Youth Ministry vs Campus Ministry

For two years I helped Philip out in Am Sam with our church youth group. It was fun, and painful, and frustrating, and , at times, rewarding. Campus Ministry has been quite different then youth ministry.


Getting people to show up to events

Youth- Have a really cool activity planned to entice kids to show up and bring their friends. Trips are generally best.

College- Have food


Participation

Youth- Some are excited and show up before you do, and some you have to drag out of their house to go to anything

College- Some are excited and show up before you do, and some don't return your phone calls; unless you offer to go eat and pay for the food


Support

Youth- Going to school events like volleyball games and cheering them on

College- Going to a smoke filled bar and hanging out listening to their band, while drinking over-priced coke.


Games

Youth- Video games, sports, and active games

College- Really nerdy games like Risk!, and Settlers of Cataan, and food


Growth

Youth- Getting all kids to grow in their faith

College- Keep them from giving up on their faith completely and leaving


Smoking

Youth- Keep kids from starting to smoke

College- Keep kids from starting to smoke illegal drugs


Drinking

Youth- Keep kids from drinking

College- Keep kids from drinking too much


Weird People

Youth- Someone in your youth group inevitably invites the weirdest friend they have. You know. That guy that wears woman's pants and whose face looks like it came out of a tackle box.

College- I try not to be the weird friend who shows up to stuff. Maybe get a piercing or tattoo to blend in.


Paul "I may be getting a tattoo" Murphy