Teacher of College & Career Class Shares Ideas
For several years Gray Roth led the College and Career Class at Woodhaven Baptist Church,
Apex. In response to a recent inquiry about how to build fellowship in
young adult and college and career classes, she shared these good ideas.
Thanks, Gray! May God bless and guide you in your important ministry of
reaching and teaching young adults.
As far as building
fellowship, I don't have any magic solutions. Fortunately, most everyone in
our group has known each other for quite some time and just naturally feel
close. We do have a few key leaders who really stay connected and call
others and encourage them to do things with the group. I think having lots
of time for social interaction outside of Sunday mornings is important. Our
domino nights, pool parties, visits to Comedy Sports, Lunch After Worship
every third Sunday, etc. have helped to bring the group together. It's also
an important time to discuss concerns with the group that you don't always
have time for on Sunday mornings. Sharing your concerns with the group
always builds a sense of community.
It's important to make
sure that all class members have an up to date directory including email
addresses so that contacts can be made. That is often a challenge with this
age group, since they move around quite a bit. Several of our young adult
singles who live far away have told me that they would have never been able
to stay in touch with folks without that directory. I send out emails
reminding the group of who has an upcoming birthday or special events so
that they can reach out to class members.
Sometimes young adults
have to be reminded to be thoughtful. The teacher of the class needs to
model, remind, and encourage constantly. Sometimes I do this by bringing in
cards for everyone to sign for someone, or I may just assign someone a task
such as calling an absent or sick member. After awhile, they will begin to
do this on their own.
Our guys are involved in
a fantasy baseball league on the internet. They really enjoy it and it
keeps them in contact all during the week.”
What ideas can
you share? Email to Robert Stewart,
rstewart55@nc.rr.com
