While some youth will not darken the door of a church or a youth group, there are youth who are looking for some need to be fulfilled that makes them open to attend a group event. These 'seekers' are targeted with the Connect Strategy in the commitment level model of youth ministry.
1. Characteristics of Seekers
The following characteristics of seeker youth were identified by students enrolled for youth ministry studies via email with the Baptist Theological College: (1) they are hungry for something; (2) they are temporary; (3) they are by nature selfish; (4) they know God intellectually not experientially; (5) they are starting to question beliefs; (6) they have matured in a culture of relativism, individualism, and multiculturalism; (7) they are searching for a reason to seek the truth in Christianity, (8) they are seeking a sensual experience with God; and (9) they are waiting to see if they are loved unconditionally.
2. Types of Seekers
The following types of seekers were identified: fun seekers who are interested in the fun activities, those that use the group and the leaders, those sent by parents against their own will, those who feel like they are a part of the church community, those that come with a genuine desire to know or connect with God, those who are looking for a date or a partner, those who are social outcasts, those whose lives have collapsed, those who are bored, those who are lonely, those who are forced to attend, those who are not searching for anything but have been invited by friends and come because they want to feel accepted.
3. Ministry to Seekers
The following strategies to reach them were identified:
(1) Relational approaches: establish relationships with seeker youth, contact them during the week, do follow up, pray for them and be sensitive to their needs, personal evangelism, remember everything about them.
(2) Programme approaches: programme to attract people, have seeker-sensitive meetings, base the whole programme on relationships, show hospitality, show that you value their attendance, create a sense of community, use excellent drama and music, involve seekers in the service, incorporate their style of music and worship, create an authentic environment which offers unconditional love and acceptance, have relevant preaching, develop an evangelistic programming strategy, have specific groups for seekers, accept their questions to evaluate their grounding point, and don't push for commitment but give openings for someone to receive Christ at the end of every meeting.
Getting seekers to come to the youth group is not that much of a problem, but keeping them is, for as we reduce the programme that we used to draw them and instil more faith based activities, if they are not ready for commitment, they may not return. Cloverly Livingston, an email student from Orlando, Florida. USA.
Read about Seeker Services.
Return to Model of Youth Ministry