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.