Philosophy of Youth Ministry

  1. Call youth to a commitment to God.Our primary responsibility is to teach our youth the promises (2 Pet. 1:3-4), privileges and responsibilities (Lk. 12:48, Eph. 4:1) of the Covenant of Grace. This includes the understanding that faith must be their own (Deut. 6:6-7; Eph. 6:4). A confirmation of their faith is to be encouraged (1 Pet. 3:15). A faith that is solid, passionate and real is what is desired (Rom. 15:13; 1 Pet. 1:8).

 

  1. Develop Christian Discipleship in our youth.If a commitment to God is evident, a call to discipleship is necessary (Matt. 28:19-20). Discipleship includes the fundamental principles of following Christ’s example of living everyday life (Phil. 3:17; 1 Cor. 11:1; Eph. 5:1). This includes our use of time, money, attitudes, and behaviors (1 Cor. 10:31).

 

  1. Teach God’s Word from a Reformed perspective.Our historical Reformed faith (1 Cor. 2:14; Tit. 3:5; Eph. 1:4-5; Rom. 8:38-39) must be taught to the youth and distinctions made clearly as to the differences with non-reformed beliefs (2 Tim. 3:16; Rom. 15:4; 1 Jn. 4:1).

 

  1. Provide Service opportunities – a fundamental responsibility of a Christian is to live a life of service.The Service projects must teach the youth by example (1 Tim. 4:12) how to give unconditionally (2 Cor. 9:7; 1 Pet. 4:9-11) and humbly (Matt. 20:26-28; Matt. 25:35-40) to others. It is also a way to encourage youth to consider life as a missionary (Acts 1:8; Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15).

 

  1. Develop one-on-one relationships between Leaders and the Youth.Many youth require a secondary outlet for advice (Prov. 11:14, 12:15, 19:20) and counsel (Prov. 24:6; Eccl. 4:9-12). Youth Leaders, volunteers, and other mature Christians are to be there to support parents (Prov. 22:6; Eccl. 4:12; 1 Thess. 5:14; Acts 20:35) and encourage youth (1 Thess. 5:11; Heb. 10:25) in their Christian walk. Youth leaders must be a Christian model for youth (Ps. 1:1-3; 1 Pet. 2:21; 2 Pet. 1:5-8; 1 Tim. 4:8).

 

  1. Develop leadership skills in the youth.As the future of our church, youth (1 Tim. 4:12) must be taught how to lead (Mk. 9:35; Matt. 20:25-28; 1 Thess. 2:4-8) and be given opportunities to lead (1 Pet. 4:10; Col. 3:17; Eph. 2:10). All gifts that are evident in a youth should be given the opportunity to be shared and nurtured (1 Pet. 4:10).

 

  1. Provide a time of praise to God in a non-formal setting.Youth should be taught that outside of the formal God-honoring corporate worship with the congregation, they are called to give proper respect and reverence for God (Jn. 14:15; 2 Cor. 5:10; Heb. 1:3-4) through prayer (Phil. 4:6; Jn. 15:7; Rom. 8:26), singing (Ps. 95:1-2, 100:1-2; Col. 3:16; Eph. 5:19, and praise to Him in non-formal settings (Matt. 18:20).

 

  1. Provide fellowship opportunities that are positive.Showing youth that they can have fun and fellowship (Eccl. 2:24, 3:4; 1 Thess. 5:11; Act. 2:42) with other believers promotes unity (1 Pet. 3:8) and a sense of belonging in the family of God (Eph. 1:5, 4:12; Matt. 18:5; 1 Cor. 12:27).

 

  1. Prepare youth for the outside world.Youth must be prepared for the freedoms they will experience once they leave high school (1 Cor. 10:23; Gal. 5:1,13; 1 Pet. 2:16). Discernment (1 Jn 4:1; Phil. 1:9-11; Heb. 4:12, 5:14) and self-control (Prov. 25:28; Tit. 1:8; 1 Pet. 1:5-6) are values that historically have been difficult to maintain by some youth once they are in college or away from home.

 

  1. Challenge their faith.A true test of faith is when it is challenged (Jm. 1:2-4; Rom. 5:3-5; 1 Pet. 4:12-13).  Providing opportunities for youth to test (Ps. 26:2; 1 Thess. 5:21; Rom. 12:1-2) and defend (1 Pet. 3:15; Tit. 1:9; 2 Tim. 4:2; 2 Cor. 10:5) their faith allows them to grow and mature (2 Pet. 3:18; Heb. 5:12-14; Rom. 5:2-6; Heb. 6:1).