The AWE Factor In Your Ministry

Because of a recent church change, my 17-year-old daughter has been looking for a new youth group. How she measures a group and what her parents might be looking for is a completely different matter. We want solid evangelism, great worship, discipleship, all with an emphasis in family-based youth ministry. Heidi, on the other hand, doesn't articulate what she is looking for exactly this way but she is looking for A.W.E. (I'll explain that in a moment)!

“How was this youth group, Heidi?” “I didn't know anyone and none of the leaders connected with me.”

“Heidi, how did it go this morning?” “Great worship. Plus the leader is cool. But…too many clicks and no one seemed all that friendly.”

With high hopes because she went to the next group with her friend…”How'd it go? “Good Bible teaching…but the environment was extremely sterile.”

After several different youth group “tryouts” I was beginning to wonder how much of it was Heidi and how much of it was the group. There is no perfect group and no one will measure up to every student every time. Then one Tuesday night she attended a local youth group and her expression changed.

“How did it go tonight?” “Great!” “Really?" What made it great?” “It was fun, people were friendly, one of the girl leaders is coming to my cheer practice tomorrow, and the youth pastor went out of his way to introduce himself to me.”

I had to pry a bit to hear about the Bible Study, worship and actual meeting experience. Like most students she was more excited about the environment and the relationships.

Now several months later, Heidi is involved in leadership and serving. She loves the ministry programming as much as she loves the A.W.E that happens for her almost on a daily basis.

A.W. E. stands for affection , warmth , and encouragement. One of the basic needs of all people is to be loved and to love. Heidi found people who showed her genuine love and appropriate affection. After each group, the leaders give appropriate hugs and say really positive things to her. She feels like an honored guest at the meeting. They take the time to write her notes and say she is special. They keep in touch on the phone and e-mail. That's affection .

The environment of the youth group is positive, inclusive, fun, passionate about faith and cheerful. The Bible says, “A cheerful heart is good medicine…” (Proverbs 17:22) As I have gotten to know the youth leaders, this warm and loving atmosphere is something they really work at and pray about. A welcoming environment is intentional. Heidi is drawn to the warmth of the group.

From the very first day she arrived to this group she has received words and actions of encouragement and affirmation. “Thanks for coming, Heidi.” “Great to see you, Heidi.” ”Good job in sharing tonight, you had great insight.” “It is so good to have you as an important part of our group.” With all this affirmation there is no place on planet Earth she would rather be on Tuesday night. Heidi has been drawn into the community of this fellowship by the incredible encouragement that she receives.

I wonder if those youth workers will ever completely understand how happy my wife and I are for their very purposeful decision to create such a life changing AWEsome experience for our daughter. I am convinced that a church or family filled with A.W.E. makes an eternal difference.