We have a lot of trouble with kids acting up and talking during the lesson. We have tried some different techniques to get through to them but are looking for other ideas. These are primarily unchurched kids whose parents are not involved in the church in any way and in most cases the parents don't discipline at all. Any ideas?

Hi there.

DH & I haven't been in youth ministry per se for a few years, but I would first of all look at your methods. Are you still "downloading" to kids? This method is a little past them - they get it all day at school, yet their world is full of sound bites, and short yet powerful messages.

I've even talked to my senior pastor about this. I love his sermons, but sometimes he tries to share so much that I lose the whole thing. I'm not quite a post modern, but I don't feel like a baby boomer, either, yet I am in the baby boomer time period.

I would recommend reading Leonard Sweet's "Carpe Manana." And there are quite a few websites on the post modern movement and what it means to kids.

Sometimes the only disciplinary method you need is to be a friend to these kids and just LOVE them no matter. Pour the love and acceptance into them.

Incorporate the talking into the lesson...maybe pose a question and have them split into groups for discussion..then one member can present their thoughts....play a game that involves lots of interaction with others (get it out of their system) this will show them there is a time and a place for everything...Another way to break up the conversations is institute the rule that whenever God's word is read aloud, you stand...this again will have an on and off affect to the commotion.

If worse comes to worse: I had a pastor once who was outstanding...the youth were unruly, even during corporate worship (notes, talking, getting up etc) so one evening he had the youth lead, and he and the parents acted as the youth did passing notes, talking the works...the message was conveyed.