Every generous act of giving, every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change (James 1:17).
One of the highlights of your youth ministry is graduation day. For many youth leaders, graduation day is an opportunity to look back—to recount memories and experiences that have turned immature teens into young men and women ready to face the world or embrace college. As a leader, you can feel a sense of accomplishment, too, because you have been a part of their lives and have taught them much about faith and life.
For years, we have celebrated high school graduation in a big way in church—breakfasts for graduates and parents, recognition in worship, photos and displays, parties, and opportunities for the graduates to share their respective plans. Graduation day is also an opportunity to move high school students into college ministry, and to invite younger teens into the youth group for mentoring and new opportunities.
For the youth leader, a graduation day also can be a time of introspection and planning for the future. Good questions to ask at this time include: What ministries and programs have worked well for our teens? What are the challenges we are facing? Where are we seeing the most effective ministries? What recommendations would our graduating teens have for improving the ministry?
As graduation approaches, take the time to pray for all of your graduating students. Send them a note. Affirm their futures. Collect contact information so you can stay in touch years down the road.
In all things give thanks…and rest in the promise that you have played a part in impacting their faith.
