Everyone has a place where they spent most of their teen years. For me, that was church youth group. Most of my best memories were made with my friends from church. So for those of you who are unsure if you knew a church kid, or if you grew up as a one, here are some clear signs.
1. I'm With The Band
The youth band was the coolest group of kids to enter the building. They were cooler than cool. They were ice cold. If you could play and instrument or sing (or both), youth band was the place for you! Worship time was like a mini concert with the lights and intense rock music. And when the band wasn't performing, they could be found chilling somewhere around the church with an acoustic guitar. The girls swooned over the guys like they were major rockstars. But in all seriousness, the kids in the band were super talented and super nice!
2. Sunday "Mornings"
Your "Sunday Morning" consisted of you waking up at the ungodly hour of 6am to make it to church before the first service. You would help set up the stage or set up chairs. Maybe you would help take care of the little kids or greet churchgoers at the door. And maybe you did none of the above but you were still there early because your parents volunteered. No matter what the reason, you spent countless hours at church both listening to the pastor speak and roaming around helping the volunteers. Your "Sunday Mornings" didn't end until about 3p.m. and although you complained about it, you wouldn't have it any other way.
3. Wednesday Night
Most youth groups had some type of weeknight bible study or midweek service for their youth. If your church did these, then you know the hype was real. You looked forward to Wednesday night more than Friday night. Wednesday nights consisted of soda, snacks, pizza, games, music, friends, and Jesus. This was a time for you to not only hear more about Jesus but to also hang out with your friends. It was fun, entertaining, and a great way to make friends!
4. Summer Camp
This was the most anticipated event of the year. When the pastor would announce the new camp dates everyone would go crazy. Camp was the time where you spent a whole week away from your family, friends from home, social media, TV, and your phone, and instead you became closer to God and made new friends. Camp was the perfect mix of spiritual connection and pure fun. Everyone had at least one super-spiritual-bawling-your-eyes moment at camp and you would come back ready to completely change.
5. Kids Camp
There was Camp and then there was Kids Camp. If you grew up in church you have probably volunteered at some type of kids camp. Kids Camp is when the elementary school aged kids go to a day camp at the church. The youth run the camp with the assistance of some qualified adults. Working at the kids camp is the best way to strengthen your patience.
6. How He Loves
This song gives you all the feels. Also, it separated the "unforeseen kiss" church from the "sloppy wet kiss" church.
7. Pastor Appreciation
Whether or not you still go to church as an adult, I think it is safe to say we are all thankful for the pastors and youth leaders who made a difference in our lives. We are still friends with them on Facebook and they check in on us from time to time. They helped mentor us in a time when we needed some guidance.
Growing up as a church kid was not a bad way to grow up. It was a fun time full of great people. I almost spent more time at church than in school. If you identify with anything on this list then you probably were a church kid. If so, welcome to the club!
