The Power of Patterns

By Doug Franklin January 5, 2011

How we structure our youth ministry program time is actually important. My weekly program always included: small group games, large group game, worship and Bible teaching. When patterns are repeated students gain comfort and confidence in knowing what is going to happen next. Comfort allows them to invite their friends, and confidence gives them the sense that the youth group is theirs. These two feelings for students are powerful. So powerful that I think it’s the key to successful programing. I know that many of my post-modern youth ministry friends are rolling in their chairs but it’s what I have seen. Often youth workers are afraid of patterns because they take away from creativity. It’s true that patterns can get us stuck in ruts so it’s important to be creative inside of the pattern. For me that meant different games and different ways of teaching scripture. I was able to be creative while staying in the pattern and giving my students comfort and confidence.