Pioneer Christian Monthly - September, 1985

Youth Ministry
Murray Moerman

Have you had a look at the youth culture lately? White make-up and pink hair? Michael Jackson? You prefer not to look?

We can't afford not to look And look hard. Youth ministry is important to church growth. Most statistics indicate that 80% of committed Christians were converted before the age of 18. Many others in their early 20's. Hardening hearts and philosophies make many older persons increasingly difficult to reach.

Do you have a philosophy of ministry to young people? I would encourage you to write and follow one. I have been asked to share something of mine.

First of all we need a broad definition of youth. Organized youth ministry must begin before the teen years and continue well beyond high school graduation.

This is important for two reason

(1) youth culture is making major inroads on pre-teen children. The effects of rock music, drugs and secular culture can be seen routinely in elementary school children; and

(2) leadership from the next highest age group is an important component in the leadership team for ministry to that age group.

Therefore I believe that it is important to seek to build a youth ministry for each of the age groups represented in your church: 8 - 10 yearolds, 11 - 14yearolds, 15 - 19 year olds, and 20 - 35 year olds.

If you don' t have people in one or more of those age groups, but have leadership potential, begin a work focused on the age group of greatest need in your community. Often parents with children in one or more of these age groups are your best resource for leadership. Whatever the current range of age group(s) in your church, make a comprehensive age group ministry your goal.

Secondly, if your church does not have youth ministry in its annual budget, see to it that the problem is rectified in next year's budget proposal. Remember, your church budget is first of all a statement of faith and a statement of priorities (October 1984). Be satisfied with little the first year and use it well. Financial support will grow.

Thirdly, plan a program based on a realistic awareness of the various levels of commitment found in young people. Not all kids are at the same place and separate, distinct programs are required geared towards each level of commitment.

Bill Hybels shares that his involvement in youth ministry began when he encountered 15 or 20 young people sitting on the front steps of a church, pretending, for the sake of their parents, to be at "youth group", while only 5 or 6 kids were inside attending the weekly meeting. The "real" meeting was taking place on the front steps! "Shame on those kids, they should have all been inside!", you say. Sure, but if that is your sole response you are not yet ready for youth ministry. Kids are not at the same level of commitment. The "real" meeting in your congregation and/or community may be taking place on the front steps, at the A & W, the local mall or video arcade; most anywhere. The point is that youth ministry must be geared for both levels of commitment and that can't be done in a single program.

One program, at each age group level, if possible, must be an outreach program. Call it something "unchurchy"; your kids will veto the name if its too stilted. During that activity focus on stunts, games, music and refreshments. Make it the kinds of evening your young people won't be embarrassed to invite their school friends to. (Do you know what their school friends aye like?) Go to a local "Young Life" chapter meeting to get the picture. Keep any teaching brief (5 10 minutes), personal, relaxed and focused on a point of felt need. Avoid confrontation. Be relational. Fun.

The other program must be a discipling program. Not all kids are ready for it. Here teaching is more prominent. No frills. High quality. While all the kids at the outreach evening are invited in a casual pressure way to the second meeting, it's not for all and not all will participate. Expect it. Jesus did. In this second meeting build leadership. Assume and expect a higher degree of commitment. Work towards group discussion, honest interaction, deeper relationships, developing ministry skills among the kids themselves and shared responsibility for group leadership. In this second group you may find a place for the "Christian education" function of your church. Don't try to have Sunday School or catechism stand alone. Place them in an environment of games and refreshments in the second meeting.

Develop the concept gradually. if your current meetings are of the discipling nature, begin by planning quarterly or monthly "outreach" meetings. Go to a waterslide. Have fun. If your meetings currently entail a low level of commitment, invite three or four of your most committed young people for a more intense discipline experience. Use them to help you reach the uncommitted.

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