“Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12, New King James Version). Paul’s encouraging words to Timothy come to mind as this is a verse I would hear often during youth church services as a teenager.
My youth minister would use this verse to urge teens to set a holy standard for their lives so they live out God’s purpose for them.
One Sunday he mentioned how God may call some youth to be leaders in youth ministry one day. I laughed dismissively, thinking there was no way God would compel this sports fanatic to work with teenagers.
At 23, the joke would be on me as I became a leader in the same ministry I was part of as a youth. Since 2016, I’ve served as a youth leader and executive assistant for the Mt. Sinai Baptist Church Youth Ministry (in Washington, DC).
I am currently in the process of slowly transitioning out of a leadership role. This transition allows me to reflect on the lessons learned and blessings gained over the past seven years.
I believe sharing my experience will compel others to get involved in youth ministry in some capacity.
Lesson & Blessing One
Focus on the Mission, Not the Numbers
Growing up in a well-known church with many activities for youth, I thought the success of a youth ministry came from attendance and popularity. After all, teenagers will not usually come to a place they do not enjoy.
During my first two years in leadership, there were about fifteen kids who attended youth church and other events regularly. However, in 2018, high school students graduating and transitions in leadership led to a significant decrease in attendance.
Fluctuations in attendance have continued over the past few years due to adapting to life during and after the pandemic.
While it is frustrating to experience a growing ministry lose some of its vibrancy, this challenge taught me what it means to shepherd the flock God entrusts you with (1 Peter 5:2-3).
For me, Peter’s words mean consistently showing up to be an example to youth that helps them come to know Christ as Lord and Savior. This also means being willing to serve and maintain a faith-based perspective regardless of what adversity arises.
The blessing within this challenge is giving back to the place that helped me grow in my relationship with the Lord. It brings me joy when I think about how I’ve seen students grow from shy kids to outgoing young adults who desire to live for the Lord.
I am also happy realizing that the same youth who had every reason to stop attending church as we worked through challenges, now volunteer with the ministry in their spare time. This proves our labor in the Lord has not been in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Lesson & Blessing Two
There’s No “Success” without Dependency on the Holy Spirit
I would love to tell you that those who’ve been a part of the youth ministry at my church were not drawn by youth church, Bible study, outings, and other treats.
While these activities attracted youth to the ministry, these efforts alone were not responsible for their salvation and spiritual growth.
Similar to Zechariah, I can say it’s not by might, nor by power but by the Spirit of the Lord, that these young people have a personal relationship with the Lord.
It’s the Holy Spirit, the youth leaders intentionally call upon every Saturday Morning during prayer calls, before meetings, and during our times of corporate and personal fasting.
It’s the Holy Spirit who has given us the wisdom, compassion, boldness, resilience, diligence, and creativity to minister to this generation of young believers.
God has honored our willingness to consistently seek His face in many ways that cannot be captured in a single article. However, one of my favorite memories is the protest we participated in on June 7, 2020, due to the death of George Floyd.
While not there due to physical limitations, it was awesome to hear how the protest turned into a worship rally. The ministry marched from Mt.Sinai to the White House praying, singing, and sharing the Gospel with everyone present.
Hundreds of people even marched back to the church with them and many asked Jesus to be their Lord and Savior. I believe our youth saw scripture on full display through their cries against police brutality toward African Americans (Proverbs 31:8-9 and Acts 1:8).
These memories show the reward of depending on the Holy Spirit is watching God work in the lives of youth in ways never imagined.
Lesson & Blessing 3
Authenticity, Not Perfection
The third lesson is engaging youth requires authenticity. Authenticity is essential because we live in a world where putting on facades is commonplace.
While this is acceptable for unbelievers, Colossians 3:9 instructs Christians to stop lying because we have stripped off our old nature and all of its sinful deeds.
Youth need to know that living as a Christian does not mean you will not have any struggles with sin. They also need to know their leaders are also humans who are maturing in their relationship with God.
Doing this will help teenagers understand that living to please God is possible if they are honest with the Father and fellow believers.
Honesty will allow you to experience the reward of youth opening up to you as you gain their trust over time.
In turn, the relationship you build with them as kids can last well into adulthood as they will still come to you for wise counsel as they enter new stages of life.
The Charge: Is God Calling You to Get Involved?
Does my experience inspire you in some way?
Does my story tug at the strings of a calling God has placed on your heart that you have ignored for some time? Do you have a burden for youth and the challenges they face in this fallen world?
Then I urge you to get involved in your church’s youth ministry. Whether you simply volunteer a few hours a month or commit to full-time ministry, doing so will help you make a major impact in the lives of youth for God’s glory.
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