Aging out of Youth Group*
As far as Christian friends, are there any solid mature believers in your church in your age group 18-23, same sex, single and no kids?
If you are not scheduled to move away to college (right now) I would suggest:
* If there any solid mature believers in your church in your age group 18-23, let them know that while we are at an age to move on and might be going in different directions or moving away at some point, you are looking for some solid friends from the family of God to have a good lifetime relationship with. If they are hoping or wanting that kind of friendship too then befriend each other, get together once a week to go do stuff (minding each others financial situations right now, and having a policy for conflicts, resolution and fellowship restoration). Relationships like this you find that last a lifetime... actually last for eternity cuz thst's where true believers will be. 😀
These ones can help connect you to other people as they move around and expand your mature believers network fellowship. And can help you with ideas for reputable local ministries you can get involved in, as well as places to find solid Christian friends in your area.
* If there are no other people in the church; those mature and age 18 to 23 then get connected both with the adult Sunday School at your church, and get recommendations from your pastor and deacons on who can point you to mature solid believers there whom you can befriend. They might be 20-30s year olds. But they are great because not only do you have another group of adults, [your parents are good counselors too!], but can they advise you in any additional counsel you need in faith...but also in life since they we're recently your age and went through things they can guide you in such as maneuvering through college, your new job, making financially wise decisions, etc. You can also befriend the church pastors wife too (if you are a girl) or the pastor & decons (if you are a guy)
Don't focus on the persons looks, because "who someone is" as a person is more important.
Remember these are people you will be around in eternity so it is good to forge these relationships now. 🙂
* If, for some reason, there are none of those in your church, ask your Pastor what association of churches are good nearby.
Check those churches out and ask the pastor and decons if they have people age 18-24 who are single, your gender, no kids, are not moving or off to college this year, and whom they know are mature in the faith... ask them to introduce you to them.
Caution though: do not go around trying to find a church youth group that is me me me focused. You need to have your focus on Christ, so don't go to ones that seek to please young people because they have terrible theology there and you will struggle to fit in in any church in the future since adults are focused on adult things. (Note podcast)
*When you find some, friend them on social media accounts, get their names and addresses, email address and phone numbers.
* From there you can build a solid godly relationships. Invite ones over as a group (from those places) and build relationships with them. Have them over to your place once a week or twice a month for a short hang in or go out time.
*You can do it.
If you are (right now) moving away to college I would recommend this:
* Figure out from what you know, or pastor and decon input: who are the mature believers in your church who are adult, your gender, no children, age 18 to 30 and ask him to introduce you. Ask him or his wife to help you invite those ones for a meet up to meet you.
*Once you meet them let them know you are looking for godly friendships that can last a lifetime, whether you move away for school or stay local.
Go through similar things above. But do find out if any of them are dating, courting or engaged. You want to know which ones who will possibly flake on you right now due to life season and would remain mostly someone to interact with online. That is totally ok! But you do want to find irl friends.
*Friend them on social media accounts, get their names and addresses, email address and phone numbers.
*Stay in touch once a month; set a phone alarm if needed. And on holidays. Plus when you are in town, try to pre plan a meet up either at your home, one of 'ems home, but also make sure you are there at Church for Sunday School and Worship; both because you should be and to maintain the relationships. Besides you might be able to minister and serve there in some way while you visit; it is your childhood/home church anyway, and they'll likely keep you up to date on ministry things or the church newsletter will.
*You would find, create and maintain relationships from your new church in the college town and among those at college groups [that are actually protestant and biblical] as well. Just as you would in the town or city you move to once you leave and "start your career" or "marry and stay home."
Related Resources
Finding good godly Friends
Finding a biblical Church
Resources for Growing Believers
<<< return to prev page
