One thing that every pastor/preacher is guilty of at some point in life is to desire numbers. Now, it is not a bad thing to desire your youth group to grow and build, but when numbers and size become your greatest desire over seeing each individual student be discipled and trained to grow in their walk with the Lord, there is a problem. One major problem with focusing on numbers is that you tend to focus on who is not present in the student service rather than the ones who are there.
I have been guilty of walking into the student ministry and saying, “where is everyone?” This is not good. It makes the ones who are there scream in their heart, “WHAT ABOUT ME? I AM RIGHT HERE!” They begin to feel as if you care more deeply about the ones not there than the ones who are there.
Quick challenge for student pastors and leaders today! Focus on the students who are there! If it is only a few, focus on them, and not the ones who are there. If you do this, your student ministry will likely grow faster than focusing on the students who are not at youth group!
