8/5/21 by Larry Barker
While serving as a youth pastor there were 5 big decisions, I continually reminded our students that they would be facing over the next 5-10 years in their lives. Would they continue to follow Jesus and serve Him? Where would they go to college or would they attend college?
What profession would they pursue? Who would they marry or decide not to get married and where would they live and decide to settle down? This stressed the importance of their relationship and walk with Jesus. Not only did they need to know God’s word but this requires knowing His will and direction for their lives.
At our SOAR conference (Sold Out And Radical) students were challenged by Dr. John David Smith that worship is relational, not recreational. He made it clear that our worship’s depth determines the height of our missional engagement. Youth ministry does matter because, at such a crucial time in student’s lives, they must be discipled to be disciple-makers learning to worship individually and corporately. Many of the best decisions in my life were made while part of a youth group where I was challenged to grow spiritually and seek the Lord. The Godly leaders He gave us made a life-long impact upon me and many others.
Branson Washburn the youth pastor at Cornerstone in Jacksonville, TX says, “As a child, the parent or guardian is the primary influencer in the child’s life. Once the child hits adolescence many begin to look elsewhere for primary guidance. Around ages, 13-17 students begin making decisions that will affect the rest of their lives positively or negatively. They also begin to experience ‘adult’ fears and consequences for their actions. The worst pandemic today is fatherless children. This does not scare or threaten God, in fact, it is probably one of the reasons He is called our ‘Heavenly Father.’”
Branson is also a high school teacher and the head baseball coach. He continues, “So when a youth comes to church with a friend, there is a good chance this student doesn’t have a father at home. The church is having to step in and model manhood for young people.” As I have stated before the most vibrant, growing, exciting, on fire for Christ and disciple-making part of Cornerstone is our youth. Has history not shown us what youth can do to spark and ignite revival fires in families, churches, cities, and many nations? Lifeway Research has stated that 66-70% of those between the ages of 18-22 leave the church for at least a year.
Frank Garrido is the associate pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in La Verne, CA. He has worked with youth for years and says this about the importance of student ministry. “It matters because they are being influenced every day by things that are not in line with what God desires for all his people. The church is responsible to give them the necessary tools to combat the natural desires of the flesh in their own culture and language. Similar to mission work. They are not only the church of the future but are the church now! If churches fail to understand this the future of that ministry is in trouble.”
He adds, “It makes a difference because it saves lives, literally and spiritually. Students desire companionship, authenticity, and belonging. No better place than the student ministry. If not us then they will find it elsewhere.” The men in this article and last weeks are men of God who see the importance of mentoring and pouring into the lives of youth. They understand that student ministry gives youth the support and encouragement they so desperately need. All of them referenced the fact that many of these young people will not receive the spiritual guidance and encouragement they need at home.
What will your church do about ministering to students, especially those who have no Godly influence in their lives? Students make a huge impact on the church and every generation. Your church should desire to be a multi-generational church where every age group is represented well and worships together. The older teaching the younger while also being reminded that the younger can teach the older some things as well. Zeal without knowledge can be dangerous but knowledge without fire will cause dryness and even spiritual death. Youth ministry can be extremely messy and requires much persistence and patience.
Yes, it will require much prayer, commitment, and sacrifice but it is well worth the blood, sweat, and tears. You never know when the light will turn on and they will sell out for Christ. How awesome it is when students are actively serving others in the church and young and old alike see their commitment and are encouraged by their service. Youth ministry matters because it can connect teens to the mission of God as they worship Him. All too often they are an underutilized force within our churches just waiting to be developed through strong biblical disciple-based multiplication.
If you need some help let us know! We would be happy to connect you with some of these leaders mentioned here who would love to help you prayerfully develop a plan on how your student ministry can thrive and impact your community. Paul told Timothy, “Let no one despise your youth; instead, you should be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”