What is the goal of a youth group?

Others see youth groups as having an educational or developmental purpose; they allow young people to reunite with their peers; they socialize and become part of the community in which they live; they allow young people to move from adolescence to adulthood; they care about encouraging personal growth and offering activities. that. In order for the body of Christ to grow, that is, believers, it is necessary to begin with the future of the church young people. The goal is to teach young people in the church to continue to trust and grow in their relationship with God.

This experience will prompt them to be faithful to Christ in everything they do as they age. The church itself flourishes in this way, together with the congregation. Some combine student ministry with other responsibilities such as “youth and family” or “student ministry and worship.” In this sense, testimony was the least satisfying goal by a notable margin, and it was among the three most difficult objectives, just behind parenting partnership and discipleship. Third, goals around a student's relationship with God, faith, and discipleship are generally difficult, unclear, and unsatisfying, but it is encouraging that these goals are well supported and relatively common.

Luchenbill thinks youth ministry unites with parents to see students transformed by the power of the gospel. This publication is part of a series that presents the findings of the Fuller Youth Institute's Developing Character and Virtue in Youth Ministry project, funded by a planning grant from the John Templeton Foundation. There are too many youth ministries just for students within the church when the world around them is dying. Youth pastors don't need to keep up with students on the basketball court, but they do have to engage with them, talk to them, and encourage them.

Youth pastors like Luchenbill say intergenerational ministry is essential to helping teens stay connected to the church after they finish high school. For those who are organizing the ministry, make sure that young people are in the spotlight and that their opinion is taken into account. As a result, activities that once seemed like obvious priorities of the youth group are now just another option. Youth workers often carry out youth ministry without thinking why they do it and what their goals are.

Church youth groups narrow the gap between younger and older generations by passing the torch, so to speak.