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I need help!! I knew you guys were the ones to come to. =) I have been speaking with the leader of a large para-church ministry, who is considering starting a youth department. (Forgive me for not saying the ministry name, I think they’d prefer it not mentioned at this point.) The thought they have been hearing is that their ministry to adults is so great that they don’t need one specifically for the youth. Their adult ministry will attract and reach the youth. It reminds me of a church saying they don’t need a youth ministry to reach the teens; the senior pastor on Sunday mornings will do it. The Bible says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” I thought you guys might have some helpful input. I haven’t gotten back with them yet; I wanted to give a really thought provoking reply to hopefully make them rethink doing more to reach teens! 1) Why is it important for a church to have a youth ministry? 2) What are your most powerful arguments for why Youth Ministry is a necessity? Thank you so much for your help!!! - Terry |
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| | Terry, I am certain that you will hear from experienced and seasoned Youth Ministry leaders who will give you some very meaningful reasons of why Youth Ministry is a must in any church. Although I have worked with children all my life, I have also ministered to teenagers and I am a father to one! One of the many reasons why there should be a ministry geared specifically to youth is because they need w hole lot more encouragement, support and guidance than the adults. They have left childish things behind and are embracing a life of adulthood that is not quite that simple to understand. Besides the enormous amount of pressure our young people are subject to today they are attack severely by the enemy of our souls. This is because he knows how powerful and effective a young person is in impacting the world for Christ. He also knows that they are the leaders of tomorrow's church. With that said, our youth need to be ministered by someone who understands the challenges they face. Most of us who are in our 40's and up have no idea how difficult these challenges can be. Granted that sin is sin and temptation is temptation, but I will argue until Christ returns with anyone who tells me that today's youth face the same problems as we did. The Word of God never changes, but times do! Young people need a leader/pastor who is open about every issue in life, especially sex and substance abuse. They need someone who will not judge them, but be compassionate and willing to listen to their concerns. They need someone who will be a parent (to those who lack one or both), a mentor and most importantly a friend. Of course this someone must also be uncompromising with the Word of God and admonish them with love when needed. In short, they need a Youth Leader who identifies with their struggles and at the same time provide them with fun activities that are engaging and up to date (technology wise). Again, not many adults can handle both. I remember a lady (youth leader substitute) who came in with a flannel board! Hey, I am sure God can use those, but if he has given us Power Point, Videos, Computers and electric guitars why not use those!? The world uses them and seem to be very successful in capturing our young people's hearts! Pray that the Lord would reveal to your leaders the vital need for a Youth Ministry. One that is empowered by the Spirit and by a leader who have a heart for young people. 
Partnering with parents to "TRAIN" up our children in the way they should go! |
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| | You said this was a para-church ministry right? Well then are there youth groups in the local churches? If there is youth groups are they just not meeting the need? I ask these because we have talked with churches and para-church ministries alike about this. If there are youth groups in the local churches that are meeting the need and trying to meet the kids where they are at then I would say support them and try to help where ever possible if not then yes there is a great need for a youth group. We have looked into starting a youth center where we would plug kids into the local youth groups to be feed. We also have recently had some things happen that may cause us to change gears and step back into the roll of youth/childrens pastors. There is great need for us to reach the kids and youth and although I love you PJ but we have always believed that they are the church today. Kids and teens can reach people that we can't reach in their own ways, God uses them mightly when they are given the room to and the ability to reach out and use the gifts that God has given them. So I don't know if that helped or not but I hope it gave you something to think about. And don't get hooked up on finding a "young" youth leader my dad who is in his 70's has worked with youth and they flock to him, he listens to them and gives them sound biblical advice that only comes from age and wisdom. God needs a willing leader it doesn't matter the age. Good luck and keep praying that is where you will find all your answers is in prayer. Blessings, Melissa - NY |
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| | I agree with these guys. If the local churches are meeting their needs you might be able to supply them the resources but they should do the ministry. I am the "youth dude" at my church doing Sunday School and the Wednesday evening thing. However, my website is for youth leaders. In that way I am a para-church organization. But: Youth is all I do. It's a speciality. Young life and Campus Crusade are other examples of these types of missions that specialize in youth. I'm not sure a ministry to adults can do youth well. It's a calling. Are you guys praying about it? If it's the Spirits urging you wont be able to not do it. If it's just someones good idea, better pray some more. Check out my web page that deals with the disaster that results when the wrong motivation is in play: http://coconutmtn.com/10waysyouthgroup.html Let us know how it turn out. Kevin www.coconutmtn.com
 http://sundayschoollessonconnection.com/ Help and encouragement for Christian Youth Leaders plus free lesson plans to download. |
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| | Youth have needs and interests so different from adults. These needs must be met on their level. The church must provide activities for their youth or they will seek activities elsewhere which are seldom in a church setting. It is not uncommon for students to leave the church after confirmation if there is nothing for them at church - they do not want to become active in the areas their parents are involved - the normal teenager is seeking a life seperate from his/her parents. They are trying to become independent in their effort to show how grown up they are. This life can still be in Christ if they are shown the way. Many teens are rebelling against their parents - they need another adult encouraging them to stay on track in making wise choices. It takes a village to raise a child. The more people who are reaching out to a child, the better. The more Christ focus activies we can keep our kids in the better. A strong adult ministry may reach a few youth, but not enough. You need to offer something that all youth feel comfortable in attending on their own. Not many are wiling to walk alone into an adult event no matter how open and friendly those adults are. The subject of adult bible studies are not of interest to the youth. They need bible studies to address the challenges they are facing. Adults may not come to a study geared to youth. My vote would be YES, a youth ministry is needed! If youth have Christ centered activities to attend every night of the week, our children will grow up safer. If there is currently a youth program set up, research it and make sure that this new one is an addition not a competition. That can be done by setting this one up with a different format and focus.
- Adrianne
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| MRF (2/2/2008)
... I love you PJ but we have always believed that they are the church today. ...Melissa - NYOh I know you do Melissa, and I agree with you wholeheartedly. I am one who teaches and preaches that children are the church of today. In fact, I have spoken at various seminars and workshops teaching this unrefuted truth. In my response to Terry I said that the devil knows that our youth are the LEADERS of tomorrow's church. They are indeed part of the body of Christ, but are in training to become those who will be the next pastors, ministry leaders, SS teachers, etc. That is why we are at high risk of loosing them to the world if we do not provide for them spiritually.
Partnering with parents to "TRAIN" up our children in the way they should go! |
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| | PJ - I wholeheartly agree with you. Sorry must have read it wrong. So many churches just want to put their kids and youth to the other side and "babysit" them while the adults learn. I wish that more could see what kids and youth can do for the kingdom if given proper instruction in God's ways and the ok to go out and do it!! We tell churches all the time where ever we speak that this is your church today don't just sit around and wait for them to grow up and be adults they can do so much to affect the world for God today! My parents come up to us and say they had never looked at it that way before. Thanks and Blessings! Melissa - NY |
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| | Thank you all very much for your input!! - Terry |
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