Room to Improve
Problem: Your Sunday school rooms are packed out. Even the church office is being used by the singles class. But you don't have the teachers to start a second Sunday school. Solution: Start a "Teens Only" chapel. Many churches have two identical morning worship services, but First Assembly of God in Bettendorf, Iowa, decided to try something else—a 9:45 service for teens only, while the adults and children use the classrooms. Then at 10:40, the groups trade places—adults worship while the junior high, senior high, and Bible quiz team classes meet. At least three benefits have emerged. • Classroom space isn't so cramped. "Now even the Bible quiz team has a large classroom," says Pastor Douglas Rose, "and that has helped attitudes and motivation." • Teens are able to develop worship-leading skills. "Too often teens are just spectators in morning worship—even disinterested spectators," says Rose. "This way our youth pastor, Don Jonker, is able to involve the young people in worship planning, special music, song leading, accompaniment, ushering, and speaking. In adult services, youth talent is often by-passed." • Worship is done with a younger style. Outside musicians and special speakers can be brought in who appeal to teens. Youth aren't isolated from the adults, however, since everyone meets together for Sunday evening services. "About 100 teens are now in church, kids are inviting their friends, and Sunday school is growing again," says Rose. "It's definitely been worth the extra effort."
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