As Sunday school teachers, it can be difficult to find enough people to help out with one of the many things that may need to be done each week. Though there are usually plenty of volunteers among parents and older church members, youth group members offer a unique set of skills and enthusiasm that can add a lot to any Sunday school class.

Philippians 2:3-4 encourages us to put aside our own desires and ambitions and instead focus on helping and serving those around us. It emphasizes the importance of working together toward a common goal and is an excellent reminder for youth group members as they serve in Sunday school activities.

Here are seven tips for getting your youth group involved in helping out with Sunday School activities:

1. Utilize the energy and creativity of the youth: Young people have a lot of energy and often come up with great ideas for projects or activities. Ask them what they would like to do and then brainstorm together about ways that their ideas could be put into action in your classroom. You might be surprised by how much enthusiasm they can bring to a project.

2. Let them lead: Give the youth group members the opportunity to lead some of the activities in your Sunday school class. This could be anything from teaching a lesson, leading a discussion, or simply helping out with tasks like setting up and cleaning up. Not only will this help lighten your workload, but it is also an excellent way for them to gain leadership skills and develop confidence.

3. Give ownership over projects: If you have specific projects that need to be done in your classroom, consider delegating them to the youth group members and giving them ownership over their completion. This gives them a chance to feel empowered and lets them know that their effort matters.

4. Ask for their input: Invite your youth group members to contribute ideas for how to make Sunday school more engaging and meaningful for everyone involved. They may have great insights about what kinds of activities or discussions will interest other students in your class, as well as innovative ways of presenting the material that you hadn’t thought of before.

5. Celebrate their efforts: Show your appreciation for all the help they give by celebrating their successes and thanking them regularly. You can do this through verbal recognition or a simple token of appreciation like a gift card or small treat. This will let them know that you recognize and value their contributions, which helps build trust and encourages them to keep on helping out with future projects.

6. Involve them in activities: If you have activity centers in your class, ask members of your youth group to help out with those as well. This could involve helping the younger kids with crafts or games, or assisting in running a snack area. Having extra hands on deck can make all the difference when it comes to keeping things organized and making sure everyone is having fun.

7. Ask them to teach: Ask your youth group members to take on a teaching role within the class. This could include helping you teach a lesson or leading a discussion. It’s an excellent way for them to gain experience in teaching and leadership, and it can also create a great opportunity for them to share their faith with younger students.

Getting your youth group involved in Sunday school activities doesn’t have to be difficult. With these tips, you can use their energy, enthusiasm and creativity to create an environment that is engaging and meaningful for everyone involved. Ultimately, this will result in more effective teaching and more enjoyable learning experiences for all of your students.

Here is just one fun idea to get your teens and students excited about working together AND learning at the same time! Go out in the parking lot to a place where there aren't that many cars parked and ...

... this way both teen and students are involved, the laugh and get to know each other, and it gives them a fun opportunity to help with reinforcement.

Overall, getting your youth group involved in helping out with Sunday school activities can be a great experience for everyone involved. By giving them ownership over projects, asking for their input, and celebrating their efforts, you can create an atmosphere of collaboration and trust that will not only make the tasks easier to complete but also help develop important skills in the young people who are helping out. With these five tips, you should have no problem getting your youth group members excited about contributing to your Sunday school class.

Youth involvement in Sunday school is a great way to engage students while also teaching them important skills. By delegating tasks and giving ownership to the youth group members, asking for their input, celebrating their efforts, involving them in activities, and even asking them to teach a lesson or two, you can create an atmosphere of collaboration and trust that will make the Sunday school experience more meaningful for everyone involved. As we remember Philippians 2:3-4 and put others first, we can work together with our youth groups to make Sunday school an enjoyable time of learning and spiritual growth.