Welcome to the Youth Ministry Center
Youth work has been called a lonely ministry; it shouldn’t be. It has been seen as a lowly, stepping-stone ministry to better things; this is a shame. The damage done to some leaders who last only a short time is well known. We can rectify these sad situations.
Youth ministry is about reaching young people and educating adults (about the world and lives of young people, knowledge that makes for a dynamic church). Youth ministry is the responsibility of the whole church. Pastors must understand, commit to it and to its practitioners; they must also instruct adults. An adult committee should join leaders to pray, support and strategize. A balanced leadership team can reach all types of personalities and display a healthy range of adult qualities and healthy relationships.
Youth ministry is more than hanging out with kids, allowing them to hang out with each other, and producing some interesting programs. It probes deeper hurts and issues in the lives of young people and calls them to radical commitment to Jesus Christ. Youth ministry without radical challenge and passionate response is not really going anywhere. These characteristics should not be confused with emotionalism and sensationalism. Young people want leaders who are “for real,” get to what’s really going on and appeal to their idealism. They aren’t excited about joining church and society that function in customary complacency.
Youth ministry provides a safe place with caring mentors where a young person can hear someone else sharing her story until she gets the courage to share her (or his) own story, and in that context hear about the Great Story. Youth ministry is also about healing, reconciliation, empowerment, service, and worship.
Youth ministry is concerned with families, community, schools, peer groups, media and whatever affects young people… the whole context for holistic and relevant ministry.
Aiming at such excellence demands training, some study, sharing what we are learning and experiencing. This site is dedicated to providing such resources.