source: www.youthwork-practice.com | 2000 Games, Devotions, Themes, Ideas and more for Youth Work
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About me and this web site

For those who would like to find out who has produced this web site, I would like to provide a little information about myself.

How did this web site come about?

I was involved in (evangelical, Christian) youth work in YMCA/YWCA in a little town in the south of Germany as a voluntary member of staff since 1974 until 2008, therefore over 34 years. In the 1400 (and more) group hours and over 80 camp holidays, I have collected many ideas and experiences. At some point around six years ago, I came across the idea of placing the information on a web site. At this point, I was not aware that the most substantial collection of games, ideas and devotions for youth work would come about.

In 2006, the games ideas were turned into a book of 1000 games which is only available in German at the moment.

The web site is very well known in German speaking areas. The materials and collection of ideas is recommended and linked on the web sites of many churches, schools, sport federations, TV stations and even on many private web sites. Due to the 1000 and more feedback messages I have received, I know that this collection is an amazing Aladdin’s cave for finding ideas for arranging of youth work. Around two years ago, I though of idea of translating the ideas and materials into English. This thought was turned into reality in the middle of 2006.

What is my attitude towards youth work?

Through a personal decision in 1974, I found the belief in Jesus Christ. I have been involved in Christian youth work ever since and would like pass on God’s joyful and meaningful message to children and young people. In doing this, I would like, not only to transfer God’s word through experience orientated and varied group work and camps, but also to make it an experience.

In our group work time, which takes place one a week, we play games, there are short devotions or longer sections of bible work, as well as prayer communities for those who want to take part at the end of the group time. On the holiday camps which I have organised up until now, it has always been important to me, that kids from the group could take part, but also children and young people, who have not come to a Christian youth work group or have not taken part in such a holiday camp.

I do not want the experience filled group work and camps only to be offered and to appeal to children and young people who have already been sent to Sunday schools or Christian youth groups by their parents, but also those who have had less to do with Jesus, God, the church and beliefs. In doing this, it does not matter to me which church the children and young people belong to.

Which direction does this web site take? *(1)

The importance for me, is that Jesus is at the centre of things. I am completely unbiased toward evangelical, catholic or chapel youth work. If the three unions of God is at the centre of things, then it does not play a role. At the point where “which direction” in Christianity becomes more important, then we lose sight of the real direction and orientation, which is Jesus Christ. At this point we start to “segregate" or "limit" and this is not the meaning of Jesus. For this reason, the collection of devotions and biblical themes are also widely spread. The entries have been provided from "evangelical”, "chapel", or "catholic" orientations.

What is the aim of this web site? *(2)

The aim of this web site is quite simple: everyone who has something to do with children and young people can find ideas and suggestions here. Exciting, appealing and interesting youth work survives on variety and on ideas which thrill and ensure enthusiasm. I am happy if you find some and ideas and suggestions here, so that you can make your own youth work really appealing and inspiring.

How should you use the ideas in this web site? *(3)

There are, of course, different possibilities and different forms of Christian youth work and all work with children and youths. Of course there are different cultures and experiences. Things which can be said or games which can be played might work in some countries and cultures but be totally unacceptable in others. I am aware of the fact that not all games can be played by everyone. If I took the smallest common denominator, I would be left with a collection of around 100 games and ideas. I am aware that not all thoughts, views and themes harmonise with each other...

It doesn’t have to.

Every one of you can choose games which are of advantage for your own group and which you can present yourself. The same applies for the devotions.

Those who are able to choose and adapt their own work will be assisted by this web site.

My favourite verses of the bible:

Here are a few of my favourite bible verses from which I have allowed myself to be directed and inspired.

*(1) Matthew 28,19-20: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

*(2) Colossians 3, 17: Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

*(3) 1. Corinthians 3,4: For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere men? What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task.

*(4) 2. Corinthians 3,17: Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

*(5) Psalm 37,5: Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it.

Can the ideas also be used for "Non-Christian orientated" youth groups?

But of course. Everyone can and should play. Those who cannot play cannot lose and those who cannot lose always have to be on top and repress others. Playing is important for social interaction.

Even Non-Christians will also find one or two interesting themes or devotions to think about. Well, they might even find the way to Jesus Christ – of course, that would fantastic. *(4)

Training themes: it doesn’t matter what type of youth work you practice: everyone needs the necessary Know How about leading a group along with the Know How on dealing with young people and how groups work – or don’t work. Some of these themes can very useful in your working life at a later date.

It’s great that you have managed to get the through the text….

What are my wishes? *(5)

• That this web site is beneficial and useful for your work.

• That you recommend this web site to others and, where possible, provide a link on your own web site. This is the only way of making people aware of this substantial collection. Link this Page.

• That you can send me your own ideas for games, themes and short devotions. Please be sure to use the contact form otherwise there is the danger that the e-mail might go missing.

for contact please use this form

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