Chromey, Youth Ministry in Small Churches

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Rick Chromey, Youth Ministry in Small Churches: Creative How-Tos, Plus 20 Involving Activities. Group Publishing, 2009.

Companion volume: Chromey, Energizing Children’s Ministry in the Smaller Church

Referenced in: Small Church Leadership

LifeandLeadership Summary

Chromey addresses the challenges and opportunities of youth ministry in churches of 100 members or less. He discusses how the unique features of small churches shape the ministry, such as valuing people over performance, the preference for generalists over specialists, and the intergenerational orientation. From there, he guides readers through the process of casting a vision, creating a ministry philosophy, helping teens become leaders, recruiting volunteers, budgeting, joining forces with other churches, managing time, establishing personal support networks, and exercising healthy self-care. He also devotes an entire chapter to the different dynamics of volunteer youth workers, pastors with youth responsibilities, part-time youth workers, and full time youth ministers.

From the Publisher

Build a successful youth ministry in a small church. You can develop an effective youth ministry with only a few teenagers. Learn about the special dynamics of a small church. Discover what a small church can do that a big church can’t. See the opportunities of ministry in a small church. And get practical answers to tough questions like these:

  • Why is small church youth ministry so tough?
  • Should I cancel a meeting if only one or two kids show up?
  • Where can I find good no- or low-cost resources?
  • Should I combine junior and senior high groups?
  • How can I find volunteers when everybody’s so busy?
  • What activities really work with small groups?

Plus, you’ll get 28 ready-to-use activity guides to use with just a few kids.

You’ll learn:

  • How to start a youth group from scratch-with just a handful of young people.
  • How to build a budget.
  • To work with other churches.
  • To take control of your schedule.
  • To help your group: – Grow closer to God – Reach out and serve others – Get the money it needs – Build a tight-knit group

About the Author

Dr. Rick Chromey serves on the staff of George Fox University (Boise Center) in Idaho. Previously Rick served as a Youth and Family Ministry professor for Kentucky Christian University, Saint Louis Christian College, and Boise Bible College. He is a professional consultant for several organizations, with a specialty in Children’s Ministry.

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