PHILOSOPHY OF YOUTH MINISTRY

Leading a youth group in a local church is a grand calling. A good youth pastor must have a sincere love for his teenagers and be willing to invest extensive time, energy, and effort to see his youth become the Christian adults they should be. If a youth pastor exists to help his teens understand why they believe what they believe, the youth pastor himself must know why he does what he does. Having a philosophy of youth ministry is very important because the youth of today will form the life of the church in the future.

What is the general purpose of the youth ministry program?

Generally speaking, the overall goal of the youth program is the same as the goal of the church body attached to it. That goal is to effectively evangelize the lost world and bring them into the fellowship and discipleship of other Christians. Teens can witness like adults, and teens can disciple like adults. This can, in fact, be one of the best ways for a youth group to grow in number and in spirit. The youth program is a body of teenage believers that is connected to the church, although many aspects of it are distinctly separate from the church. Matthew 28:18-20 serves as the mission statement for both the local church and the youth program extension.

What is the specific purpose of the youth ministry program?

If the specific purpose of the church is to bring lost people to Christ, then the specific goal of the youth program is to bring lost young people to Christ. After they are saved, the next specific goal is to teach them biblical principles on which to base their faith. Too many young people grow into adults who have no idea why they believe what they believe because it was never shown to them from the Bible. The only way to have a growing, dynamic youth group is to have the Bible as the center of all practice. Bible preaching, teaching, and memorization should be the foundation of every activity. If the Word of God is left out of any aspect, then the teens never fully understand why they have certain standards, rules, and beliefs placed on them. Most important, the evangelism and discipleship must be geared toward youth and their needs, likes, and dislikes.

What is the youth pastor's relationship to the youth group?

A key to a successful youth program is understanding the youth pastor's role. The key word would be balance. The youth director must find a consistent balance in many areas in order to be a "good" youth pastor. He must be as enthusiastic for God as he is for sports, music, etc. He is to be not only a friend to the teens but also a counselor, teacher, helper, and servant. He must also balance preaching with encouragement, seriousness with fun, and fun activities with outreach activities. The good youth leader will have compassion on his teens but not leave out discipline when necessary. Basically, he should lead and teach by example, so his young people can see a Christian life that works.

What is the youth pastor's relationship to the senior pastor?

The youth pastor has to remember that he is a subordinate. He is not the first in command. He is an aid to the pastor by overseeing the "flock" of teenagers in the church. The youth pastor should never criticize or belittle the pastor's actions in front of the church or youth group. Another part of the relationship can be seen in Exodus 17 when Aaron and Hur held up the hands of Moses. The youth pastor should offer support and encouragement to his pastor at all times. Communication is essential.

What are some principles to guide the youth program?

As stated above, it is imperative that every aspect of the youth program be geared and suited for young people. Teenagers want to see a Christian way of living and thinking that applies to them now. Therefore, the leader must give them spiritual meat that they can swallow. I am not speaking of an interest-motivated philosophy where the youth decide what happens and what is taught, but I am referring to using biblically appropriate methods to bring the message of Christ to the level of the teenagers. This is not permission to have a culture-oriented structure where whatever is popular in dress, music, and television is used to teach the teens, for one should never sacrifice high standards for temporary spiritual growth. If the youth program is Bible-centered, then this should never be a problem. There should be a variety of singing, preaching, purposeful activity, just-for-fun activity, and soul-winning and they should all be done in accordance with the needs and desires of the teens. In other words, the program should never be just preaching, or just games and activities. Again, balance is the key. There should be a definite emphasis on authority in the program of the youth ministry. It is best that the youth director choose and train his own helpers. This makes it easier for the team to know each other's strengths, weaknesses and preferences. The youth leader should work with men and women who can offer suggestions and alternatives in differing situations that come up. It is also necessary that the youth leader have a vision for the youth group. He must learn to set attainable goals for his youth to strive after, and then push those goals on the teens. Along with this comes good organization. A good youth pastor is well organized. Another principle to guide the ministry is that all activities should be adapted and fitted to youth. Age, maturity, spiritual knowledge, mental capabilities, and home situations should all be taken into consideration before planning an activity. The youth director must understand the physical characteristics of his teens and not plan a sporting event that is too difficult. He must use discernment and teach the basics of the Christian life to new Christians and more in-depth biblical principles to the older Christians. He must support and challenge his teenagers at the same time.

~Written by Pastor Greg Powell