Youth Group IS the Church
Our youth group is not an appendage to the church. It is the church. The young people don’t identify with the youth group or a youth pastor. They know the youth group is simply a ministry to encourage them in their service to Christ and His church.
I’m thankful for the men and women who are part of this ministry in our congregation. Their steadfast investment in young people is bearing fruit. I’m thankful this ministry allows kids who are homeschooled, who attend public schools, and who attend Christian schools to spend time together during the week. I’m thankful that kids with special needs are welcome. Finally, I’m thankful our students feel comfortable enough to invite their friends to join.
Youth group is not for every church. And it’s certainly possible to do youth group in a way that’s counterproductive to the spiritual development of young people. But this ministry can be a tremendous blessing to participants as well as leaders.
May God give us discernment as we work with young people in our congregations. And by His grace, may we see young men and women becoming faithful servants in His church. “May our sons in their youth be like plants full grown, our daughters like corner pillars cut for the structure of a palace” (Psalm 144:12, ESV).
This article about youth group originally appeared here.
