Blog | 7 Fresh Ideas for Young Adults Events in the New Year
7 Fresh Ideas for Young Adults Events in the New Year
The new year is an exciting time in our culture. It’s an opportunity to reflect on the past year and how we want to grow, learn, and evolve in the new one. You can take advantage of this reflective, aspirational energy in your youth ministry with events that encourage your students to consider how they can continue to seek God and God’s plan for their lives in 2024. We’ve put together seven ideas for leading your students and celebrating with them for the new year.
New Year Vision Board Workshop
Host a vision board workshop where young adults can reflect on their goals and aspirations for the upcoming year. Provide magazines, scissors, glue, and large boards, encouraging participants to create a visual representation of their dreams, both spiritually and personally. You can begin this exercise with a reflective opportunity to help students invite God into their dreams, goals, and aspirations for the year to come.
Reflect and Renew Night
Invite a dynamic speaker or organize a panel discussion on topics that resonate with your students, such as personal growth, relationships, and spiritual well-being. Create a reflective atmosphere with candles, soft lighting, and soothing music, allowing attendees to connect with themselves and the Holy Spirit.
Interactive Worship Night
Transform a regular worship night into an interactive experience. Incorporate interactive prayer stations and opportunities for personal testimony sharing. This dynamic approach to worship can differentiate this spiritual experience to mark the beginning of the new year.
New Year’s Game Night
Combine fellowship and fun by organizing a game night tailored to youth. Include a mix of board games, trivia, and interactive challenges that encourage teamwork and friendly competition. This provides an opportunity for socializing and building stronger connections within the community.
Community Service Day
Kick off the new year by giving back to the community. Organize a day where young adults can participate in volunteer activities, such as serving at a local food bank, organizing a community cleanup, or visiting residents at a nursing home. This fosters a sense of purpose and community service among participants.
Spiritual Retreat Weekend
Plan a weekend retreat focused on spiritual growth and renewal. Incorporate prayer, worship, small group discussions, and outdoor activities to create a holistic experience. A retreat provides a unique opportunity for young adults to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and dive deep into their faith.
New Year’s Resolution Small Groups
Form small groups that meet regularly to discuss and support each other’s new year resolutions. These groups can provide accountability, encouragement, and prayer for individual goals, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
With all the collective energy around resolutions and fresh starts at the new year, this season presents a fantastic opportunity for your youth ministry to encourage students to reflect on who they want to be and how they want to grow in 2024. As we embark on this new year, let’s inspire and empower the next generation to set goals in line with God’s plan for them and who God says they are.
About the Author
Emma Tarp is a writer and worship leader based in Minneapolis, MN. On her best days, she's highlighter-deep in a good book or teaching herself to sew. On her other best days, she's helping passionate folks and inspired businesses put words to their work. Find out more at emmatarp.com.