Comments on: "Youth Group T-Shirts are Stupid"

By: Kaylee

Kaylee — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:53:22 +0000

But i do thank you for the fact that you dont think any less of those who do! and if it is something God has layed on your heart, stick to it… he’s never wrong!!

By: Kaylee

Kaylee — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:51:14 +0000

hey look i attend an amzing youth group and my youth pastor asked me to design us a shirt. honestly, i feel priveledged. its not about making us someone, its just an outreach to others. unsaved can see our shirts and the scripture, ask a question, adn the door is open to share God’s word adn His love. I do not at all think there is a problem with these, but everyone has there own opinion Im glad u were honest, but ill have to say i dont quite agree :/ please dont take it offense!

By: Josh Decker

Josh Decker — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 17:43:40 +0000

Hey Matt,

I love what you’ve written. Funny, I ran across this while searching for a vendor for t-shirts.

I have just started looking at T-shirts myself. I have come to this for a couple reasons. First, I am organizing a winter retreat for 250-300 students, and am planning to give students a shirt who come to the event (mostly because I had to make sure we covered costs for a smaller group, and we may have some extra money to put into the retreat).

Secondly, and more importantly for my group, is that no matter how well known the dress code is for an event, I have students who come inappropriately dressed. This allows me to ensure at least the top half is decent. I wish I didn’t have to resort to this measure, but it’s been an issue on ever event…even after sending some students home because of it.

I agree, though, that shirts for the sake of shirts isn’t a great idea. I love seeing what creativity and diversity students have in the way they dress, and would hate to put a “uniform” to our ministry.

Keep up the great work fellow YP’s! Christ is coming again, and it’s important we keep on with what He’s called us to until we finally see Him.

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:01:59 +0000

Did you read my post?

By: John

John — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 13:44:36 +0000

5 years does not an expert make. I’ve read a few posts and a pattern is beginning to emerge. There are very few things that are prescriptive in youth ministry in the United States. We, as youth pastors, are cross-cultural missionaries who minister in a unique context. I am thrilled that the Lord has allowed you to have an understanding of your culture, but exercise caution when issuing ministry mandates.

John
Youth Pastor for 21 years
Lover of Jesus, teenagers, and t-shirts (in that order)

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:10:09 +0000

Those are almost t-shirts worth wearing.

By: Jon Snyder

Jon Snyder — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 18:05:13 +0000

haha, i must have missed this on your first posting. I have 2 christian t-shirts. the first is bright orange with a big hunk of cheese and says “they will know you are Christians by your cheesy t-shirts”.

the second is the 4 little ponies of the apocalypse, based on a famous painting.

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 15:18:22 +0000

This will require a separate post… I’m heading out of town this weekend. I’ll likely have to respond next week.

By: Jim

Jim — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:02:45 +0000

I don’t think they are vital (necessary for life), just valuable. But I am willing to learn, so what do you do to build a youth group identity? How do you reinforce the sense of belonging in tangible ways? What do you use as markers of significant experiences in the life of your group or individuals?

Just for clarity, the tone of these questions is sincere, not argumentative. I study culture creation and want to know how you are doing these things in your youth group.

By: Matt

Matt — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:04:52 +0000

It’s okay, I’ll still let you comment on my blog even though you’ve done t-shirts before.