Problems in Youth Ministry (cont.)
4. Evangelism is often hurried.
Youth ministries are excited when kids are saved. But the transition from evangelism to discipleship can be tough. My good friend Dan Haugh says it well: It starts with many, many intentional Jesus conversations before the conversion.
What if youth pastors started with discipleship? What if youth ministry totally skipped evangelism as the first step? If we can educate and get students to experience God before they accept Jesus, they’ll most likely latch onto their faith in a deeper way.
Students will be able to test-drive the car and know what they’re getting themselves into before they sign on the dotted line. I’m arguing that discipleship is the new evangelism. Please don’t misinterpret me. I still strongly believe in evangelism. I just think it should appear later in the game.
In the gospels, Jesus never asked his disciples to believe in him right away, as the first step. He only required them to follow him. Essentially experiencing and knowing God can produce a student who wants to deeply and fully desire and believe in God. Granted, our youth ministries may be a bit smaller…but deeper.
5. Youth pastors aren’t teaching critical thinking.
It’s easy to teach students what to think and relay biblical principles. Coaching students how to think, though, is a difficult task. To develop a healthy worldview, teens need to swing to extremes.
Youth pastors should feel really encouraged when a well-churched student says, “I can’t feel God and don’t believe in him anymore.” Don’t freak out! Instead, help the student ask the right questions.
The mid-to-late teen years are the perfect time to provide support. If youth pastors build a supportive structure in programming, then students will open up. They’ll feel safe to say what nobody else is willing to share. The sooner students doubt and question their faith, the more sustainable their faith will be.
What other problems in youth ministry do you face? Please share your struggles and any ideas to solve them.
