Thriving Youth Groups
by Jeanne Mayo
Group 2005

At some point every Minister will look to those who claim to have some method that will help us grow our ministries. Our ministry is at a crossroads where we need to take it to the next level and that level is not the production side of what we do it is the student side of what we do. So, I went searching for something that had been written on this subject and came across Jeanne’s book.

This book does a great job of leading us down a path that will provide multiple connections with those who are visiting for the first time. She covers everything from greeters to visitor reception to small groups and how they will truly give your students an environment to belong. While I cannot share everything in the book with you, she would prefer you buy it and read it, let me share this one little section of the book.

Jeanne starts talking about being a charter member of the Youth Ministry Frog Kissers of America. She then goes on to tell the fairy tale that many of us know so well, but the following is what I want you share with you.

“What’s that got to do with creating a welcoming, friendly youth ministry? Everything. You see, today’s youth culture is filled with “handsome princes” who have had a million different things cast a spell on them. When they come to your youth ministry, most of them look pretty “froggy.” They show warts of apathy, cynicism, and rebellion that many times turn away even the most seasoned youth leaders. But I hope as you read this book you’ll realize that in order to create a friendly, welcoming youth ministry, you’re going to have to train yourself to look past their froggish warts and see the royalty that Christ has put inside each of them. What’s the kiss? The magical transformation in your teenagers will come after you, your adult leaders, or your students, in the name of Christ’s love, offer them the kiss of encouragement.”

If you want a ministry that is changing the lives of students around you then become a member of Youth Ministry Frog Kissers of America.

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