Little Ways Teens Can Encourage the Friends (I’m Trying These Too!)

Being a teen in the congregation is actually kind of a cool spot to be in. We have energy that some of the older friends don’t have anymore, and honestly people just light up when teens talk to them. I don’t totally know why but it’s true. So I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how we can use that for good and not just, you know, hang out with our friends the whole time before and after meetings (which I also love, ha).

Here are some things I’m trying to do more of, if you’re a teen or a young adult you might enjoy trying them too:

Actually talk to the older friends

I know this can feel awkward at first. Like what do you even say to someone who is 30 or 40 years older than you? But it’s actually not that bad once you start. They almost always have the sweetest stories about the truth and how they came in, and you just have to ask one little question and they’ll tell you so much. Last week a sister in my hall told me about how she pioneered in like the 70s and I was honestly hanging on every word.

Notice the little kids

Little kids LOVE when teens notice them. I think it’s because we’re old enough to seem cool to them but young enough that they’re not scared of us. Just saying hi to them by name, or asking what they’re drawing, or letting them show you something on their tablet or phone. It takes like one minute and they remember it forever and they can become your cute little buddy. Isn’t that sweet?

Sit by someone different sometimes

This is something I’m still working on because I really do love sitting with my friends. But once in a while sitting by a sister who comes alone, or near a family with little ones who might need help, can mean so much to people. You don’t have to do it every meeting. Just sometimes.

Comment, even when it’s scary

Sometimes I can get really nervous to comment and sometimes I even shake a little when I raise my hand. But almost every time I comment someone tells me that it really encouraged them to hear a me give my answer. Usually, they can’t even tell that I was nervous. So even if it’s hard, I think it’s really worth it.

Send a text after the meeting

If someone gave a really good talk or comment, just text them and say so. Or if you noticed someone who seemed kind of down, just check on them. I’m not always good at remembering to do this but when I do it makes me feel like part of the congregation in a real way, and it often leads to you making a new friend just by reaching out.

Help with the little things

Carrying someone’s bag to their car, helping fold up chairs, holding the door, offering to help a mom with her kids in the lobby, anything really. Older friends especially appreciate this because their knees and backs aren’t what they used to be. And it’s not a big deal for us! We have the energy. Might as well use it.

Show up early or stay late

I’ll be honest, I am not always good at this one because I’m usually rushing in five minutes before. But when I do get there early it’s so much better because I can actually talk to people instead of just slipping into my seat. The friends who stay around and chat are usually the ones who feel the most connected to the congregation, I think.

Be careful with your phone

Okay this one is hard, I know. But being on your phone between meeting parts or even when you’re talking to someone after the meeting kind of sends a signal that you’d rather be somewhere else, even if that’s not what you mean. I’m trying to leave my phone in my bag more, use a physical bible at the meetings, and only use the JW app for following along with the meeting parts.

Invite someone to do something fun

Like a younger publisher who you could go in service with, or a sister around your age you don’t know super well yet. Just texting “hey want to go out in service together on Saturday?” can mean a lot to someone who maybe feels a little on the edge of things. You start to really love people when you spend time with them. It’s hard to explain but it’s true! And then afterwards you do something fun together.

I really do think teens can be such a positive force for Jehovah’s people and sometimes we don’t even realize it. We might think we’re not doing much sometimes, but just being warm and present and helpful in our congregation really does mean so much to the friends. Even the small things really add up I think.

If you have other ideas please share them, I would really love to hear what other teens are doing in their congregations!