There was a very good article recently in The Christian Standard about youth ministry. "Reimagining Youth Ministry" by Curtis Booher and Phyllis Fox explores the problem of young people being involved in youth groups, but then not being able to cross the divide between the youth group and the rest of the congregation. To a large extent this issue probably exists simply because in their little group, the youth are separated from the larger life of the congregation, often enjoying a style of worship and an intimacy with each other and the youth leader(s) that they won't find after they graduate from high school. One solution may be to create college or young adult programs, but I suspect that would only prolong the difficulty.
What youth really need is to be mentored. They need to be fully involved in the life of the church as a whole as well as challenged to actually minister. If youth only get together with each other for ministry projects, they'll never learn how to deal with those older and younger than themselves in carrying out the work of the church. They won't have as good a chance as they might to see the foibles as well as the wisdom of older members, and learn patience in dealing with children.
Take a look at the article, linked above, and tell me what you think. How can youth ministry be made more missional and about mentoring, and less about programs and entertainment? Is there some other solution, or are you happy with the way youth ministry is being done?
I have heard youth groups correctly described as "holding tanks with pizza". Way to many youth groups are about "making church fun" and not about "doing church". We've had a couple of really bad experiences within the Christian Church - one I would even go so far as to describe as abuse. It's gotten to the point where I really don't want my kids in ANY youth group.
ReplyDeleteThe simple fact is, the Bible has taken second place - if it has a place at all - in youth ministry. We need to teach truth and not in a dumbed down way. By the time kids reach 13, they are ready to face reality and it needs to be taught.
You make a very good point. The level of Bible teaching in many youth groups simply doesn't challenge the youth, and they are the ones I've found most willing to actually question and study.
ReplyDeleteThe thrust of the article seems to be in the direction of involving the youth more in the life of the congregation. Not just "youth Sunday," but on an on-going basis.