Youth group is defined as "anorganizationofyoungpeople,asforsocialpurposes,usuallyunder thesponsorshipofachurch,politicalorganizationorthelike." To me, personally, youth group was so much more than "an organization," and it was not just "under the sponsorship of a church." It was (and is) a huge part of the church. I feel no matter how long you are involved in a youth group it will be missed when your years are up.

1. Inspiration!

I promise that without my youth group experiences I would not be who I am today. During my years in youth group a lot changed, whether it was the structure of the program, the leadership figures or more church-wide things, but that made my steady involvement that much more important.

Psalm 16:8

I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

2. Mission Trips!

Throughout my seven years of youth group I had the opportunity to be a part of nine different mission trips. I loved every single one. I was blessed with being able to attend both local, out of state and overseas mission trips. On every one I was able to become closer with someone who made me who I am today, whether it be someone on my team or someone we may have been helping or working with.

Isaiah 6:8

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

3. Relationships!

With the leaders and other students I had the chance to meet, I will forever be loved and changed. A line from a song from Wicked: The Musical comes to mind... "Because I knew you I have been changed for good"

2 Corinthians 6:14

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?

4. Crazy games!

Any youth pastor or youth leader must have to take a class of ridiculous games for students to play! Some of the craziest games I had ever played were for "team building" prior to going on a missions trip. Some of these games could not even be explained without visuals!

Ecclesiastes 8:15

So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun.

5. Being steadily involved!

During my youth group years, I had always felt I had a place somewhere and that place was youth group. I was always welcomed with open arms upon entering any youth group function, whether it be Sunday school, Wednesday night big groups, Wednesday night small groups, Sunday night bible study, a game night, or a special event.

Matthew 6:21

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Youth group was always something I could look forward to during the week and count on to lift me up. I miss all the little and big things about it, but most of all, I miss the people and having my place in something bigger than me.