What is youth ministry?

One of the questions I keep asking myself is “What is youth ministry?” At first, it may appear a little strange, however, this is one of the most vital questions we should be asking ourselves. Vital because we have a limited time to make a maximum impact and it is so easy for us to gently drift off course into unhelpful and unfruitful waters.

I’m not sure whether the answer to the question changes but here, for what it is worth, is my current response…

…Are you ready?

Youth ministry is the following of Jesus in the presence of young people.

I am finding this revelation, remarkably refreshing and sustaining. It reminds me that the most important and precious relationship we have is not with our young people but with Jesus. It moves the focus of my attention away from what do I need to do and towards whom do I know. It drives us back to the greatest gift we have to offer and we can rest knowing that we serve in Christ’s ministry and not our own.

It, unwittingly, gives us a clue to what sustains the folks who have been around a while.
Their source of enthusiasm, joy, ideas, love and grace is Jesus and the work of His Spirit. We must take care of our relationship with Him and He will take care of everything else.

Lovely,
Pete