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A Free Spring Calendar for Kids Ministry

Spring in kids ministry is a season of excitement—Easter celebrations, family events, spring break activities, and new lessons. With so much going on, being sure parents, volunteers, and kids stay informed is critical. But let’s face it—keeping track of everything can get overwhelming fast.

That’s why a simple, easy-to-use calendar is a lifesaver! Whether you’re planning Easter crafts, volunteer schedules, or parent engagement nights, a shared calendar helps you stay organized and keeps everyone on the same page—no more missed events or last-minute changes.

Our free Editable Spring Kids Ministry Calendar is the perfect tool to help you plan and communicate effectively. It’s designed to meet the needs of kids ministry leaders and is fully customizable for your ministry’s unique schedule.

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When you download your Free Spring Kids Ministry Calendar, you’ll receive:

  • A PSD file
  • A DOCX file
  • Canva links
  • Font links

This all-in-one resource makes it easy to add your events, classes, and family activities. You can print it out or share it digitally with your team, volunteers, and parents to keep everyone in the loop.

We hope this resource helps you plan an amazing spring season in your kids ministry and makes communication with families easier than ever!

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A Free Spring Calendar for Youth Ministry

In youth ministry, spring is full of new opportunities—Easter celebrations, retreats, and fresh teaching series. With so much happening, keeping parents, volunteers, and students in the loop is essential. But all these moving parts can quickly become overwhelming without a clear plan.

That’s why having a simple, easy-to-use calendar is so important! Whether you’re planning an Easter event, scheduling volunteer meetings, or organizing spring break activities, a shared calendar ensures everyone stays on the same page and avoids the chaos of missed events or miscommunication.

Our free Editable Spring Ministry Calendar is designed to help you stay organized and make sure everyone involved in your ministry knows what’s happening, when it’s happening, and how they can participate. The best part? It’s fully customizable to fit the unique needs of your ministry!

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When you download your Free Spring Ministry Calendar, you’ll get:

  • A PSD file
  • A DOCX file
  • Canva links
  • Font links

This resource includes everything you need to design your seasonal calendar quickly and easily. Just add your events, meetings, and key dates, then print it out or send it digitally to your team, volunteers, and parents as part of your regular communication strategy.

We hope this resource helps you plan an incredible spring season and keeps your youth ministry running smoothly!

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How to VBS: Breakout Notes from CPC25

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If you attended our “How to VBS” workshop at Children’s Pastors Conference (CPC)’25 or wish you could have, we’ve got you covered! This guide includes all the highlights and practical takeaways you need to create a successful Vacation Bible School (VBS) experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or hosting for the first time, these ideas will help you throw the best VBS for kids, families, and your church.

WHY VBS?

Let’s start with the big question: why should your church host a VBS? It’s no secret that VBS takes a lot of resources—money, time, and volunteers. And with busy summer schedules, you might even wonder if kids will show up. Despite these challenges, here’s why VBS is still worth it:

  • Unmatched Bible Engagement: VBS offers kids the most concentrated amount of time to engage with the Bible, ministry leaders, and peers. It’s an opportunity to dive deeper into Scripture and its application than they typically could on a Sunday morning.
  • Community Visibility: Hosting a VBS increases your church’s presence in the community, helping you connect with families who might not otherwise attend your services.
  • Building Relationships: It’s not just about numbers; it’s about creating meaningful connections—between kids and God, between families and your church, and among your volunteers.

(And if finances are a barrier, check out our completely free VBS themes.)

REFRAME YOUR WINS

Before you start planning activities and designing logos, take a moment to think about what would make your VBS a win. Instead of focusing on attendance or new memberships, think about the qualitative wins.

If you need help, try thinking about what a win might look like for each of these GOALS:

  • God: Help kids grow closer to God.
  • Outreach: Reach families in your community.
  • Adventure: Make learning about God exciting and memorable.
  • Learning: Teach biblical truths kids can carry into their daily lives.
  • Serving: Create opportunities for kids and volunteers to serve others.

How you choose to define your wins and successes will help you as you get further into planning your VBS.

