WHAT IS YOUTH MINISTRY?

This is the proverbial question. For many of us involved in day-to-day ministry, we might answer with comments like, Sunday (or Wednesday) night programming, relationships,” or discipleship, but these answers tend to skip important elements for a healthy and effective youth ministry.

Sometimes the urgency of the job can cause us to take our focus off our goal. Or the pressure to have fun can drive us to fill our time with games rather than time for relationship building and Bible study.

So, here’s a brief look at my opinion on what a healthy ministry looks like.

Meaningful Relationships

Youth ministry exists to establish meaningful relationships between adults and youth for the purpose of helping them grow in their relationship with God.

The recent research shows that young people continue to walk away from the church and their faith after high school. But studies also suggest that youth who have multiple adults intentionally investing in their lives are more likely to stay connected to the church and flourish in their faith, even after graduation.

Youth want to learn from people who care about them. When youth ministry creates opportunities for students to step into meaningful relationships with adults, this lays a foundation for discipleship.

Intentional Programming

Youth ministry is about so much more than entertainment. It exists to create opportunities for youth to grow closer to Jesus. There are several ways youth ministry can be designed – to help students grow in faith, to equip students to use their gifts in the church and in the world, to care and love our neighbors, etc.

Intentionality is the key.  It is what transforms “hangout time” into “ministry time.” Youth ministries that are truly intentional can tie any event or activity back to the overall mission of the ministry.

Discipleship

I think many of you would agree that the purpose of youth ministry is discipleship. Through relationships we make disciples who, in turn, build relationships and make more disciples.

I’ve heard many leaders say that they have very few youth or none at all. Remember: transformation is way more important than attendance numbers. And having more adult volunteers who are focused on building relationships with youth for the purpose of discipleship is way more important than having adult volunteers who are helping with logistics.

Partnering with Parents

Youth ministry isn’t just about youth; it’s also about partnering with parents. Parents are the primary faith influencers as described in Deuteronomy 6.

Ministering to parents is just as important as ministering to young people. It allows us to equip them in their role as teachers and models of a Christ-centered life.

Leadership

Youth ministry must be by, for, and with youth. When youth see themselves as participants, they will pick and choose what they like at church. But when they see themselves as leaders, they will invest in the ministry of the church.

As Christians, we have a responsibility to hand off the controls of leadership to those on the path behind us. Considering this, youth leadership development is not only a good idea, but also necessary for building God’s Kingdom.

Research shows that 40% of youth should be serving in the church and 20% in a leadership role.

While each of our contexts and churches are different, we do share many aspects of our ministry that are the same. It’s important that we regularly examine what we do. My goal with this article is not to convince you that what you’re doing is wrong, but to offer encouragement and support. So many pressures push us off course, and sometimes, we just need a little reminder of why we do what we do. 

Youth Resources

Faith Lens – Faith Lens » Blog Archive – Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Ministry to Youth – Youth Group Lessons – Free | Youth Bible Lessons – Free

Youth ESource – Home – youthESource

YM360 – YM360 | Youth Ministry 360

If you have other resources that you love, please share!
And shine wherever you are!
Deacon Deborah

Middle School Retreat

January 24-26
At Camp Kinard
#EmbracetheShift
“Those Crazy Emotions!”

We go through a lot of changes during our Middle School years.  And our emotions are at the top of that list. We’ll watch the movie “Inside Out 2,” explore those emotions and learn how to process them in healthy ways.

Cost is $105

Registration is open!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1105665267579?aff=oddtdtcreator

LEGO AND LET GOD!

Elementary Retreat

For Children in Grades 1-5
At Camp Kinard
February 8-9
Join us for fun, fellowship and learning!

There will also be a track for parents, so come with your kids and learn from seasoned teachers.

Cost is $105

Watch for registration soon!

Faith Ablaze at Lutheridge

Take your faith to the next level!

Faith Ablaze is for current high school students that want to take their faith to the next level. Led by campus pastors and college students, participants will discover what their faith is like after Confirmation and how it can make a difference in the world. Our Clemson and Carolina campus pastors – Pastor Josh and Pastor Jesse – are leading!

Click here for more info: Faith Ablaze | Lutheridge

Resources for January

Epiphany (January 6)

Epiphany Celebration Ideas for Families and Churches | Faithward.org

Super Simple Epiphany Crafts and Activities for Kids – The Kennedy Adventures!

Children’s Arts & Crafts for Epiphany | ehow

Epiphany Activities and Ideas: Creative Ways to Celebrate the Season

Chalking the Door: An Epiphany Tradition

World Religion Day (January 19)

How to Celebrate World Religion Day

What is World Religion Day? | Teaching Wiki | Twinkl

Martin Luther King Day (January 20)

3 Creative Ways to Honor MLK Day – YouthMinistry.com

Ministry Matters™ | Martin Luther King, Jr., Day

3 Children’s Messages for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Group Activities Sunday School Resources |…