Do we have to just wait and see who makes it through as if we were watching people floating downstream toward a waterfall? . . . There are some practical steps we can take.

Get them connected to more than just the youth group.

If the youth group is the only strong connection, when this changes there is a risk of dropping out. Include teens in the church choir, get them involved in ministry activities with adults, give them responsibilities, allow them to work as assistants with the younger groups (always with adult supervision). Find ways to get them connected.

Actively work on reaching parents.

Don’t limit youth ministry to just youths. One of the most practical ways to keep teens connected is to have parents connected, especially dads. Plan activities that include parents and teens. Develop ministries to reach the whole family. Don’t assume that it is someone eles’s responsibility to reach the parents.

When they move away, let someone know who and where they are.

When members of the youth group move away to go to college, get a job, get married, or whatever, find out where they went and contact a pastor or youth worker in that area and let someone know. Don’t just leave them to work this out on their own. They’re still teens, many don’t even pick up their dirty clothes until they run out of socks. Plan ahead when possible. Talk with them about where they are going. Help them find a church in that town. Get their address, phone number, e-mail address, etc. Call or visit a church, talk with that pastor or youth leader. Let them know who is coming and how to contact them. Follow up.

These are the “sheep” that God has entrusted in your care. They are your responsibility until they are in the care of another “shepherd.” Don’t lose them. Don’t let them wander away and get lost. Rather, send them out to their new field of ministry, as if to say, “There they go.” There is a great sense of satisfaction and joy to know you have invested in the lives of young people who are making a difference somewhere in the world.