Episode 226: Student Ministry in Pandemic with James Sabin

Nick Blevins Family Ministry Podcast: Children | Youth | Students | NextGen

James Sabin gives some encouragement on how student ministry has thrived in the midst of a pandemic. James also gives some feedback from the implementation of some strategies around new family/student retention.

James Sabin

Connect with James on Instagram.

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Episode Notes

Before COVID:

• Church began with 250-300 in overall attendance, only a few teenagers engaged in youth ministry
• Started with a partnership with FCA
• Grew to 120 active youth
• Group-based model

Post COVID:

• Created “Late-Night-Live” online experience for youth; whole family participated
• Core families were the core watchers, but picked up new families as well
• Regathering began; JH and HS gathered in main worship center on Sunday nights
• Student-led worship teams
• Steady with 30-40 in attendance after regathering

Student Retention:

• First-time strategy… have youth invite and own giving a gift
• Lots of swag and branded giveaways
• Ideas: Starbucks gift card (first-time gift), t-shirts, stickers, etc.

Student Ministry Online:

• Creating online experience that matches the production quality of adults
• First 15 minutes in-person is with groups, but online they wait for the large group time to start
• Make it viewable after Sunday night for those who can’t watch

Action Items

1. Stream online
2. Overhaul your retention plan – 50% off
3. Consider a rally/event/shorter/in and out

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