April 06, 2021

Episode 226: Student Ministry in Pandemic with James Sabin

36 minutes

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

Stream online

Overhaul your retention plan – 50% off

Consider a rally/event/shorter/in and out

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