Casting Our Nets in Children's and Youth Ministry

The resurrection appearance of Jesus on the beach in John 21 is a great one for young people, capturing all the senses as we read and imagine it.

The disciples have returned to fishing because it’s what they know. In their grief they have gone back to something that grounds them. They’ve been out all night and have caught nothing. But then a stranger calls to them to put their nets in on the other side. When they do, they immediately pull in a catch of 153 fish and their net, despite being incredibly heavy, doesn’t break. Realizing that it is Jesus on shore, they rush in to Him. He invites them to a breakfast of bread and fish on the beach cooked over a charcoal fire.

We learn so much from this account about Jesus and His compassion and provision and how God is all-knowing and in control. We learn that we don’t need to be afraid when we’re not sure what is coming next. There is no need to question God’s love or presence with us. But we do need to be listening very carefully to make sure we’re putting our nets where God is asking us to put them.

We can easily get into ruts with programs and ministries, believing that the same approaches will always provide the same results. We can worship how we do things almost as much as the One we should be worshiping and obediently following. And then we can be disappointed with poor results.  

Providing faith-building programs today to children and youth is challenging for so many reasons. From over-scheduled kids to fickle parents to unreliable or challenging volunteers to shrinking budgets, it’s a huge task to pull it all together and make it work well. We can either be all paddling frantically, often in different directions, or, conversely, leaving our rods in and chatting amongst ourselves and wondering why the fish aren’t biting.

How do you decide where to cast your nets? Consider the following:

1. Articulate a vision starting from who and where you are in your ministry right now to where you discern God calling you to be – celebrate successes and growth among your learners as they come closer to God. Take the time to listen very carefully as leaders, both together and individually, as to where you’re being led next.

2. Consider the gifts of your congregation and look at the team you have available. Are they already stretched to the max? Are there those who have taken a break or are new who might enjoy assisting with developing a new program or approach? What is feasible without risking burnout of volunteers?

3. Are old approaches and programs still helping kids grow closer to God? Are there more kids in certain ages or grades that need to be taken into account as they grow older? Which things are hindering growth, which are promoting growth and which are in maintenance mode and could use some rethinking?

4. How many new faces are you seeing compared to those who have been a part of things for a long time? What are you offering that has a low requirement for previous church and Bible knowledge and is a low-key introduction to faith for those seeking (i.e. Messy Church, drop-in programs, mid-week kids’ ministry)?

5. Know your community’s personality and needs. What opportunities exist to introduce your church to those outside of it without them having to come in? Is there a street festival or community bulletin boards or websites or radio stations where you can make yourselves known to those who may be looking for a faith home or just searching? Find someone with the gift of communication to help design or write ads for you.

Remember that Jesus is on the shore cheering us on and directing us if we will stop and notice Him. Give thanks for the great things that are happening, but never stop listening for the great new thing that God has dreamed up for your church. You never know, you may just haul in a large catch because of your connection with God and those who need His love.