PLAN WITH PURPOSE

Whether it’s for one day or one week, VBS is a huge undertaking. So, start your planning by identifying your top goals for this year. Map out a planning calendar to keep you and your team on track, starting with big-picture milestones and working down to the finer details.

Think about how you’ll plan as early as 8 weeks before your event and as late as 1 week before your VBS. For each week, think about each section of VBS that needs to be planned.

Most likely, you won’t need to be planning snacks when you’re eight weeks away, but that’s a good time to think about registrations, marketing, and your communication strategy for parents and volunteers.

PROMOTE, PROMOTE, PROMOTE

Once you’ve got a plan, it’s time to talk about your VBS!

Here are some ideas to make promoting your VBS fun and effective:

  • Weekly Tabling: Set up a themed table at church to showcase your VBS theme and get people excited.
  • Preview Events: Host a no-pressure event where families can check out the theme, activities, and schedule.
  • Kid-Made Invites: Let kids create invitations for their friends to make it personal.
  • Leverage Social Media: Use posts, videos, and countdowns to spread the word online.
  • Word of Mouth: Encourage your church family to personally invite neighbors, friends, and coworkers.

YOU’LL NEED HELP

Volunteers are the backbone of VBS. Recruiting and equipping the right team can make all the difference for your event. Here’s how to build a strong volunteer base:

USE PERSONAL INVITES

Announcements from the stage and email are great for raising general awareness, but here are some other ways to invite potential volunteers.

  • Invite directly. A direct ask shows you value their gifts and believe they can contribute.
  • Be specific about the role. For example, “You’re so creative! Would you help us build a stage backdrop?” is more effective than “Can you help with decorations?”
  • Invite across age groups. Don’t forget to ask parents, high schoolers, and even college students who can bring fresh energy to your team.

TRAIN YOUR VOLUNTEERS

Look at you! Now you’ve got a whole team of VBS Avengers assembled. So… what now? It’s time to train them, of course. Here’s a quick look at what VBS training could look like:

  • Onboarding: Start by sharing the “GOALS” framework with your volunteers to inspire them and keep the bigger picture in focus. Remind them how VBS can be a pivotal moment in kids’ lives—a chance to connect with God, make lasting friendships, and create joyful memories that carry into the next school year.
  • Inspire and Empower: Help each volunteer understand the specific role they play in achieving the goals. Whether they’re leading small groups, managing the tech team, or organizing snacks, emphasize their value. Be specific: “The decorations you’re helping with will make kids feel excited to walk into this space,” or “Your energy in leading games will show kids God’s joy in action.”
  • Form a Core Planning Team: Recruit a group of committed volunteers who can take ownership of key areas, like…
    • Promotional Leader: Manages marketing and registrations, organizes tabling schedules, and oversees check-ins.
    • Activities Leader: Plans and leads games and icebreakers to keep energy high.
    • Music Leader: Oversees the worship or song portion—whether with pre-recorded tracks or a live band.
    • Snack Leader: Prepares snacks and meals, recruits parent helpers, and oversees the first aid station.
    • Storyteller: Captures photos and videos, creates daily slideshows, and posts updates to social media (with signed photo waivers from parents).
    • Tech Team: Handles behind-the-scenes logistics like equipment, chairs, and supply prep.
    • Group Leaders: High school and college volunteers who guide small groups of kids through activities and discussions.
  • Host Workdays: Schedule weekly work sessions 1–2 months before VBS to create props, test activities, and prepare materials. These sessions also double as team-building opportunities. Add music, snacks, and laughter to make them enjoyable for everyone.

By giving volunteers ownership of specific areas and equipping them with clear guidance and encouragement, you’ll set the stage for a successful VBS.

