Yes, of course you’d like it to be for both. But the reality is that every decision will suite one group over the other. So how do you choose who to appease?
There’s a really helpful line of distinction in youth and kids ministry… Ask yourself who decides whether the kid goes or not?
See, if the kids are under about year 9, it’s their parents who make the final decision. They usually have to drive them! Sure, the parents are less likely to take their kids if their kids don’t want to go. But even up to year 6 kids… Their parents will choose whether their kids will attend or not – regardless of what they kids say on the day.
But year 10-12 kids… They really are getting that little more independent. They will go to things and arrange their own transport. Their parents aren’t really in the picture.
So, if your dealing with kids under yr6… You’re REALLY trying to convince the parents to bring their kids back.
There’s always the exception to the rule… I started taking myself to youth group when I was 9.