Only four percent of boys who participate in scouting make it to Eagle, the highest rank in Boy Scouts of America. Part of it may be the hard work that is required to acquire the twenty-one merit badges. But there may be another factor.
In a recent conversation with a scoutmaster, I heard him bemoan the issue of older scouts leaving the program as they get into high school, especially as they become upper-classmen. He said they have a saying in scouts about the reasons boys don’t stick with it: Wheels, Work, and Women.
Cars, jobs, and girlfriends require lots of extra time and change the older boys’ focus, schedules, and priorities.
Local church student ministry leaders speak of a similar problem that I also notice at student ministry conferences. There are always more younger grades than older grades. The older students start dropping like flies from the regular student ministry programs. If you’re a local church student ministry leader, you have likely dealt with this issue in some form or another.
Here are thoughts for student ministry leaders in regards to older students:
They Either Lead or Leave
Older students need responsibility as they grow. When I was a freshman in high school, one of the seniors led a Bible Study for a small group of us over the course of the year. It was a great experience for me, and it kept this senior heavily invested. Give students opportunities to lead.
Set Expectations
Do your students know what is expected of them? Clearly articulate what it means to be part of the ministry and how you’d like them to be involved. Sit down with them and lay out how you would like to see them remain connected.
Discover Other Ways Of Ministry
It’s possible that older students will need to work in the evenings or study more hours. If they are unavailable for the student ministry program hours, consider finding another time slot that could work for connecting. Breakfast before school once a week with older students may be a good place to begin. Keep them connected on Sunday mornings. I’ve heard of many successful small group times slots for students in the ministry, often led by someone other than the student ministry leader.
They’re Still Yours
Don’t give up on older students; keep them in your fold. Send cards. Keep them on the prayer list. Keep them in the loop. Talk with them. Cheer them on. Be their church and their pastor. Love your students even if they get a job and have to work on Wednesday nights during youth group.
Rites of Passage
When a student knows what to expect, they have a better shot at staying connected. Developing rites of passage in the student ministry as they get older may help them feel a sense of stronger connection and belonging.
Make A Big Deal Of Graduation
Make a big deal of graduation and other markers. Even if you have only one senior, make plans and go to great lengths to encourage them with recognition, lunch, a party, scholarship, pictures, etc.
Disengagement Isn’t All Bad
We want to cheer older students on in their development as young adults. Taking on responsibility is good for them. It’s good practice to live a faithful life of a Christian in the workplace, on sports teams or at play practice. In your teaching and leading, include practical steps and discipleship training that help younger students make great faith decisions as they grow older. Disengagement from some youth programs doesn’t mean disengagement from faith. Continue to invite students to participate, and work to create roles in and through the church.
Don’t Get Angry
It’s easy to get upset when a student leader has sports practice and will be missing from your regular meeting time for the next four months. Respond instead of reacting. Let them know you’ll miss them. Ask them if they mind being kept in the loop about things. Let them know that no one will mind if they come straight from practice. Have them tell you a solid return date. Keep the door wide open.
Don’t Add In Younger Grades
Don’t give into the temptation to add in younger grades to increase the numbers. This will make it more difficult for older students to stick with it. Keep a firm handle on the grades included in student ministry. If you really need to build your student ministry, consider stepping back and making a long-term investment by creating a kids ministry with a different name, and eventually promoting them into the student ministry.