What Else? Maximizing VBS Impact

Your VBS can do more than create a fun week—it can plant seeds that grow for years to come. Here’s how to maximize its impact:

  • Add a service project. Incorporate an outreach element, like packing hygiene kits or making cards for a local nursing home. This connects kids’ faith with real-world impact.
  • Partner with other churches. Collaborate to share resources and ideas. This can lighten your workload and create a sense of unity in your local faith community.
  • Stay connected after VBS. Don’t forget to think about how you’ll connect with these kids and families once your event is over!
    • Send photos: Parents love seeing their kids in action. Share photos and highlights with families after the event.
    • Reinforce Learning: Provide conversation starters or a recap of what kids learned so families can continue the discussion at home.
    • Follow Up: Check in with families a few weeks later to keep building relationships. And, of course, invite them to future ministry events!

READY TO PLAN YOUR BEST VBS?

VBS can feel daunting, but it becomes much easier when you have a strong team by your side. With clear goals, the right people in place, and a creative approach, you can create a VBS experience that transforms lives—not just for the kids who attend but also for the families and volunteers who make it happen.

We know that’s a lot of information, but don’t worry—we’ve put together everything you need in the resources, including our breakout slides from CPC 25! These free resources will help make your VBS planning even easier! We can’t wait to hear about your 2025 VBS!

Oh, and if you’re looking for a VBS program, check out one of our free VBS themes!

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“Jesus, It’s Your Birthday!” A New Christmas Worship Song from Grow Kids

The Christmas season is here, and it’s the perfect moment to fill your kids’ ministry with the joy of Christmas music—but you might be looking for something new this year. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce our newest song, Jesus, It’s Your Birthday!

This upbeat, fun-filled track is designed to get kids singing, moving, and celebrating the true reason for the season—Jesus’ birth! Whether you’re planning a Christmas party, incorporating Christmas worship music into a service, or simply looking for engaging Christmas songs for kids, this track is sure to be a hit.

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Your Kids Will Love This Christmas Song

Jesus, It’s Your Birthday! isn’t just a song—it’s an experience. It comes with all the resources you need to make it a big part of your holiday programming:

  • High-Quality Videos: Bring the song to life with engaging visuals.
  • Lyrics and Chord Charts: Perfect for sing-alongs or live performances.
  • Instrumental Tracks: Customize the experience to suit your ministry’s needs.
  • Dance Video: Teach kids fun moves to go along with the song.

And here’s the best part—if you’re already a Grow Kids subscriber, this song is included for free as part of your subscription. Not a subscriber yet? You can still purchase it for just $9.99 and make it the highlight of your Christmas celebrations.

Download the Dance Video for Free

To help you kick off the fun, we’re offering a free download of the Jesus, It’s Your Birthday! dance video. Your kids won’t just get to hear a new song, they’ll be able to learn the moves that go along with it and celebrate together. It’s a moment they won’t forget!

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Explore the Grow Kids Music Library

Did you know that Jesus, It’s Your Birthday! is just one of many incredible Christmas songs for kids and worship tracks available through Grow Kids Music? Our library is packed with original worship songs, complete with everything you need to integrate them seamlessly into your ministry. From audio tracks to choreography videos, Grow Kids Music is your go-to resource for creating joyful, impactful moments.

Visit growmusic.org to explore the entire library and find your next favorite song.

Let’s Celebrate Together

We’d love to see how your ministry is celebrating with Jesus, It’s Your Birthday! Whether it’s a dance party, a Christmas performance, or something completely unique, share your videos and stories with us—your creativity can inspire others in our community!

Let’s make this Christmas unforgettable for the kids in your ministry. Grab the free dance video, dive into the full Grow Kids Music library, and let’s make this Christmas unforgettable with a song that brings everyone together!

5 Ways to Celebrate Advent with Kids

The Christmas season is a time for sharing memories, gathering with our loved ones, and a few last-minute trips to the store to buy those gifts you forgot about. But anyone who has ever wrapped a gift for a kid knows Christmas is more than just a single day. The anticipation starts as soon as November (or December 26th for those of us who count down all year long)!

We can start to celebrate Jesus’ birth in the weeks leading up to Christmas Day with that same anticipation. This time is known as Advent, and it’s a way for us to reflect on Jesus’ arrival on earth, celebrate all that God has done for us, and pray for what’s next in our lives. If you’ve never celebrated Advent, there are simple ways to help the families in your ministry connect. Advent is all about reflecting on the hope, peace, joy, and love God brought to earth through Jesus.

