Youth Group Names

Finding great youth group names is important. It can be difficult to find the right name, one that is reflective of the group's mission, interesting and engaging that reaches out to teens in the community, or a name that notes a specific denomination or church affiliation.

Many youth groups don't have an original name, but are simply named after the home church, such as Eagleville Bible Church Youth Group or First Baptist Youth Group. These types of youth group names are functional and identify the affiliate church. Groups may be named in this manner simply as a matter of tradition or for the sake of simplicity.

Coming up with a unique, original name for a youth group, however, is an alternative many are turning towards in contemporary churches. Unique names can be a fun way to identify the group and may be enticing to others in the community. One of a kind names can also be a great way for the group to stand our rather than blending in. Fun phrases, tasteful humor, and purpose-based names can all make a big impact. Acronyms are also very popular for youth groups, because these can combine dual aspects; a serious purpose driven message or church affiliation combined with the fun and uniqueness and the accompanying initials.

There are many ways to come up with a great youth group title. Inspiration can come from songs, passages of scripture, favorite verses, books, Christian humor, or revisiting slogans and phrases from pop culture and turning them into an original youth name. The youth pastor or the youth pastor in conjunction with other pastors may determine the name. Deciding the name can also involve a current youth group or others in the church if the group has not yet been formed. The final decision can be determined by activities such as:

Voting from a list. Tentative names may be listed on sheets of paper and church or youth members can anonymously vote for the name they like best or feel is most reflective of the group's mission. The name with the most vote wins.

Suggestion box. A suggestion box can be placed in a prominent area and for a designated time interested persons can suggest name ideas. The youth pastor can determine the most appropriate name out of the suggestion box or combine elements of various suggestions to come up with a unique name.

Youth Group Game or Naming Contest: This can be fun both for initial start up youth groups and current groups re-naming. With rules clearly outlined regarding what needs to be included, word limitations, and other guidelines, youths can enter in their pick for the name. Prizes can range from items like fast food or restaurant certificates, amusement park tickets, and concert tickets to a Christian music festival or teen-themed baskets with items such as Christian music CD's, teen devotionals, and other fun items.

Think about action verses and phrases from the Bible – God isn't just telling us things, he's calling us to act through faith! The Bible gives consistent messages about acting in many ways integrated into a great name. Although most youth groups function in part as a social club (and teen Christian fellowship is important!), most also have a purpose in fulfilling Christ's mission of loving others and meeting real needs in the community. Consider incorporating words like:

• Serving
• Loving
• Walking
• Keeping
• Holding
• Believing
• Hearing
• Asking/Seeking

On the other hand, use favorite words, phrases, or images from scripture to come up with a unique name, use combinations of letters and numbers, or use words as acronyms. The possibilities are endless! A few examples:

• Teens for Truth
• Mountain Movers
• Living Water Youth
• Nu Creation Youth
• TRUST: Teens Ready Under Saving Truth
• Club 3:16
• WAC Youth (Walking Along Christ)

For youth groups going to a generic or simple church based name to a unique and original one, transitioning can take time. Any activities or events for or sponsored by the youth group should refer to the home church and state the name of the youth group followed by "formerly known as" with the previous name to avoid confusion. The length of time to note the change may vary, but six to twelve months is a good general guideline to note this until it is more familiar and easily identifiable. Members may also want to wear Christian t-shirts with the new youth group title at events to showcase the new name.

Browsing through lists of what other youth groups have titled themselves can be a great way to draw inspiration and come up with your own group name. Youth group rosters and name lists are also great resources for pastors to find other groups to coordinate collective youth events, develop united ministry and serving opportunities, or just share ideas. Resources for youth group names include:

• Youth Pastor.com's name roster: A massive list of group names organized in alphabetical order. It includes links to group websites, where applicable.

• MSUMC Youth: is a brief list of original ideas.

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