By Ruth Tynes / Online Editor / InTheTimes.com Girls Ministry
Q: Before our Girls Ministry service, we give time to chit chat, snack, and we have upbeat music going. We do lots of fun and interesting things that keep girls coming to Church...
However when we say, "Ok, time to get seated and learn from the Word of God." they all audibly groan. They don't want to stop what they are doing, which makes it very difficult to teach. Any advice?
A: Congrats on letting girls know that Church is a fun, upbeat place! Keep up the great pre-service fellowship activities, they are a great "hook" that help girls enjoy coming to Church and feel comfortable about inviting their friends!
But don't stop there! Work hard with the Lay / Student Leadership Team to make "teaching time" just as upbeat and fun as the pre-service fellowship.
Here are some ideas for your brainstorming time:
+ Teach themed messages / topical series
+ Utilize guest / student speakers for the teaching time
+ Have the Drama Team write / put on a skit that has to do with the theme of the teaching as a fun lead in
+ Have the Media Team create relevant videos, audio, graphics, etc. to enhance the teaching
+ Break out into small discussion groups
+ Utilize group activities related to the topic of the teaching
Keep the girls engaged and involved! But most important, beyond any strategy or gimmick, let the girls know that God loves them and that the Bible is relevant to their everyday lives!
"Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, like men sent from God." (2 Corinthians 2:17, NIV)
Let the girls know that when friends, family, and society aren't there to help them, Jesus is there to be their best friend and to guide them through whatever is going on in their life...forever!
"Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him." (Proverbs 30:5, NIV)
Be sincere and transparent in your own personal life, girls can see through being fake, corny, obligation, or whatever your own personal mixed emotions are around "presenting the Word of God" (see Isaiah 29:13)
* This is an excerpt from the book In the Times Girls Ministry by Ruth Tynes. Copyright 2006. It may not be reprinted or posted without written permission from the author. Please contact for reprint permission.
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