Here are a few of our favorites…

SING TOGETHER

How often do you get to sing Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You with your family? This is your moment! You don’t need to be vocal powerhouses for this, either. During the Advent season, encourage families to get together to make a playlist of their favorite Christmas songs. Then, they can choose a singing schedule. Maybe they can make time every day to sing through a song or two or have a weekly Family Karaoke Party. From there, they can just press play, turn up the music, and sing their favorite carols, Christmas anthems, and silly songs together. You might even give an award for the best family Christmas performance!

Singing together is such a great way to connect, build memories, laugh, and worship together. After they sing, invite families to talk through why these songs are special to them or how they relate to the Christmas story. There are so many possibilities for each singing session and conversation!

ADVENT CRAFTS

If families want to give their voices a rest, they could try creating something instead. There are all sorts of great Christmas crafts to make. From nativity scenes to Christmas wreaths and even handmade ornaments, Advent is the perfect season for crafting!

When it comes to making Advent crafts, each family could make individual crafts to put on display or work together on one each week. Then, they could save their crafts with their holiday decorations and add to them throughout the years. Not only is it a great way to spend time with kids, but it also makes for great keepsakes!

LIGHT ADVENT CANDLES

One of the activities we tend to associate with Advent is lighting candles. Traditionally, we light a new candle each Sunday of Advent. Each candle has a color associated with the theme of that week— hope, peace, joy, love. Depending on the tradition, there may be a fifth candle at the center of the wreath that represents Jesus.

As families celebrate Advent, they could craft or buy their own Advent wreaths. Then, each week, have families light a candle and talk about how they see the theme of that week arrive through Jesus. Here’s the order and meaning of each candle:

  • Week 1: Hope (A candle to represent the prophecies about Jesus)
  • Week 2: Peace (A candle to represent Jesus’ birthplace, Bethlehem)
  • Week 3: Joy (A candle to remind us to rejoice like the shepherds in the field)
  • Week 4: Love (A candle to remind us of the message of God’s love given to us through Jesus)

You could even incorporate the candle lighting into your Sunday service together as you help kids explore their faith and relationship with Jesus in a new way.

A JESSE TREE

Another way to celebrate Advent is with a tree! This isn’t your regular Christmas tree, though—it’s called a Jesse Tree. A Jesse Tree is a way to count down the days leading up to Christmas by sharing stories that help us reflect on Jesus’ birth.

Starting on the first day of December, invite families to place a different picture, symbol, or ornament on their tree. Afterward, they can read the stories from Scripture that build on each other, eventually leading to Jesus’ birth on Christmas day. You could print out passages and pictures for families to take home as they decorate their Jesse Tree together. Not only is this a great way to spend time together as a family, but it also helps kids learn stories from the Bible and grow in their faith.

USE AN ADVENT CALENDAR

Finally, one of the most common ways to celebrate Advent is with an Advent calendar. There are all sorts of Advent calendars containing anything from chocolate to LEGO pieces to collectible toys. An Advent calendar comes with special compartments marked for each day of December. Once a day, simply open a box and take out what’s inside. Each day is a new surprise! Advent calendars are simple ways to spend time together, and they’re one of the easiest ways for families to celebrate Advent.

And if you’re looking for an Advent calendar to share with families this year, we’ve got one just for you! Our 2024 Advent calendar is called The Advent Journey. It’s a card deck kids and their families can use to celebrate and anticipate Jesus’ birth. For each day of Advent, we’ve created cards with four different prompts for families…

  • They can read a passage of Scripture inspired by the Revised Common Lectionary.
  • They can share their thoughts with one of our daily prompts.
  • They’ll be challenged to do something together to bring their Advent experience to life.
  • They’ll get to pray together and grow their relationship with Jesus.

Plus, if a family is looking for a way to take their Advent Journey to the next level, we’ve included a helpful guide with extra activities and ways to display their cards.

We’re so excited for you and the families you serve to use this Advent calendar, and we can’t wait to hear your stories! So, if you’re ready to help families begin their Advent Journey this Christmas, check out the 2024 Advent calendar.

