Student Worship - Kids are just not getting into it

[mobaar]

Hey all,

I'm facing a bit of a dilemma. I am in charge of worship from week to week for our growing student (JHS-HS) ministry, and the students are just NOT getting into the worship. It seems like it is a lot less than when I was in high school, and the youth pastor has agreed with me that it seems like "the times are a-changin'"... but I don't know how to respond. We try to use multimedia in our worship, to bring in newer songs as well as older contemporary songs, but no matter how hard we try up on stage (and pray!) we cannot seem to get these kids to budge from their chairs. Sure, we can tell them to stand, clap, whatever...but anyone who has led worship knows just as well as I do that that is not a solution .

Any ideas? I really want worship to be something that connects with these students, that gets them involved and allows them to experience God. It always seems weird to be asking these sorts of questions when God ultimately is in control -- but I know that He wants us to be doing our best to reach them...after all, we are His instruments, just as my guitar is mine .

I'd love to hear any ideas. And if you get a moment to pray for us, please do!

Thanks all,

Mo

[Steve Hotra]

Mo,
its more of a common problem than you think.
Couple of questions:
are students helping lead worship?
rather than a 50 something ?( I'm that old)
2nd.. don't be afraid to guide them with words of gentle encouragement.
3rd .. what do the student leaders say, any suggestions from them?

We overcame this season by giving the students ownership in the worship ministry. They are in small groups as well, along with mentoring from me,
the worship arts pastor.
Hope this helps and will be praying for you.

[jonathancasas]

Interesting problem... I don't have that problem when I lead youth. It's opposite. We have a blast. I think it's because I am really honest when I worship and I go crazy when I'm in front of the youth. I feel like when I am there I can get back to my rockin' roots. Plus, it helps to have a kick butt band... Try doing some songs that they may know off of the radio. Several secular songs naturally lend themselves to a Godly theme (believe it or not....) Try Life House/Creed sounding songs...

Good luck man...

In Him,
Jonathan Casas
www.RockinWorship.com

[Jan]

I don't think the issue is your methodology. I think it's the hearts of the youth. Worship is a heartfelt response to what God is doing in our lives. Do you have youth responding to the gospel in other ways? Are they becoming believers or wanting to be baptized, serving in ministry?

It's very difficult to pump up someone to worship, when they just don't get it.

I think if it were me, I would be looking at youth ministry as a whole and strategize with other leaders about how we could reach the hearts of youth. Worship will come in response.
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Blessings