Something Gotta Change!
I realize that change can be quite discomforting for many people. But unless we embrace changes in the way we do youth ministry, many young people may miss heaven.
I remember listening to the testimony of a veteran youth pastor who made a major "paradigm shift" in his ministry. He was leader of a very large youth group in Texas. Their youth budget was larger than the entire budget of most churches.
Hundreds of kids packed the building each week. There was plenty of group activities, recreation, and tons of fun stuff. They organized mission trips and retreats. They went to the beach in the summer; the ski slopes in the winter. There was so much happening; no one had time to complain about a lack of activity and fun; except one kid.
One day a kid approached the youth pastor with a concern. He said, "Pastor, the youth group is really a lot of fun, but it could be better. Things are really cool around here, but I’m just not happy." "What can we do to help?" said the pastor. The kid politely said, "Well pastor, what would really make me happy, is if we could bring into our fellowship hall a life-size model of a dinosaur."
Responding to this unusual request the youth pastor said, "So, a dinosaur in our fellowship hall would really encourage you to stay involved in our youth group?" The kid said, "Yeah! That would do it."
Something happened deep in the heart of the youth pastor that day; something that changed his life and ministry. He began pondering important questions: What exactly was youth ministry all about? Is it about entertaining kids or making disciples of Jesus Christ?
A "paradigm shift" happened in the life of this youth pastor. He shifted his entire focus in ministry. He decided to get back-to-the-basics. His began concentrating more on discipleship and community-building. His life and purpose took on a whole new meaning.
This youth pastor’s story is like many I’ve read these days. All across America, youth pastors are going through a "paradigm shift." The winds of change are blowing across the Christian landscape. Youth leaders are "scratching their heads;" wondering, how in the world can ministry stay relevant, compelling, and life-changing?
The latest survey from the Barna Research Group speaks volumes. In "Most Twentysomethings Put Christianity on the Shelf Following Spiritually Active Teen Years," the survey revealed "that a majority of twentysomethings - 61% of today’s young adults - had been churched at one point during their teen years but they are now spiritually disengaged (i.e., not actively attending church, reading the Bible, or praying).
This is not good news for church youth ministries. What about all the time and effort that goes into raising-up young people for Christ? What do we do to stop the current trend of disengagement after high school?
Like the youth pastor above, many other youth pastors are doing things different. Instead of entertaining kids, they are trying to engage them in cultural-sensitive evangelism and relational discipleship. Leaders are training young people in the importance of "connecting" and building meaningful relationships with God and man; relationships that stand the test of time and space.
Youth leaders are placing major important upon intrinsic values, character, and making the right choices. Young people are being challenged to establish a solid relationship with Jesus that continues throughout life.
My hope is that what we do at Simon Solutions will help youth leaders raise-up a new generation of Christian young people. Warriors willing to fight the good fight of faith and win their generation for Christ.
And if current technology can make the job of youth leaders more productive, we’re here to help!