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5 Ways to Celebrate Advent with Teenagers

The Christmas season is a time for sharing memories, gathering with our loved ones, and a few last-minute trips to the store to buy those gifts you forgot about. But anyone who has ever wrapped a gift for a teenager knows Christmas is more than just a single day. The anticipation starts as soon as November (or December 26th for those of us who count down all year long)!

We can start to celebrate Jesus’ birth in the weeks leading up to Christmas Day with that same anticipation. This time is known as Advent, and it’s a way for us to reflect on Jesus’ arrival on earth, celebrate all that God has done for us, and pray for what’s next in our lives. If you’ve never celebrated Advent, there are simple ways to help the families in your ministry connect. Advent is all about reflecting on the hope, peace, joy, and love God brought to earth through Jesus.

Here are a few of our favorites…

SERVE TOGETHER

Christmas is a time for giving. So, why not invite families to serve together this year? Help families celebrate Advent by organizing a coat drive, asking them to clear out their closets to donate lightly used clothes and belongings, or creating community service projects.

Their acts of service could be something simple, too, like hanging lights for a family or helping to wrap gifts. When families serve together, they spread joy and love while cultivating gratitude and empathy.

STUDY SCRIPTURE TOGETHER

You could also help families make opportunities to study Scripture together. During the Christmas season, we’re so focused on the holiday that it can be an easy conversation starter. Christmas music plays everywhere we go, and there are Christmas movies on every channel. So why not go back to the original stories and explore how we connect with them today?

A family can use one of these Advent reading plans from YouVersion and read through it together. Then, throughout the day or whenever works best for their schedule, they can talk through what they’ve learned and how God’s words are inspiring them. The Christmas season is a perfect time for families to grow closer together through God’s words.

PRAY TOGETHER

Along with reading Scripture, you could also help families create a rhythm of praying together. Before the first day of December, you could write up a few simple prayers based around each of the four themes of Advent—hope, peace, joy, and love. Then, invite families to set aside some time to select one of these prayers to pray, whether at random or on a rotation.

Give families an extra challenge by having them set up a special prayer space in their home and inviting each member of their family to lead the prayer each day or each week. Families can go beyond these Advent prayers by asking each other to share about what’s happening in their lives and praying for the challenges their facing each week.

SHARE YOUR CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

You probably have so many memories associated with Christmas, and the families of teenagers do too! We might remember a special time with our loved ones, a time when we received a perfect gift or a story about our favorite Ugly Christmas Sweater. Some of these stories might be silly, but they can be powerful reminders of God’s presence in our lives and of the relationships we hold with others.

Families can celebrate the Advent season and the birth of Jesus by sharing these stories with each other. Invite parents to talk to their teenagers about their favorite traditions and the stories from when they were younger. Encourage teenagers and their families to talk about what the holiday means to them and their place in the world. Good stories stick with us long after we’ve heard them, so help families share their favorite Christmas stories this year.

USE AN ADVENT CALENDAR

Finally, one of the most common ways to celebrate Advent is with an Advent calendar. There are all sorts of Advent calendars containing anything from chocolate to LEGO pieces to collectible toys. An Advent calendar comes with special compartments marked for each day of December. Once a day, simply open a box and take out what’s inside. Each day is a new surprise! Advent calendars are simple ways to spend time together, and they’re one of the easiest ways for families to celebrate Advent.

And if you’re looking for an Advent calendar to share with families this year, we’ve got one just for you! Our 2024 Advent calendar is called The Advent Journey. It’s a card deck teenagers and their families can use to celebrate and anticipate Jesus’ birth. For each day of Advent, we’ve created cards with four different prompts for families…

  • They can read a passage of Scripture inspired by the Revised Common Lectionary.
  • They can share their thoughts with one of our daily prompts.
  • They’ll be challenged to do something together to bring their Advent experience to life.
  • They’ll get to pray together and grow their relationship with Jesus.

Plus, if a family is looking for a way to take their Advent Journey to the next level, we’ve included a helpful guide with extra activities and ways to display their cards.

