YPT in Action: Jennifer Kvamme
We like to talk about the importance of theological depth in youth ministry - but what does that actually look like? YPT isn’t promoting a one-size-fits-all approach to youth ministry. Instead, we want to encourage youth workers to be anchored in the biblical essentials while practicing wise contextualization in their particular settings. “YPT in Action” will be an ongoing series where youth workers from a variety of contexts answer the same questions.
Name: Jennifer Kvamme
Church: Centennial Evangelical Free Church
Title: Student Ministries Catalyst
Location: Forest Lake, MN
Ministry Setting: Suburban
How long have you served in this ministry: 20+ years
How long have you served in vocational ministry overall: 20+ years
Average Church Attendance: 70
Average Youth Group Attendance: 10
Age range of students in ministry: Grades 6-12 (ages 11-18)
What are your ministry's regularly scheduled programs over the course of a month?
We have youth group every Wednesday. Students join their families in gathered worship on Sunday mornings and are welcome to participate in our "living room" sermon discussions following the sermon. Some of them volunteer in children's ministry.
Are there any retreats/camps or other special events that are semi-regular or annual features of your ministry?
We usually do a fall retreat at a camp (all of the camp fun and good relationship-building to start the year) and a spring conference with our district (so great to be all together, have opportunities to discuss the Word together and to talk about how it's going to change our lives coming back home).
When we have the critical mass, I've led summer mission trips. We also have other special events throughout the year, like a parent dessert, a Christmas party, and service projects.
What does "Youth Group" look like in your ministry?
We start with some kind of fun game to get the students interacting. We share "Yay Gods," which is our way of celebrating together what God is doing in each others' lives (and, more often, just what the students are excited about). We have about 10-15 minutes of teaching from God's Word and then send them into 30-40 minutes of small group discussion time where they study the Word together and discuss what it means for their own lives (and, always, what it shows about God's character!). Often we'll re-group to share highlights of what we learned before we end. Students usually hang around for a while playing carpetball (their favorite), ping-pong, air hockey, or just chatting.
How would you describe your teaching style in youth group?
I prefer to give a short (10-15 min) expository message on a single passage because I want them to see for themselves what Scripture says. The majority of our study and learning happens in small groups, but I think this short message helps set up stronger discussions. The students often have things they already want to talk about after hearing the message, and it leads to some great conversations.
What are some recent series you’ve taught through, and how many weeks long were they?
I've developed a rough 3-year rotation.
Year 1 is a journey through the Bible, hitting on the key movements in salvation history and what they reveal about God and the gospel.
Year 2 is basic Bible interpretation and then some book studies (an epistle, an Old Testament series, and selections from the gospels, at least).
Year 3 is topical (What is the gospel, what is the church, sexuality, money, and anything else I think is important to include that year).
My aim is to repeat this twice every 7 years and to have a bonus year for whatever I feel our group needs in between. I've done this a little different every time, but it's been a helpful framework.
YPT obviously values teaching theology and doctrine in our ministry to students. What does that look like for you?
I think it's a part of how we teach and what we teach. We overview the Scripture because we want them to understand basic biblical theology. We always talk about what the week's Scripture passage shows us about who God is, and we always go to the gospel. Beyond that, in trying to give them a good sampling of all that Scripture teaches, we try to hit on the key tenets of our beliefs as well as how they play out in real life.
How do you prioritize partnering with parents?
I try to communicate well with them as a group, but one of the blessings of a small group is that I can take the opportunity to connect with families individually. I've really enjoyed getting together with individual parents and hearing what they appreciate about the ministry, what their prayers are for their child, and how we can best come alongside them. It's created some real partnership relationships and trust, and I'm grateful for that.
How do you integrate students into the life of the church?
Our church really values relationships, and I see adults throughout our church family intentionally talking with students. They also really step up to support and pray for our students when they have trips or financial needs. And we create opportunities for students to serve, like in children's ministry or slides. Perhaps most basic but important way is for them to worship with us as a church family.
What are some particular issues/struggles that your students/families encounter that may not be prominent in other ministry contexts? How does that affect the shape of your ministry?
Small church has its challenges. There may not be a buddy at youth group your age, or anyone else in the church who goes to your school (we have several schools/districts in our vicinity, along with some homeschoolers and Christian schoolers).
This past year we've joined with two other local EFCA churches to do a joint Wednesday night youth ministry, which has been fun and brought more energy and friendships, but there's work in figuring things out together, and the distance challenges.
What are some of the books you think every youth worker would benefit from reading?
Dangerous Calling - Paul David Tripp
A Praying Life / A Praying Church - Paul Miller
And I hope any youth worker would benefit from my book "More to the Story" if you have students asking Qs about sexuality and the Bible... and lot of study, love, prayer, and tears went into that book! :)
(note: you can listen to Jennifer talk about her book on ep.57 of the YPT Podcast)