I decided that once-a-quarter lunch meetings or monthly planning meetings with youth leaders wasn’t often enough to get the word out to them, so I decided to start writing (probably) monthly Youth Worker Development columns and sending them out in PDF format. The first was on “coming with” — the invitation to leaders from youth to “do life” together. If you can use it in your ministry, great!
Jesus said to them, “Come with
me. I’ll make a new kind of
fisherman out of you. I’ll show
you how to catch men and
women instead of perch and
bass.
MATTHEW 4:19 [MSG]
Jesus said it to the first disciples, inviting them to journey with Him.
Youth ministry is an unspoken invitation from our youth to each one of us: “Come with.” But how do we “come with” this new generation? By being uniquely ourselves. Youth don’t expect us to act like them, talk like them or listen to the same music.
Our greatest connections will happen in spite of, and often because of, the differences between us and them. Being yourself as you teach, lead and “come with” these youth will be your greatest asset in youth ministry.
When you plan your teaching time or look forward to your conversations with our youth, be mindful of who they are — as unique individuals and as a generation different than anything we know.
Remember to love and respect them as they are, and expect that they will do likewise. These youth — and their families — need your influence to foster a strong foundation as they begin their faith journeys. I pray for you — and our youth — as we begin a new year together. And thank you for all you do.
Resources for the Journey
Facebook
www.Facebook.com
Want to really stay connected to our youth? Set up your Facebook page, “friend” them and join the Gayton Youth “group.” Need help? Ask one of your youth! (or let me know…)
Fuller Youth Institute
www.FullerYouthInstitute.org
Lots of good info on youth culture. Check back often for new info.