We’re so excited for you and the families you serve to use this Advent calendar, and we can’t wait to hear your stories! So, if you’re ready to help families begin their Advent Journey this Christmas, check out the 2024 Advent calendar.

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A Free Winter Calendar for Kids Ministry

In kids ministry, communication is everything. With so many events, programs, and lessons happening during the winter seasons, it’s important to keep parents, volunteers, and your kids in the loop. But with all thsee moving parts, making sure everyone knows what’s happening and when can be a real challenge.

That’s when a clear, easy-to-use calendar can be your best friend! Whether you’re planning a Christmas event, your teaching series, or taking a short ministry break, having a shared calendar is the perfect way to keep everyone on the same page—without the chaos of missed events or miscommunication.

Our FREE Editable Winter Ministry Calendar is designed to help you stay organized and make sure that everyone involved in your ministry knows what’s happening, when it’s happening, and how they can be a part of it. And the best part? It’s fully customizable to fit the unique needs of your ministry!

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When you download your Free Winter Ministry Calendar, you’ll get…

  • A PSD file
  • A DOCX file
  • Canva links
  • Font links

It’s everything you need to design your seasonal calendar quickly (and easily). Just add in your events, meetings, and key dates. Then, print it out or send it digitally to your team, volunteers, and parents as part of your regular communication strategy.

We hope this resource helps you plan an incredible winter season and keeps your kids ministry running smoothly!

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A Free Winter Calendar for Youth Ministry

In youth ministry, there’s a lot to communicate. The events, programs, and lessons that happen during the winter season mean you’ll need to keep parents, volunteers, and your students in the loop. But with all these moving parts, making sure everyone knows what’s happening and when can be a real challenge.

That’s when a clear, easy-to-use calendar can be your best friend! Whether you’re planning a Christmas event, your teaching series, or taking a short ministry break, having a shared calendar is the perfect way to keep everyone on the same page–without the chaos of missed events or miscommunication.

Our FREE Editable Winter Ministry Calendar is designed to help you stay organized and make sure that everyone involved in your ministry knows what’s happening, when it’s happening, and how they can be a part of it. And the best part? It’s fully customizable to fit the unique needs of your ministry!

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When you download your Free Winter Ministry Calendar, you’ll get…

  • A PSD file
  • A DOCX file
  • Canva links
  • Font links

It’s everything you need to design your seasonal calendar quickly (and easily). Just add in your events, meetings, and key dates. Then, print it out or send it digitally to your team, volunteers, and parents as part of your regular communication strategy.

We hope this resource helps you plan an incredible winter season and keeps your youth ministry running smoothly!

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Free Advent Calendar for 2024

It’s almost the best time of the year! And no, we’re not talking about the days when you get to nap. It’s almost Christmas! The Christmas season is a time of joy, reflection, and connection—but sometimes it goes by so fast that we wish we had more time to really enjoy it. This year, why not make Advent a special time for your family? Introducing the Advent Journey, our free Advent calendar for 2024! It’s a simple and fun way for families to gather together and reflect on the amazing story of God’s love, hope, and presence during the weeks before Christmas.

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The Advent Journey
isn’t just a calendar—it’s a deck of cards that guide you through daily readings, simple questions, and meaningful activities that will help bring your family closer during the Christmas season.

Each card includes four different prompts:

  • Read a passage of Scripture together.
  • Share your thoughts, experiences, and hopes for the Advent season with a daily prompt.
  • Do something together to make your Advent experience real, like a simple act of kindness or challenge.
  • Pray together to grow closer to Jesus and each other.

This Advent calendar is made to help you pause, connect, and celebrate every day of the season. Whether you’re looking for a kids Advent calendar, something for the whole family, or a way to celebrate Christmas with friends, The Advent Journey is perfect for everyone.

We’re so excited for you to use The Advent Journey calendar, and we can’t wait to hear your stories! Make this Advent meaningful. Gather your loved ones, reflect on God’s greatest gift, and create lasting memories—together.

Ready to begin your Advent journey? Get instant access to your free Advent calendar!

