This week I'm snowed under. I'm preparing four talks and two small group sessions for an upcoming camp this weekend (thus the lack of posts).
As a searched around my old files, i stumbled across the youth ministry philosophy i did at college. I answered the question in the title of this post to begin.
My reasons?
First... Young people matter to God. They need to hear the life changing message of the gospel.
Second... the NCLS (national church life survey) has conclusively shown, backed up by other research, that the vast majority – up to 85% - of Christians in churches today made their commitment to follow Christ prior to their 21st birthday. The church should focus on times when people are looking for things to stand for and identifying their belief systems.
Third... The story is told of a struggling youth minister, who when faced with justifying his ministry, placed two candles before his unimpressed audience. He then proceeded to break one candle, reducing it to half the length of the other. Upon lighting both candles the minister then asked the congregants which candle would burn the longest. The audience concluded that the tallest candle would. With this exhibition the pastor sat down – his demonstration concluded.
This displays one of the greatest benefits of youth ministry – the longevity of the fruit. The results will burn for Christ the longest, giving a greater impact to the community around them.
3 comments:
I had to do a young adults ministry proposal last year. It was really difficult due to the fact you have posted as your second!
But it was also really helpful. You notice a bit more the importance youth ministry has on young adult ministry and how they go hand in hand and follow on from one another.
People becoming Christians is definitely an upside of youth ministry.
I am continually stunned whenever an adult comes to faith because it seems so rare.
I suppose a big chunk of the reason is due to the significance of the life change which if needed when you have been going down the same life path for decades.
I agree.
Adults are definitely mire set in their ways.
Maybe also a bit of a case of 'I have gotten on fine without God so far, why would I need him now?'
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