🎣 Fishin’ for a Generation: 3 Techniques to Reel in Students Who Actually Stick Around

Pastor Derwin Jackson
Apr 21
2 min read

Let’s get real for a second.

The Church has mastered how to run services, host conferences, and execute programs. But when it comes to reaching and retaining students—we're often casting wide nets with no clear direction... and wondering why we’re coming up empty.

That’s where "FISHIN’" comes in. It’s not just a catchy wordplay—it’s a movement strategy that’s been tested and proven through The National Experience Ministry, a thriving student ministry active in both Georgia and Florida.

We’re not just talking about getting teens in the room.We’re building students who come, grow, lead, and come back—as disciples, volunteers, and world changers.

So, here are 3 core "FISHIN" techniques every Pastor and Youth Leader needs to implement now if you want to build something that lasts:

🎣 1. CAST INTO UNCHARTED WATERS

“If you fish in the same pond as everyone else, don’t be surprised when it dries up.”

The first mistake many churches make is assuming students will come to them.Wrong mindset. Students aren’t hiding—they’re just in different waters.

If you’re serious about reaching this generation, you have to be willing to:

Show up at schools with permission and purpose
Collaborate with rec centers and community hubs
Engage students through platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube
Start programs that meet outside the traditional church space

The Experience Ministry grew in two states because we stopped waiting for students—we went to where they were and brought the ministry with us.

🎣 2. USE BAIT THAT MAKES SENSE TO THEM

“You don’t fish for catfish with gummy worms—know your catch.”

Your ministry can't just sound like tradition and feel like obligation.It has to speak their language.

That’s why The Experience integrates creative arts like:

Mime
Dance
Flags
Drama
Spoken Word

These aren’t side shows—they’re entry points to transformation. We’ve seen students who’ve never set foot in church run to the altar after a worship dance or mime performance.

When they see they’re not too weird, too expressive, or too broken to be used—something shifts.

🎣 3. REEL ‘EM IN WITH RELATIONSHIP + STRUCTURE

“ You need a system that keeps them.”

Here’s the part no one wants to talk about:

Getting students to come is easy. Getting them to stay? That takes real work.

You need:

Leadership pathways for students to serve
A training system for volunteers who get Gen Z
Parent partnerships so home matches the culture of ministry
Weekly structure—not random hype events
And most importantly, discipleship that isn’t watered down

At The Experience, we’ve created these systems in both Georgia and Florida. And we’ve seen what happens when structure meets spirit—it creates a culture students don’t just visit… they belong to.

So Why Am I Telling You This?

Because I’m not guessing. I’ve built this. And I want to help you do the same.

Whether you're starting from scratch, rebuilding something that’s flatlined, or just need a fresh perspective—we can build a student ministry that doesn’t just survive, but transforms the future of your church.

This is more than a call to action—it’s a call to go FISHIN’.