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4 Tips to Get More Teenagers to Your Events

Planning a youth ministry event is a mixture of excitement, anticipation, and more than a few nerves. We can spend countless hours curating the perfect event, but having a great idea is just the beginning. We also need people to show up. If you’ve ever spent time planning events for youth ministry, then you’ve probably asked yourself this question—How can I get more teenagers to show up?

We’ve been there before, and we’re here to help. When it comes to events, there are a lot of different ideas on how to…

  • Communicate and share information.
  • Create engaging youth ministry events.
  • Connect with new and existing families.

If you’re struggling to get your group to show up to your events, you may not know where to begin. That’s one of the reasons we host GrowCon every year. It’s an online conference where we offer practical strategies, ideas, and resources for youth ministry leaders just like you—and it’s completely free!

We want to help support ministry leaders as they reach their goals and discover ways to make their ministry even more awesome. So, this year, at GrowCon24, we invited Barbara Carneiro to share some best practices for developing, marketing, and communicating events for your youth group. Barbara is an expert in church communication, the founder of Word Revolution, and the creator of the Church Communicator Conference.

Check out her session from GrowCon24 below, or if you just can’t wait to hear her thoughts on events, keep reading for a quick summary. Be sure to snag the notes for this session along with a practical exercise we made to help you develop your ministry’s vision!

If you’re looking for ways to get more teenagers (and their families) at your events, here are four things you can do.

1. TIE EVENTS TO YOUR VISION

Your vision is the essence of what your ministry does. It helps to create a foundation for your events, discipleship, teaching, and the other parts of your annual strategy. You can think of your vision as the “why” behind your events and your ministry. When you tie your events to your vision, you can create ministry experiences that work together towards a common goal. And if you need help defining the vision for your ministry, we’ve put together a great exercise that can help!

2. COMMUNICATE IN STAGES

After developing a great event idea, the next thing you’ll need to do is communicate the details. There’s often a pressure to get every single last detail ready—from the date and time to the location and cost—before we share about an upcoming event. Instead, consider sharing about your event in multiple steps. You might start with a simple save-the-date graphic and share the specific details as you get closer to your event date. Instead of sharing the same set of information for weeks at a time, you can slowly build up information to keep your teenagers and families engaged and connected to the vision behind the event.

3. GIVE ONE SIMPLE STEP

As youth ministry leaders, we can get so excited about our events that signing up can be… complicated. Not everyone is ready to get involved at the same level at the exact same time. Instead, you can curate a process that meets people where they are. So, rather than ask everyone to commit to an event at the same level, you might look for the “smaller yes” that can bring your group together over time. This might be a simple sign-up experience or a single physical or digital hub where they can go for more information. You’re just looking for one simple action they can take when they’re ready for more information.

4. MAP OUT THE EXPERIENCE

Mapping the experience is about giving your group the information and details they need as they need them. It’s about thinking through each step of your event process, from sending a save-the-date to your post-event cleanup. To map out the experience, you’ll need to think through questions like …

  • What’s the one simple step you want your group to take?
  • How can they get more information?
  • Where can they find registration information?
  • When do I want to start promoting my event?

The goal of mapping out the experience is to put yourself in the shoes of the teenagers in your group. It means sharing the information that is most relevant right now. You might need to think ahead a little bit, but it will be so worth it in the end.

These are just a few ideas for how to get more teenagers to your events, but they’re all related to one thing—your vision for ministry. We’ve got a great exercise to help you think through a few questions as you clarify and put words to what God is doing in your ministry. So whether you want to work on your own or with your team, check out these free resources for your ministry!

And if you’re looking for some more youth ministry events, we’ve got you covered! With Grow Students Curriculum, you’ll get…

  • Four quarterly events and discipleship activities
  • Summer camp and mission experience event guides
  • Event-planning checklists and tutorials
  • Communication guides
  • Videos, editable graphics, and flyers
  • Shopping lists
  • And more!

Events are such an important part of youth ministry, and we’d love to help you with your event strategy. Feel free to steal ours here! Whether you use these four steps from Barbara Carneiro or start up a free trial of Grow Students Curriculum, we hope it helps you as you lead your events!