Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Jan/83

Contributor - Al Nyp

Title - Reflections On Youth Ministry

Topic - Youth

What does it take to be an effective youth leader? That, to me, is a most interesting question with probably a multitude of answers -most of which are correct. I have often wondered why the Holy Spirit didn't inspire someone to write a chapter in the Bible that outlined all the necessary qualifications by saying, "Do these things and you will be a good youth leader".

Well, believe it or not, God's Word does have a chapter in it to list the attributes we are searching for, even though it does not start out the way I described. Nevertheless, it outlines all the necessary qualifications in such a simple way that it is easily overlooked because it is so obvious.

Let's look for a moment at God's Word and discover what we need to be effective in our youth ministries.

1. There must be patience and kindness. Young people have changed very little over the years. The time of youth is still that time in life when we are transient between childhood and adulthood. A time when we must weigh all of the teachings, advice, guidance and influences of our environment against our own feelings and instincts. A time of awakening - physically, spiritually, emotionally and sexually. A time of judging for ourselves all of the rules, regulations and ideals pressed upon us by "tradition". A time of rebellion against those "traditions" in order to establish our own. A time when the need to be wanted and accepted is greater than it has ever been before. A time of trial and error.

To try to guide a young person through such turbulent times requires much patience, kindness and understanding. You must be able to allow them to make their mistakes and then, in kindness, help them to correct them. If you can do that, my friend, you are well on the way to becoming a good youth counsellor.

2. There is no room for envy or jealousy A very common human trait is to look at our neighbour, see how well he does in comparison to ourselves, and then become envious. The same thing applies to us as youth leaders as well. We often look at our groups and compare them with other groups which seem to be so much more active and responsive than our own. This comparison can, of course, be very constructive when we adopt some of the successful methods of other groups and use them to build up our own. However, all too often we become envious and begin to look at our own group as inferior -losers, if you will. And this attitude will transfer itself very quickly to your group itself, and, before long you may find yourself with no group at all. Rather, find the positive aspects within your group and build on them, being satisfied with little results which, you will discover, will soon grow.

3. Don't be proud or boastful

This should be obvious enough, and yet, has been the downfall of many an aspiring youth leader. Pride is the most difficult of all sins to handle. It seems so natural, that, whenever things go well, we are directly responsible and usually have no trouble making others aware of that fact. However, if you wish to see your youth group grow in all aspects, it is important that you learn to take the back seat. The young people themselves must have the recognition for the things they do. An easy trap we all fall into is to talk about "my" young people or "my" youth group. This only serves to separate you from them and makes you less effective.

4. Don't be pushy

Always forcing your ideas on the group is not only selfish and rude, but it will soon leave you with a group that has become lazy, without initiative - a group that knows your way is the only way. By allowing them to use their ideas and helping them to turn them into reality - whether always practical or not - will without a doubt give them the confidence and self-esteem they need to go on to bigger and better things. And if they fail, great! Just help them back up, encourage them to try again and stick it out with them.

5. Be loyal

Make absolutely sure that you will stand up for them, defend them when they need defending and praise them when they deserve it. Give them your full support and commitment, and in return you will be blessed with their respect. Believe in them and expect the best from them and they will seldom disappoint you.

By now, I am sure, all of you Bible scholars have recognized the Bible portion from which I have drawn all this wisdom. It is the well-known "love chapter" - I Corinthians 13. And you will also begin to see that "love" is the key that opens the door to a fulfilling youth ministry.

If you start your task prayerfully, with love as your main motivation, I can guarantee you success, because that love will urge you to prepare yourself in the best way you can. It will lead you to sharpen the tools you already possess, through study, workshops and other ways of expanding your total resources. It will not allow you to think of anything but the well-being, spiritually and socially, of your youth group. And most important of all, it will give you great blessings personally and also make you a blessing in your ministry.

May God help you to be an effective instrument of His love.

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