TARGETS FOR EFFECTIVE YOUTH MINISTRY

Compiled with input from active youth ministry leaders in Christian Union churches

There is a potter in Bolivia whose work is exquisite. I stood watching him work and noticed that he was constantly looking up from his wheel at a shelf of finished items. I asked my interpreter to inquire about purchasing a large bowl on the shelf. The potter became quite animated in his reply and the interpreter smiled and turned to me. “He says the pots and bowls on the shelf are perfect and he tries to get each new one he makes to match. He will not sell his perfect ones.”

Many times churches ask themselves, “Is our Youth Ministry healthy?” Some churches considering starting a ministry to teenagers ask, “What does a great youth ministry look like?” It’s important to have goals and to evaluate what we do - eternity is at stake! This list of targets has been compiled by talking with youth pastors, youth leaders and even some youth. It’s an attempt to give churches and leaders something to reach for: Targets. No one expects any one church to hit everyone of these targets perfectly but we should all know what we’re aiming for; what the end result should look like.

The potter in Bolivia understood that not everything we do will be perfect but we have to have a good grasp of what we’re trying to accomplish. This list shouldn’t make anyone feel guilty but, hopefully, will encourage us in reaching teenagers for Christ.

1. YOUTH MINISTRY MUST CONSTANTLY STRIVE FOR EXCELLENCE (II Cor. 13:11)

Youth ministry must be done with Excellence or not done at all. Excellence is doing the right things right.

2. YOUTH MINISTRY MUST COMMUNICATE THAT YOUTH MATTER TO GOD  (John 3:16; Rom. 5:8)

Youth are looking for answers. They have a void in their lives that can be filled only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

3. YOUTH MINISTRY MUST BE RELEVANT (I Cor. 9:19-23)

Since youth culture continually changes topics and methods must change without compromising the message.

4. YOUTH MINISTRY IS RELATIONAL. (John 14)

Relational youth ministry is about sharing life together; the focus is on people more than programs.

5. EVANGELISM IS A PROCESS (I Corinthians 3:5-8)

Bringing a young person to Christ involves time, personal testimonies, unconditional love, events designed to optimize sharing the Gospel, and committed youth with a vision to share Christ. The Holy Spirit is the only One who can change lives.

6. DISCIPLESHIP MUST BE A PRIORITY (I Corinthians 3:5-8)

Discipleship is a process that serves individual youth at their level of interest and beliefs. Such a ministry must offer different levels or "entry points" which challenge each individuals at his or her level of "spiritual interest." The goal of discipling youth should include:

a) A working desire to develop a close friendship and love relationship with the Lord. (Matt. 22:37)

b) A sense of responsibility for his or her own development. (Phil. 2:12)

c) A sense of responsibility for the development of others. (Gal. 6:1-2)

d) A desire to see his or her peers come to know Christ.

e) A commitment to living as fully devoted followers of Christ in all areas of life (including ministry/vocation and marriage). (I Cor. 10:31)

7. EVERYTHING IS DONE WITH A PURPOSE (Prov. 29:18)

Each activity, meeting and event must meet the criteria in the ministry’s purpose statement. No activities just for activities' sake.

8. PRAY FIRST (Philippians 4:6)

          Youth ministry should be saturated in prayer.

9. YOUTH MINISTRY MUST BE BUILT AROUND THE TEAM CONCEPT. (Philippians 2:2)

          An effective youth ministry team is essential. No “lone rangers.”