Youth ministry, along with the youth ministry resources we use to accomplish this task, are ever changing. Which is why it is important that we not only think about what we need to minister students today, but also for tomorrow. Yes, tomorrow is Sunday and we definitely need to be ready for that, but we also need to be ready for the figurative tomorrow of the future years ahead of us. This is important now more than ever, because with the quickly changing times that tomorrow we are speaking of will be here much sooner than we know of it. This is why I want to share and explain a few words that I believe are not only "resources" that are necessary in youth ministry today but will be absolutely vital for it in the future.
1. Community- More and more we students longing for community and connection. That is why there is a new flourishing social network launching every single day. There are many reasons for this but the main ones are that they are not getting the community they need from the places they used to get it, i.e. the home, and the use of social networks is just giving them a false sense of community which in turn makes them more isolated. This is why we must more and more make sure that our ministries our filled with opportunities for community. This does not necessarily mean lots of fellowships and activities, but could simply mean incorporating small groups as much as possible. Whatever it is though and whatever it looks like for you, the question,"How can I make students feel more connected to God, each other, and a leader?" should always be at the forefront of your mind.
2. Student Driven- Used we didn't mind sitting. I know at least for me, I had the normal teenage energy but I enjoyed sitting and listening to learn. But now students no longer want this. They want to experience and do. Therefore we must give students this opportunity. Our ministries must be student driven in the sense that students should be empowered and equipped to do ministry. And this not only helps reach them where they are, but also corrects the issue of previous generations who were smart in Biblical knowledge but did not actually go out and do anything.
3. Technology- I know, it is everywhere and you may be sick of it. But here is the thing. Technology is not going to replace the Bible or the truth in it. Technology is not going to change discipleship and how we reach the lost all that much. But it is an incredible tool we can use to more easily equip our students to do ministry and make them aware of what is going on. So I do not think we should throw all the old stuff out in favor of technology, which I was kind of alluding to in my first point. But I do think we need to look for ways that it can enhance what we are already doing, from teaching to outreach.
Youth ministry is always changing and this will continue. That is why it is vital for you to constantly take stock of what is happening in your community and your church to make sure you are ready. And in the midst of all this talk of change let me close by being clear on one thing. Sometimes it is difficult to change and that is because the change should not be made. And in those moments you must stand firm and make the wise choice. That is why you must be constantly in tune with God and where He is taking your ministry and have wise counsel around you so you know when it is time to change and when it is not. Having said all of that, I do believe that these three "changes" are things that will greatly improve your ministry now and in the future and are safe to make at any moment.
1. Community- More and more we students longing for community and connection. That is why there is a new flourishing social network launching every single day. There are many reasons for this but the main ones are that they are not getting the community they need from the places they used to get it, i.e. the home, and the use of social networks is just giving them a false sense of community which in turn makes them more isolated. This is why we must more and more make sure that our ministries our filled with opportunities for community. This does not necessarily mean lots of fellowships and activities, but could simply mean incorporating small groups as much as possible. Whatever it is though and whatever it looks like for you, the question,"How can I make students feel more connected to God, each other, and a leader?" should always be at the forefront of your mind.
2. Student Driven- Used we didn't mind sitting. I know at least for me, I had the normal teenage energy but I enjoyed sitting and listening to learn. But now students no longer want this. They want to experience and do. Therefore we must give students this opportunity. Our ministries must be student driven in the sense that students should be empowered and equipped to do ministry. And this not only helps reach them where they are, but also corrects the issue of previous generations who were smart in Biblical knowledge but did not actually go out and do anything.
3. Technology- I know, it is everywhere and you may be sick of it. But here is the thing. Technology is not going to replace the Bible or the truth in it. Technology is not going to change discipleship and how we reach the lost all that much. But it is an incredible tool we can use to more easily equip our students to do ministry and make them aware of what is going on. So I do not think we should throw all the old stuff out in favor of technology, which I was kind of alluding to in my first point. But I do think we need to look for ways that it can enhance what we are already doing, from teaching to outreach.
Youth ministry is always changing and this will continue. That is why it is vital for you to constantly take stock of what is happening in your community and your church to make sure you are ready. And in the midst of all this talk of change let me close by being clear on one thing. Sometimes it is difficult to change and that is because the change should not be made. And in those moments you must stand firm and make the wise choice. That is why you must be constantly in tune with God and where He is taking your ministry and have wise counsel around you so you know when it is time to change and when it is not. Having said all of that, I do believe that these three "changes" are things that will greatly improve your ministry now and in the future and are safe to make at any moment.
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