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Youth leaders are some of the most well-meaning people on earth.
They want to connect. They want to help. They want to keep kids coming back.
But even good leaders fall into a common trap: planning activities without a purpose.
It usually sounds like this:
- “Let’s do something fun this week.”
- “The girls did a game night—let’s do one too.”
- “What do we have supplies for?”
And suddenly, the gospel gets buried under water balloons and scavenger hunts.
❓ What’s the Why?
Before you plan what you’re doing, you need to ask: Why are we doing this?
If you don’t know the answer, stop.
An activity without purpose is like a lesson without doctrine. It might pass the time, but it won’t change a life.
🔍 How to Find the “Why”
Ask these five questions during planning:
1. Which of the four pillars does this activity support?
(Spiritual growth, physical development, social intelligence, knowledge & skills)
If it doesn’t support at least one, change it—or add a layer that does.
2. What do we want the youth to walk away thinking or feeling?
Are we aiming for:
- A deeper understanding of a principle?
- Stronger peer connection?
- A personal challenge or testimony moment?
3. How does this connect to real life or the gospel?
Example:
A rope challenge → teaches trust
A journaling night → builds self-awareness
Making a meal → teaches both skill and service
4. Will this activity matter in a week?
If the answer is “no,” make it count by adding depth or meaning.
5. Could a youth explain the purpose of this activity afterward?
If not, you might need a stronger reflection phase—or a clearer tie-in during the night.
✨ Planning with Purpose
It doesn’t mean every night has to be heavy or serious. But it does mean that every night should be intentional.
Even silly activities can become sacred when they’re grounded in growth.
You’re not here to just “fill the hour.”
You’re here to forge disciples.
And every disciple-in-the-making deserves a night that was planned with their eternity in mind.
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