I’ve noticed some problems in youth ministry that we need to address. This list probably isn’t exhaustive. And I’m not claiming to have all the answers. I’m merely stating some observations. My goal is to identify problems in youth ministry so we can begin to clarify solutions.
So check out my thoughts. Then let me know yours in the comments below!
5 Problems in Youth Ministry We Must Address
1. Youth ministry ecclesiology is weak.
Many youth pastors have a difficult time connecting, participating, and assimilating into the church body. Students often dislike the big church feel, for multiple reasons. But it’s pointless to do youth ministry in isolation. The church and youth ministry must be fused together.
Somehow our youth ministries must play very well with the “big” church. So value the church and intentionally partner with it to grow devoted followers of Jesus. Our youth ministries must fit the larger vision and mission of the church body.
2. We provide limited teaching on other world religions.
More students now have friends of different religions. For example, Islam is rapidly growing and evangelizing the world. Islamic influence is saturating American culture.
Students need to know how to talk about other religions. It’s unproductive when they bad-mouth them, especially when they’re uninformed. Don’t let discussions become “us vs. them.” Focus on similarities as well as critical differences.
This might take some research. I’ve had to read a lot of other holy books.
3. The Gospel (sin, redemption, Jesus, cross, freedom, forgiveness) is extremely foreign to youth culture.
This is a problem but also a major advantage. When the gospel becomes normative, it becomes comfortable and popular. Oscar Wilde said, “Everything popular is wrong.” Jesus wasn’t popular and didn’t preach an easy, feel-good message. He stated the exact opposite. The pearly gates are very narrow (see Matthew 7:13-14).
Getting kids to acknowledge they are screwed up and Jesus restores life is a unique message. They won’t hear that anywhere else. The difficulty is “persuading” kids why Jesus matters and that he is the only way.
These days, fewer students have a basic understanding of who Jesus is and what he’s about. It’s a bummer but cool at the same time. This is why the gospel, right here and now, is very powerful and countercultural.
