An Interest group model: what is is?

Sometimes when a group does not have much in common – different schools or towns represented or broad age group – a program can be built around a set of special interests. The classic “MAD – Music, Art Drama” program does this. A “youth group band” is another common example. Interest groups can also be task oriented such as group that collects aluminum cans to redeem for money for hunger relieve, a group to help with house and yard chores for the church's shut-ins.

These things are very local in nature, a program from one community may not translate easily to another community. I'll have some guidelines for creating and running an Interest group style program. But look around the congregation: what are types of interests and activities of the church as a whole? What can be tapped into or built on? Who has special skills? Are some of the youth already involved in some interest that can be made a part of the church's program?