How Do You Do Youth Ministry?

Purpose Driven, Son Life, Family Based, Large Groups, Small Groups, Games, No Games, Lots of music little message, Little music lots of message, just meet and pray, pray then meet.

As you are probably saying ok already, I wanted to throw those ideas at you to begin thinking about the question, “How do we minister to students?” A simple definition of ministry is: meeting a need.

Knowing that beggs the question, “What do students need?” First thing that pops into my mind and maybe yours is Jesus. Can it be that simple? Just Jesus? What about skiing trips, concerts, lock-ins, halo nights? Important? What about mission trips, service projects, newsletters, websites, mountain dew?

My answer: Possibly, if during those things students are being introduced to Jesus.

I really don’t care too much about which philosophy of ministry is being used because lets face it: You do need a plan!

Here’s what students need: Someone to teach them how to become a disciple of Jesus Christ and then repeat the cycle! Yes that’s it. Yes there are many methods used in doing this, but I’ll tell you if Jesus isn’t at the root of the things you’re doing, then don’t do them! Use methods! Use what is happening in the world today and take them to Jesus!

When’s the last time you, “took them to Jesus?” Hopefully many times more than all the events you do as a youth leader.