United Youth EVENTS

When youth leaders unite regularly behind a vision in and for their city or town, it makes a difference. Here is the data.

85%

of youth groups connect with a combined event annually

16%

of these events are focused on outreach

33%

of youth groups connect to one combined outreach event annually

200%

Youth leaders who unite regularly have twice as many combined events

While 85% are connected to combined events, only 16% of those events are focused on outreach. This is immediately concerning and needs discussing, so it is changed.

With 33% (one third) of groups connected to one combined / larger outreach event annually – we therefore have a staggering two-thirds are not. This needs changing.

However, youth leaders who met 6+ times annually (2x per school year is a good pattern) were twice as connected to school groups, and had twice the number of united events. There is a pattern here.

A logical goal follows. What if youth leaders were regularly united in every city and town with a high school, with a vison of running at least four united events annually, at least half of which had a gospel focus? The results would likely speak for themselves.

A network available

A map will be created that has just ONE key youth leader per city and town on it. The purpose is to help any youth organisation that is travelling, who could bring support to an event or training, to find connections to local youth leaders in each location.

Resources

The below ministries can either help you run events – or speak at one.

With over 20 staff spread throughout the geography of NZ, WOL helps local youth groups get equipped to talk about their faith – while running great outreaching events to connect with more also. Contact them to invite their help:

Luke Collis — With 15 years’ experience and having run numerous creative combined-youth-group events in various parts of the country, Luke can bring common-sense equipping to your youth, while being a specialist in creative gospel events run in partnership with combined youth groups of a city, town or region. Invite him – and learn from him:

Ed Bamford-Bryant – Previously youth leader at Arise Church in Wellington, Ed’s passion for the gospel compelled him to specialise. While focusing on gospel events he can bring motivation and equipping for groups of youth or youth leaders also! Invite him:

Energetic and active, the catalyst team have travelled extensively bringing inspiration to youth and youth leaders alike. They bring amazing equipping and motivation — and could help with events. Contact them to find out if or how they could help:

A united Youth Alpha course could especially suit a smaller town, where one group might struggle for momentum in it. It’s an idea to consider. Contact them to see what they think might work for you:

Valuing guest speakers

Some people really are gifted as ‘evangelistic speakers.’ A fresh face, with a clear message, can ‘cut through’ sometimes. Leverage this!

Beyond the above ministries, most denominations will have some key people in them who have this gift.

Don’t hesitate to extend an invitation – for the benefit of your youth and your city or town!