A youth group should be an integral part of the congregation. In some ways, the youth group is an equivalent to the women’s group or the seniors' Lunch Bunch. Though the group has meetings separate from the rest of the congregation, it is also a part of the congregation as a whole. It is beneficial to both congregation and youth group to share their different perspectives and knowledge with each other. In fact, in a denomination that believes in encouraging each other to spiritual growth, it is a must. Many of the adults say that this sharing gives them hope and encouragement to keep trying. Another benefit of closer youth/congregational relationships is more concrete. If the congregation knows and respects you, they are less likely to turn you down when you ask for money to buy curricula, furniture for your youth room, or permission to host a conference at the church.

A few years ago, the youth group of my church met at night when no one else was around. Many of the youth were friends of friends of youth members and had no adult connecting them to the congregation. We didn’t know the congregation or anything about them and the congregation didn’t know us. Though the youth and adults of the church rarely saw each other, rumors and stereotypes were being spread by both groups. Several parents of entering ninth graders had heard the rumors and were concerned that the group might not be a safe place for their young teens. Some old members of the group were worried about the large number of new kids who seemed to want to change things. The disconnection became critical at a parent informational meeting that started with lots of yelling and accusation and ended with the charge to brainstorm ways out of the "disconnected youth group syndrome." Out of this brainstorming came the "Visibility Campaign." Results of the Visibility Campaign had a lot to do with relationships. Since the adults were having a hard time reaching out to us, we decided to reach out to them. The following are examples of what we did and what your youth group might do:

1. Go to church on a regular basis. If they see you there every Sunday, they will begin to recognize you. Example: At first my youth would sit together in a big clump in the sanctuary. Because we came in mass, we weren’t hard to spot and got noticed. After doing that for a while, we would spread out and get to know the adults we were sitting near.
2. Volunteer to be an usher or to serve coffee. This will show that you are willing to work for the benefit of the church.
3. Light the chalice as individuals or groups. The readings you choose will demonstrate your thoughtfulness and let adults know what youth are thinking about.
4. Be visible in social hour. Example: Not only do we mingle with other members of the church; we also do something we call Social Action Snacks. We get volunteers to make cookies or some other kind of snack and then ask for a donation for the snacks during social hour. We often include some kind of information about current issues of social concern. We donate all the money (hundreds of dollars this year) to charitable organizations.
5. Write articles for your church newsletter. Give updates about all the awesome stuff your youth group is doing as well as articles about what individual youth are up to such as being in a play, winning a contest, etc. This is an easy way for the congregation to get to know you.
6. Join committees. Not only does this show that you are dedicated to the functioning of the church and allow you to get to know the members of the committee, it also allows you to have a say about what goes on. Example: We made it our goal to get at least one youth on every committee of the church. This proved to be difficult because of our busy schedules. However, we were able to be involved in many of the committees.
7. Teach in the religious education program. This bridges another age gap and builds the congregation’s trust in youth.
8. Invite church members to youth functions. You can invite them to overnights or cons. You will get to know each other well and they will see the kinds of things you do. They will feel that you value their opinions and knowledge and it is hoped that they will value yours.
9. Lead Sunday services, vespers/worship services, or a worship for the RE kids. Example: When youth from my church did this, the adults realized that they could learn as much from us as we could learn from them. At last spring’s service, "It’s About Shoes, Because They Have Soles Too," 350 pairs of used but good shoes were donated to a local shelter. Many older members expressed thanks for the lessons they learned about the economic and moral significance of their shoe purchases and the chance to perform a simple but effective social action project.
10. If your church allows it, become a member. This is proof that you want to be part of the congregation. If membership isn’t allowed, lobby for a change in the bylaws. It will generate important conversations in your church about the meaning of membership.
11. Pledge. If you are able, show your support financially as well as by volunteering your services. At my church, a $10 pledge will put you on the same list as the Board of Trustees and might encourage some non-pledging adults to change their ways!
12. Host intergenerational social events. Example: My youth group started an intergenerational theater group. Every so often, they put on a play or have a poetry reading night. Also, we sponsor dances. At our swing dances, we get someone to teach quick, basic lessons. That way, even the most inexperienced person can come and have a good time. The congregation is very appreciative that we make opportunities for them to have fun.
13. Go to board and congregational meetings and be vocal. Let your opinions be known. Share your good ideas.
14. One of our dreams is to have a mentor system in which a senior adult member is paired with a youth member. We’re still working on ways to get this done but as a start, we recently sponsored a geriatric/teen dessert potluck and game night. People who were over sixty or between the ages of twelve and nineteen were invited to share in the fun.

These are only a few ways to integrate into the congregation. For my youth group, they brought success. We have grown and have added the junior high group to youth programming. There are now six groups meeting regularly which involve approximately seventy-five junior high and high school youth and nineteen advisors. Some other results of our campaign include a by-law change to allow us to be members, a $5000 budget, and the hiring of a staff person to oversee youth programming. Not only are we a part of the congregation, but we are well respected. Our age gap has been bridged. I hope yours will be too.