Invest in youth to ensure growth

From zero to thriving: Limitless youth groups are breathing new life into churches, reaching unchurched teens and proving that with the right support, any Elim church can start from scratch. Limitless Pioneers’ Emma Gaze and her team share their stories.

Churches that invest in kids and youthwork will grow – even if they currently have no kids.

That is Limitless Pioneers’ experience, and it’s why they refocused recently to pour their efforts into helping Elim churches launch thriving youth ministries.

Starting from scratch is a scary prospect – seemingly impossible for many churches, admits team lead Emma Gaze.

“A lot of churches are reticent because they don’t have the confidence or they automatically count themselves out because they’re an older congregation or haven’t got any children,” she says.

“But we always say don’t do that – we’re here to help!”

Starting from scratch

How do you get started from absolute scratch? With existing links and by building relationships, Emma says.

“Cold starts are tough – young people will be thinking ‘who are you, why should I trust you, why should I come into your building?’ So we begin by tapping into churches’ existing networks, community links, relationships with schools and with people who use their buildings.”

Success stories

Working this way is what helped Emma launch a group in Blackpool a couple of years ago.

“They had a high school nearby so, with the school’s permission, we put tables out in the church grounds by the street and gave out free hot chocolate drinks as the kids walked past.”

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