial nudity, and some pretty disturbing content.
The film is incredibly well done and will take your emotions on a roller coaster ride. I don’t think I’ve seen a better depiction of the heartache that high school seniors go through when they realize that “This is all there is… and then what?”
Or
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Jonathan McKee
Jonathan McKee is the author of over twenty books including the brand new The Guy's Guide to FOUR BATTLES Every Young Man Must Face; The Teen’s Guide to Social Media & Mobile Devices; If I Had a Parenting Do Over; and the Amazon Best Seller - The Guy's Guide to God, Girls and the Phone in Your Pocket. He speaks to parents and leaders worldwide, all while providing free resources for youth workers on TheSource4YM.com. Jonathan, his wife Lori, and their three kids live in California.