It's Still About Relationships

I am headed to a meeting with the DFW area DCE's today. I easily the oldest member of the group. It's kinda fun being the elder statesman. Youth ministry has changed a lot since I started almost forty years ago. We used 16 mm projectors instead of DVD players. No, I don't miss having to thread the film. My first office computer was when I started at Holy Cross in Dallas twenty years ago. I used it for word processing, no hard drive just room for two floppy disks. Ministry was very different even then. There was no texting or Facebook. I never dreamed you would be able to set up a chat room and talk with kids on line. I am still amazed that I carry around a cell phone in my pocket. That was something only for "super heroes."

Yes, youth ministry has changed but two things have not. Being a teenager is still a challenge, perhaps now more that ever. It's also still about establishing a relationship with kids. It is only through a relationship that you have any hope of impacting the lives of kids. The teen years are a criticial time in faith development. Teens need adults who can be mentors and role models. Love must be unconditional. Being able to listen and offer guidance is key

Not providing spiritual roots is one mistake that parents make in raising their kids. Even church-going parents can fall short when it comes to spiritual development. The problem comes when we view religious education the same way we do algebra and history. Teach the material, take a test and get a passing grade. Spiritual development is ongoing. It's also relational, it's about our relationship with Jesus Christ. That is better caught than taught. That's where providing a loving, caring environment is vital. Youth ministry takes a team of adults who not only care for kids and interact with them. They also must share our values and faith perspective.

It's easy to get caught up in looking at the size of the youth group or the dynamic reputation of the youth leader. Having the most modern, kid-friendly facilities is not going to create an environment where kids are nurtured in their faith. That only happens through relationships. Get to know the youth ministry staff at your church, not just the professional staff but the voluneteers as well. They are important people in the life of your teenager.