As a member of our church visitation team that contacts new families in our rural community, I went with our group to visit a family with four children who ranged in age from 10 to 18. We invited them to attend our Sunday School and worship services and gave them magazines from Lifeway Christian Resources that were appropriate for the age groups in the family and gave them information about the programs our church offered. A member explained that although we are considered a small church, we offer many programs, and our youth are extremely active in volunteer summer missions trips, making gift baskets for the local nursing home and summer youth camps.
The father of the family spoke up and said, “Yes, those programs sound great, but we could never afford to participate in all the programs you sponsor for youth. We have four children.”
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The leader of our visitation team explained, “You don’t understand. There is no cost to participate in youth programs at our church. Although we are small in number, we are a healthy church. This means we support local and state missions, our church is Christ-centered and we see a need and work toward meeting that need. Plus, our youth are learning about service projects and how they can be actively involved in supporting their own programs.”
Colossians 3:23–24 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. … It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” This verse sums up how a small church can encourage youth to be involved in helping fund programs that focus on this age group.
Projects to raise funds for youth programs
Lifeway Research says that 39% of Southern Baptist churches average 50 or fewer in attendance; 27.4% average 51–100; and only 9.9% average 251–1,000. However, small churches can support youth programs that are not included in the annual budget. When parents and church leaders work together and include the youth, everyone benefits.
These are only a few of the projects that can raise funds for youth programs for small churches:
— Schedule a community car wash on the church parking lot. Advertise by passing out fliers in the church and community.
— Plan a yard sale in the church parking lot. Involve the congregation in collecting gently used clothing, small appliances or other items. School uniforms are especially needed.
— Entertain children when adults are attending a church-sponsored program. Parents give a love offering for this service instead of hiring a babysitter at home.
— Youth can plan a holiday bake sale. Orders may be picked up or delivered.
— Older teens can babysit. First, provide a course in child safety taught by a licensed professional. Meet at your church.
— Schedule a walk-a-thon or half marathon. Plan a route or use the church parking lot. Give ribbons or simple awards for the winners.
— Plant and grow a community garden and sell the produce. In rural areas, who in your church has a garden plot available? Who can mentor youth in teaching them to grow food? When the vegetables are ready, advertise by word of mouth, church newsletter and radio. Ask the local newspaper to run an article about the youth’s vegetable garden, and inform the readers that proceeds go to support youth programs.
— Tutor young children in math, science or reading. Designate a room at the church for after-school tutoring. Assign an adult to be present.
— Youth can teach adults computer skills. Our youth are experts when it comes to technology. Many adults would appreciate knowing simple computer skills.
— Youth can teach adults cell phone usage. Phones are changing rapidly, but our youth are keeping up with the newer models.
— Youth serve as waiters or waitresses for a church meal. This is especially helpful for older adults for whom mobility is a problem.
— Write a foundation or corporation grant. Does your church have an experienced grant writer? Work with youth and teach them this skill. In writing a grant, look at local businesses and industries.
Local businesses that are part of a national franchise or organization usually have funds allocated for grants. Where is the gap in what you have, and how can money solve the problem? Are there church members on the boards of or employed with local utility companies, banks or insurance companies?
Online grant applications are simple to complete. Make sure the grant funds faith-based programs. Once you apply for the first grant, you’ll have the necessary information to continue looking for grants to support your program.
All money earned goes into a checking account for the church youth program. This can pay fees for lodging, transportation, food or other expenses when youth attend a conference, camp or other church-related activity. The youth activities may vary each year, but the schedule should be approved by the governing church body.
Why does it matter?
Older children and youth have an opportunity to learn about the world of work and to be responsible servants of God as they earn money for projects not included in the annual church budget.
Youth are given the opportunity to learn valuable life lessons as they communicate with the community in fundraising projects.
They learn things such as:
— Responsibility. Completing a project, being on time and doing what you say you will do all teach youth to be responsible people.
— Missions. When children and youth learn about missions and church programs early, they continue this closeness as they become adults.
— Communication skills. Being able to talk to people of all ages is a communication skill youth need, which builds self-confidence.
— Evangelism. Youth have opportunities to share Jesus with others. What has Jesus done for you?
— Mentoring. Adult leaders mentor youth. This involves the adults as they teach youth skills such as carpentry, leadership, baking, managing finances or serving on a disaster relief team.
Youth who are involved in these projects learn valuable lessons that will aid them throughout their lives.
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