Lent in Youth Ministry

By Bubba Brammer

Well, we made it. We made it through the wonder, the beauty, and the craziness of Advent and Christmas. Take a deep breath, you deserve it. Take another deep breath, because Lent starts next week. Don’t blame the messenger, blame whoever it was that decided Easter is after the first full moon after this thingy or that. I jest… sort of. But yes, Lent is just around the corner, calendar-wise.

I always find Lent one of the more challenging church seasons to celebrate with young people. Because of its general contemplative and introspective nature, it can be a hit or miss with young people. It can be difficult for some to grasp the concept, and many traditional Lenten activities and exercises are not typically considered youth-friendly, especially if you have a group of rambunctious middle schoolers. But for the more introverted, inclined young people, Lent can be right in their wheelhouse.

So, if you are looking for a resource to help you think through the season of Lent with your young people, I recommend that you check out the Quicksheet Lent: Pray, Fast, Love written by Brittany Porch. It offers some great ideas on how to incorporate some spiritual practices in youth-friendly and appropriate ways; practices such as prayer, Bible studies, devotions, worship, and fasting, which explore other ways we can “fast” that don’t include food or the restriction of food.

You can find the Quicksheet (also in Spanish) on the resource page of the PYWA website, along with many other resources for the liturgical year and pretty much any other topic in youth ministry. Check it out!