Hey...Buckaroo

I’m not a good name person. Actually, I’m terrible. So bad that I’m the guy who keeps office supply stores in business, buying out the “Hello, My Name Is...” name tags. I love name tags. During stressful seasons of my life, I even have my kids wear them. I’ll take any advantage I can get.

I also know the power of “the name.” I see the magic that happens when you greet a student by name. I can almost predict greater involvement for an event by the students who are greeted by name upon their arrival.

Yet, as important as remembering names is, that’s just the beginning of having a healthy relational ministry. It seems strange to call it “relational” ministry. Shouldn’t all ministry be relational? Yet, if we don’t emphasize the relational aspect, ministry can easily become administrative and distant. So while administration needs to take place, let’s not forget the necessity of relationally rolling up our sleeves and connecting with students. Names are important, but not as much as knowing what’s going on in their lives—and then following up with them about it.

Here are six reasons relational ministry is so important:

a) Jesus modeled it.
He didn’t have to come to earth; God could have solved the sin problem from a distance. Instead God came NEAR.

b) It’s memorable.
We're more apt to remember conversations, outings, and experiences than Bible lessons.

c) It’s timeless—literally.
A student can keep a postcard, photo, gift.

d) It models effective ministry.
Relationally serving students is an informal way to disciple them in HOW to do ministry themselves.

e) It’s revealing.
Spending time with students gives them a chance to open up. You’ll discover far more about what they do and think in an hour of one-on-one time than you could over months at a student ministry event.

f) It communicates care.
Nothing says “you are important” more than your focused attention.

Makes sense, right? But we all know spending time with students is easier said than done. Below are 40 ideas of ways to connect with students, compiled by Tyler Rice and our youth ministry team.

40 ways to connect with students:

1. Walk around the mall.
2. Meet at Starbucks.
3. Show a movie at your house.
4. See a movie.
5. Exercise together.
6. Play games (video, board, card, etc.).
7. Serve at a kitchen for the homeless.
8. Meet at a field and play a sport (wiffleball, ultimate frisbee, football, etc.).
9. Read a series of books together.
10. Go to a concert together.
11. Play mini-golf.
12. Go to Dave and Busters and play arcades and skeeball.
13. Cook together.
14. Walk around neighborhood together.
15. Camera Phone scavenger hunt.
16. Matching Tattoos (just kidding).
17. Go to a museum.
18. Go to sports events (professional, local school, etc.).
19. Go out to eat after youth group event.
20. Buy presents for your youth pastor.
21. Sit together at church.
22. Skype, text, video chat, email, Facebook, snail mail.
23. Go to their event (game, play, recital).
24. Call on phone!
25. Challenge to a video game contest.
26. Share favorite music and movies.
27. Do a devotional together.
28. Send students their favorite candy.
29. Play music (jam) together.
30. Send a birthday card.
31. Take a drive together.
32. Let them help you clean your car, paint your house, rotate your tires.
33. Invite them over for dinner with your family.
34. Invite yourself over to dinner with their family.
35. Take a few students on a mini-retreat.
36. Give ride to/from events.
37. Be real about own life (use discretion).
38. Shop together.
39. Pray with them.
40. Meet for lunch after church.

Got more ideas? Help grow this list!