From INHERITANCE Issue #4 - Winter 2009

I was once told that youth ministry is just a stepping-stone on the path of a minister’s growth. Most people start their service with either children or youth and if they did not burn out from those years of service, they would then move on to adult ministry as they themselves continue on in their studies or life stages.

Although this seems fitting for most ministers, something in me set out to prove them wrong.

My journey began ten years ago when I led my first middle school student Bible study. Three years into it, I attended a retreat where I heard the Lord call me to serve Him in full-time vocational ministry. The brokenness I experienced as I answered that call is still in my heart and mind to this day. I told the Lord that I would serve Him in whatever capacity whether it be at a church or in the mission field with the area of youth ministry on the forefront of my mind.

As I planned out the rest of my college years and pictured my future career path, I figured that I would probably start vocational ministry sometime after my thirties. Little did I know that God was already preparing the way for an early surprise!

At the time of God’s call, I had already served as a summer intern at my church, Fort Bend Community Church (FBCC) in Missouri City, Texas and I continued to volunteer and help out with as many youth activities as possible thereafter.

The more my heart was open to the youth that I was working with, the more God allowed opportunities for me to build intentional relationships with them. The desire to point them to God grew into a deep passion and a few years after college, a position opened for me to come on staff as a full-time Youth Director at FBCC.

Through much prayer and seeking confirmation from the Lord, I applied and was accepted and began one of the most challenging and rewarding things I have ever done in my life. As I embark on my fifth year, I can say that I have had to remind myself multiple times that God called me into youth ministry for a reason. He called me to FBCC an Asian church for a reason. And He wants me to continue to serve Him here and with the Asian American youth for a reason.

So as I continue to serve here at my home church, I am able to share with you some things I have learned along the way that have confirmed the passion in my heart for youth and why ministry with them is more than just a stepping stone.

More Than A Glorified Babysitter
A concerned youth parent looked at me and exclaimed, “What? There is no youth fellowship tonight? What are the kids going to do?” I looked at her and replied, “Family time.” She walked away looking frustrated and confused.

There seems to be a common sentiment that whenever there is an adult event, there must be a youth program so that the youth will have something to do. Then when youth events do not coincide with the adult programs, youth attendance is low.

Something is missing here and that is the value that youth programs are for the spiritual growth of the youth and not just so that they have something to do. There were times where it was difficult to not feel like a glorified babysitter — someone to provide games and activities for the youth so that adults could be freed up to worship and meet on their own.

But let me tell you something, youth ministry is more than just “child care”, it is caring for the heart of the youths by building intentional relationships and investing time to influence them in a positive and godly way so that they will choose to pursue Christ as Lord of their lives.

But who will do this? Who will be a leader to the youth? Who will step up and be that person that is often taken for granted, that person who will face protective parents, that person who will have to get over the awkward silences and possible eye-rolls and get deeper into the lives of an adolescent? Will YOU?

Some of you may be thinking that you are too old, or too inexperienced, that you are not “hip” or “cool”. Maybe you are parents of a teenager and have rendered yourselves ineffective. You may also be thinking that you are not suitable since you are not on staff nor paid by the church.

You know what, before you count yourself out, let me clarify that a youth leader is anyone who wants to invest their time and heart into a young person’s life whether you are a parent, college, career, or senior adult.

As long as a youth is within arm’s reach, you are a youth leader. In Chap Clark’s book, Hurt: Inside the World of Today’s Teenagers, he states three specific needs of youth (171):

1. Youth need refocused, nurturing organizations and programs.
2. Youth need a stable and secure loving presence.
3. Youth need to experience authentic, intimate relationship with adults.

I can see the church and other youth organizations taking on more responsibility for the first need, but any youth leader whether volunteer or staff can provide the second and third one.

The average teenager will not tell you that they want a relationship with an adult. Honestly, most do not think that they do. But deep inside, there is a longing for stable, consistent and positive adult relationships, male and female alike.

Though a successful connection takes both parties to be open, we need to be the ones to take the initiative and show them love, care, and that not only do we value them as a person and who they are inside, but God loves them and cares for them as well.

More Than Just Leadership
Working with youth takes time and it is more than just leadership, it is LIFE. When you spend time with them, when you are willing to be with them in what is called “incarnational ministry” you live life together; just as Jesus did with His disciples. When you experience life with them, not only will you learn more about who they are, you will learn more about yourself.

The youth are in a stage of life where they are learning to build relationships that will influence their faith, feelings, culture, decision-making, etc. If we do not choose to be part of that circle, Satan will creep in and fill it with relationships of this world. Because of that, I have obeyed God’s call to fight for the hearts of our youth today. Will you stand and fight with me?

I was called into youth ministry and am called to continue in it. By no means am I perfect, it is a daily challenge and I still have much to learn. I am just someone who has a passion for youth and have followed God’s calling for my life.

I understand that not everyone is called into vocational youth ministry, but everyone is called to serve God and make disciples of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20). Considering that our youth are the future, and more specifically the future of our church, we need to invest in them now. I hope that all of us will be open to God’s leading and pray for the hearts of our youth.

Then, if you feel that tugging in your heart, go for it! Dive into youth ministry and I guarantee that you will not regret it. There is a great blessing and reward when you see an adolescent change and grow through time because they are fully pursuing the heart of God.