Transitions

Church statistics show, quite alarmingly, that we are losing thousands of children as they transition from children's ministry to intermediate or youth group. Please journey with them through the summer well, pray for the kids in your church and community, and be intentional about inviting them into the next chapter of their faith. They are too precious to fall through the gaps. Not this summer. Not on our watch.

"I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands"

Psalm 119:176

Transitioning kids through your different ministries

• ​Focus on the individuals - every kid is important
• Introduce them to their new youth leaders early
• Invite kids to a youth group social to make friends. They are more likely to come along if they know someone else. 
• Make your children and youth ministry visible - communicate, signs, talk, share

Resources

• Back to School Blessing Kete - a great kete of ideas and resources for marking the start of a new academic year, and praying for students and teachers in your church congregation. 
• Communicate, Connect, Create, Challenge - A great article from Baptist CFM Australia
• Prayer spaces for kids leaving school
• Transition worship service for kids
• Mentoring Young People - a resource from Anglican Youth Ministries
• It's Your Move - SUNZ guide to starting High School
• Smooth Transitions
• You're Losing Us - A SUNZ workshop for your whole church
• It's Just a Phase - resources and ideas to host a church event, helping kids and parents navigate each phase of a child's life. 
• An article from Youth and Children's Work about embracing change and forming faith rituals

Youth

Anglican Youth
Resourced! is a website resourcing Anglican youth ministries in New Zealand. Everything on Resourced! has been tried and tested by New Zealand youth groups. 

Alpha For Youth
Youth Alpha was originally developed in the UK by Simon Jones as an adaptation to the successful Alpha course. Basically it takes the material of the Alpha course but presents it in a way that is relevant and interesting to the youth of today.

Attitude
Attitude is the youth education division of Parents Inc., dedicated to creatively teach life skills that will assist teenagers to make life-enhancing choices. The inspirational programmes encompass all aspects of total wellbeing and are a preventative strategy to youth suicide, teen pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STI's).

The Source for Youth Ministry
New resources each week . . . and it's absolutely free. No membership, no special code, no hidden costs, just free youth ministry resources you can use.

Praxis
Praxis is a network of Christian practitioners in youth and community work. We exist to support people who are making a difference in their communities. Praxis operates in partnerships with churches, mission organisations and community groups at local and national levels.

Youth Train
This website contains numerous training opportunities and resources including an online store with free samples.