I asked 40 youthworkers in 3 countries how many events they run – here’s what they said…

I have had a lot to say on the subject of youth events over the last couple of years. It’s not that I don’t like them, it’s that I think they are often flat-packed, overused, resource draining and strategy defining. I don’t mind them if they are a carefully considered idea off the back of a clear strategy… but yea.I asked:“How many one-off ‘events’ do you have in a year?Classing an ‘event’ as something specifically youth ministry related, but less regular than a project, takes a whole lot of specific planning, and has an aim to bolster your regular ministry.”Results:

• 23 Youth workers said – 3-5 a year.
• 10 said 6-10,
• 5 said more than 10
• 1 said 1-3
• and 1 person said upto 1

Events ranged from $150 – $10,000 (USD) and often larger groups were associated with more events. Some of these were classic concert style, whereas others were special ‘pizza nights’ or trips out.A few additional comments were left by people who now run less events than they used to, or now run no one-off events at all. The reasons they gave pointed to busy schedules, burnout, clashing with school, and the inability to form deeper consistent relationships.Events can be very successful – but they do need to be carefully thought-though and cultivated within a clearly defined cultural context.