Five Truths of Youth Ministry (An Introduction)

There are a lot of youth ministry resources out there. When considering materials to purchase for a special series or for our small groups, I often feel overwhelmed with all the options there are out there. Just about every curriculum or program promises to transform lives or positively effect your average teenager's relationship with Jesus. I recall one summer event that once boasted in its promotional material, "Over 90% of campers report growing closer to God!" The message I get is this: "Our special thing will change your students' lives."

That can't be true, can it? Isn't it God who transforms?

Now, perhaps I'm a bit jaded because of all the advertising that comes across my desk for youth ministry resources.
And God love those marketing folks, because they are just trying to get my attention and consider the particular resource or event they're selling. And I'd be willing to bet that most of the companies really believe that they have a great product that will help me minister to those students I love so dearly. But when you mix all the advertising in there and tell me that FINALLY you're providing (for a small price) the resource that will have a HUGE impact on my ministry, it turns me off a bit.

Why?

Because it feels so...superficial. It feels a bit too far away from the reasons I love youth ministry. And I keep getting this image of Jesus overturning the tables in the Temple because people were there primarily to make a buck rather than to worship the one true God, and to help others worship Him as well. I'm not saying we're there. But I am saying that I fear we are closer than we think.

Note that I say "we." To not include myself would be to judge others and ignore my own sin. In fact, my main purpose for writing on this topic is to help me prayerfully walk through this issue in order to be a better pastor.

In thinking about this issue of commercialism and materialism within youth ministry (and in my own heart), I asked myself the question: So, what should it look like? My answer: I really don't know. But I want to know. And I do think there are some things that we can be certain of in youth ministry, some good, solid truths to help us find some direction as we minster to and with youth. I'll highlight five of those truths in the coming weeks, and I hope you'll come along for the journey.

Other posts in this series:
Five Truths of Youth Ministry | #1: Jesus Saves, Not Me
Five Truths of Youth Ministry | #2: In America, Fewer Youth Are Attending Church
Five Truths of Youth Ministry | #3: I'm a Sinner
Five Truths of Youth Ministry | #4: Youth Leaders Should Be Missionaries
Five Truths of Youth Ministry | #5: God Desires Faithfulness, Not Numbers

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