Youth Group Clicks Cliques

[admin]

Are there cliques within your youth group (or the one at your church if you aren't a youth minister) and, if so, are they a bad or good thing?

Do they make newcomers feel unwelcome?

Have you made attempts to break up the cliques and what was the result?

I'm asking because a friend of mine was talking about how she moved into an area with her family and her daughter is having trouble feeling involved, wanted and welcomed in the church youth group. She said the group has lots of cliques and they are trying to break it up.

I understand the desire to do that and that it sounds like the right thing to do but I'm not sure. It seems to me that some people just jive better than others. Too much adult intervention turns youth group into something the kids wouldn't want to go to anyway--at least I wouldnt' have.

Your thoughts?

 

[Imabear]

I have no expertise in this area, but do think that the youth need to be reminded to reach out to newcomers. 
I think it's good to have good close friends, but it's not healthy to be so self/clique absorbed to not reach out to newcomers. 
Maybe the group should do some studies in this area???

It brings to mind a couple of Casting Crowns songs:  If We Are The Body and Does Anybody Hear Her?
I guess neither fits that situation perfectly, but I read a book by Mark Hall, a few years back about the stories behind the songs, and it seems that one of those songs was written because of a similar situation at his church.

When my daughter get's home from school, I'll ask her.  I think the group she's involved with attempts to avoid this.

[jb728b]

There's nothing in and of itself wrong with cliques, that is, until they become "cliquish".  By that I mean becoming exclusive based solely on superficial means such as background, economics or even looks and mode of dress.

[Imabear]

I asked my daughter, she said that when they break up into small groups for games, discussion, and prayer groups, they count off by number.  That tends to mix the kids up a bit. 
She did say that most of the boys in the group are the outdoorsy, rugged, hunter type, and there was one that didn't seem to fit in with that too well.  His family just changed churches though.  Hopefully he'll fit in better where he's going now.

[Gabrielle A]

This is an interesting question and relevant with today's youth. It depends on how the youth leader/minister determines the situation when it arises. This may be a good opportunity for young people to exercise their leadership skills. Youth leaders/ministers should have an aim and objective for their youth group...not just for maintenance

I have found that young people who have been raised in the Church tend to shy away from those who are coming in from out of the world...not just from another Church environment. A good way of integrating new members into an already established group is to nominate someone to buddy up with the new comer [a "first contact leader", if you will] to help and support them within the group dynamics. "First Contact leaders" should be held as a position of privilege and of gaining experience in leadership skills.