Graduation is a milestone that calls for recognition and celebration. Select a group of parents to help you plan and coordinate a graduation service to honor and recognize your graduates. Here are some suggestions for celebrating end-of-school graduations in your worship service.
Preparation for a graduation celebration needs to begin as soon as possible. Those most qualified to help with the planning are youth leaders, along with designated staff members.
The type of worship experience will demand research and creativity on the part of leaders and students. Materials used should not be expensive or difficult to acquire.
Organization
Gather an accurate list of potential graduates from high school, homeschool, technical training, college, university, and post-graduate programs. Check correct pronunciation of names and facts about students.
Obtain information regarding graduates' family attendance and involvement. When students do not desire immediate family involvement, a sponsor of their choosing would be appropriate.
Set a date best suited for the majority. Try to avoid conflicts that would cause some to miss the emphasis. Publicize the recognition well in advance.
Consider devoting an entire program for the event, preferably a morning service, to provide greater significance.
Involve the entire church family in the recognition.
Hold a rehearsal for the program.
Program topics
Gather information and share about each students' school activities and future plans.Plan a week of memories with the theme of Milestones and Memories. Ask parents to prepare short paragraph memories explaining significant milestones in their students' lives. As you recognize each student, ask the parents to stand and share their student's milestone memory.
Plan a week of activities with the theme of Leadership Legacies. Ask students to prepare brief testimonies about leaders and other people of influence in their lives. Continue this theme by giving students leadership roles in the service, such as leading in prayer, sharing announcements, performing instrumental or vocal solos, leading worship, and giving key addresses.
Gather batons for parents to pass to their students to symbolize the passing of a torch from one generation of believers to the next. Ask parents to write prayers for their teens on the batons before passing them off during the service.
Invite a special speaker to challenge the students to look for their next mission as they leave home for college or the workplace. The message should emphasize continued personal discipleship and opportunities to serve Christ where they are.
Decorations and displays
Use banners or pennants with school colors to decorate sections of your event venue. Seat students at the event according to their schools.
Ask students to wear their graduation caps and gowns to help set the tone of the event.
Document students' growth in life by asking parents to bring a baby picture, elementary picture, a high school picture, and college picture (if the student is graduating from college). Choose a space outside the venue to display the photos.
Prepare an audiovisual presentation of graduates participating in previous youth events. Include a special bulletin insert including photographs and brief biographical sketches and the students' future plans.
Ask your graduates
Allow time during the service for each students to each answer one of the following pre-arranged questions.
Who has most influenced your life?
What has been your most memorable experience during your school years?
Do you have a favorite passage of Scripture that has helped you?
What books have you read that have challenged you?
Could you share a dream you have for the future of America?
What advice would you give to students beginning their high school or college years?
What would you do differently if given another chance at school?
Other supporting ideas
Give gifts to graduates. Consider a new CSB Bible.
Sponsor a luncheon at the church or a restaurant. Invite graduates, parents, and other relatives as special guests.
Graduation is an important event for your church's students and families. Don't let the opportunity slip by to express your pride and joy in their accomplishments.