If youth group is a party...
It might be better to have a party that is redemptive than having a boring service that has moments of drama/fun...Many of my friends start with a "service" that is, in its kernal, BORING and then try to add the fun element. But house church people start with a party in the living room - that is indeed fun and relational, and make the party work, make it useful, add purpsose and direction to the party.
If church is a party . . .
tallskinnykiwi
I fear that I am the youth leader that starts with a boring meeting and adds "the fun element". I tend to be the nay-sayer who reminds them of the millions who are hungary and how thankful they should be for what they have. But, I find the idea of starting with a party and adding a redemptive aspect freeing and exciting...and I bet the middle schoolers would love it:)