Youth ministry is a delicate one. A common complaint of many Mainland Churches is that several Youths are not showing interest in the Church again. More so, some of them are migrating either to Generation Churches or abandoning the Faith completely. This new trend is not limited to the churches in Africa alone; it is a global phenomenon. The American and European Churches are also this Exodus of Young People. It has been reported that some church buildings are being sold for secular use, which is gaining the keen attention and attendance of these Young People.
One major reason that has been identified for this unfortunate occurrence is the negligence of the youth by the Church. While the Young People are being neglected by the Church, the Young People too are massively neglecting the Church.
If the church is to survive today and be relevant tomorrow, it must re-strategise on how to Win, Retain and Engage the youths. This can be done through a good and purposeful Youth Ministry. Youth ministry must be approached with certain principles to make the ministry relevant to the contemporary Young People.
Definition
Principle of Modern Youth Ministry refers to the trending procedures, guides and the dos of how to do effective and transformative Youth Ministry.
Principles of Effective Youth Ministry
There are basic principles that guide the smooth operations of all professions in life. One such profession is the Ministry to Young People. Therefore, the following Principles are necessary for Modern Youth Ministry. Effective Modern Youth Ministry is:
1. Sacred
A youth minister must have:
Salvation Experience: It must be well known that the person is saved and lives above sin.
Calling: The Minister or Church must have a Call and Concern to Minister to Young People.
The Spirit: The Ministry must be done under the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Passion: It takes a passionate person about Young People to be able to do effective modern Youth Ministry.
Specialised Training: A person or a Church who intends to do Youth Ministry must be well-trained in Ministering to Young People.
2. Professionally led
Ministry to the youth should not be left in the hands of just anybody. One of the factors that may cut short youth ministry is the lack of good leadership. Hence;
Effective youth ministry begins with having the right person to handle the ministry.
An Excellent and lasting Youth Ministry must be led by people with Excellent Spirits who are trained for it.
3. Biblical
Christian Ministry is concerned with the Bible, and Youth Ministry is part of it. God is the owner of the work, and that is why it must be founded on the Word of God. The main purpose of Youth Ministry is drawn from the Bible. This is the reason why the Principles of the Ministry must be biblical.
4. Vision Driven
The vision must be clearly stated. It must centre on the mandate that Christ gave to the church (Matthew 28:19-20). When the Vision is not well-stated or Bible-based, it can lead to deviation from the ministry and unnecessary interruption.
5. Non-Traditional
Tradition is the way things are done without changing them. Every organisation builds tradition over time. However;
- Tradition may not be bad at all times, but the way it is being used may become a problem.
- Church traditions can affect Youth Ministry negatively if it is not viewed in line with Modern Youth needs.
- Some concerns of Young People today that must be met do not align with the Traditions of some Churches.
- The Message of the Bible remains the same, but the Methods for applying it to People will differ among Children, Teens, Youth and Adults.
- Creativity and dynamism fuel a lively ministry to Young People.
6. Local Church Oriented
Youth Ministry is grossly entrenched in the Church. Although the Church moves in and out of her circle to reach young people for Christ. However;
- The goal of youth ministry should be the same as that of the Local Church.
- The Ministry to Young People thrives adequately as an integral part of the Church.
- Therefore, the Youth must stay within the Church has a pivotal base to meet their needs.
- The Church serves as the family to the Youth and gives them a Robust anchor.
7. Dynamically strategic
The following must guide the youth ministry’s dynamic strategies:
- Programmes that meet their needs.
- Competent persons to meet their needs.
- Meeting them at their physical and spiritual position can help in reaching them adequately.
- Appropriate timing, reach and win them.
- The apt medium to reach and win them. e.g. Kinds or types of youth-friendly programs.
- Understanding the youth culture and using the culture to reach them is important to youth ministry.
8. Enthusiastically Based
People who are involved in Youth Ministry must demonstrate deep enthusiasm towards the work. This enthusiasm must be shown to the Youths and their marital issues, work/job/career, challenges, etc.
9. Relationship-Based
Everything is all about a good relationship. Youth ministry is all about relationships. Therefore;
- Relationship matters to youth ministry.
- No relationship, no youth ministry.
- Youth ministry workers must seek to build relationships in the ministry.
- Seek to build transformative relationships and not just meet their needs.
10. Absolute commitment
Absolute commitment is a formidable tool for Youth Ministry. This very tool is vital to help Youth workers to be able to move on amid discouragement. More so;
- Youth ministry is a life commitment.
- It requires a lot of time and resources.
- Partial commitment may be a distraction.
- Anyone who cannot commit all in the form of time and resources to youth ministry can’t go a long way in the ministry.
- Leaders with partial commitment may do more damage to youth ministry than good.
Pragmatism in Youth Ministry
Ministering to Millennial Youth requires:
Identification: Identify them and identify with them. Know them and know their needs. Be interested in their interest.
Connection: Connect them inter-generationally-meet them where they are, at their world view and culture. Principle of “Go….”In the Great Commission.
Understanding: Seek to understand their stand/position before taking a stand for them. Don’t assume you know them. Hear them out, listen to them.
Programming: Plan culturally appropriate programmes for them. Let the programme speak their language and touch their feelings.
Current and Correct Approach: Be familiar with modern matters. Go digital and analogue. Use what is in vogue to pass the biblical message to them.
Deeper than Bigger Orientation: Seek deeper roots in spirituality than the quest for immediate success. Don’t be in haste for the result. Dig deep to get lasting results.
Seek after Quality and not Quantity: Not how many, but how well grounded.
Start Small to Grow Big: Seek not after the crowd. Seek gradual growth and not sporadic results.
Ministry Participation: Do ministry with them, not for or to them. Involve them in every stage of planning. Don’t treat them like kids.
Freedom: Give room for hard and practical questions. Let there be freedom of expression and demonstration.
Innovativeness: Give room for variety and creativity.
Balance Worship, Work and Play: Don’t be too extreme in all things. But take time to create a friendly atmosphere.
Correct in love: Expect them to be wrong and be ready to correct in love. Youth naturally goes into excesses. But expressing love to them prevents damage.
Reflections
- How would you describe the Principles of Youth Ministry?
- Enumerate the inevitable Principles of Modern Youth Ministry.
- How necessary and unnecessary is Church Tradition to Youth Ministry?
- How pragmatic can a Youth Ministry Worker be?
- What are the goals of youth ministry?
