Service Learning versus Community Service

This weekend I was blessed to attend a youth rally and training for the YMCA Leaders Club Great Lakes region. One of the big topic of discussion between us advisors was the differences in service learning and community service and whether or not both had a place in youth group planning.

While service learning is a tool as old as youth ministry itself, it has only recently been identified as separate from community service. I believe one of the biggest reasons is the emergence of community service as a court-ordered punishment for those who break the law. Teens who are trying to keep on the straight-and-narrow don't want to do anything they think others will associate with criminals. Service learning also sounds more positive to most parents.

So what is the difference? Service learning encompasses just what it says-- learning through providing a service to others. Service learning can be incorporated into social lessons, biblical teachings, or job skill trainings. Community service is doing a good deed for the community in which one calls "home." So what is the difference?

Reflection.

Service learning involves a lesson leading up to the project, doing the project, and then reflecting on what was learned after the project is finished. Community service is doing the project without the lessons.

As Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, we also must reinforce the importance of service to others to the children that we work with. I believe that both service learning and community service have a place in our ministries; though I think we naturally tend to turn all experiences into teaching moments.

For some great ideas on service learning, check out YE's links page, and as always, feel free to leave some ideas or comments in the message board.

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