Discipling Youth

“I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you.  I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare.  For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.  But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.”

Philippians 2:19-22

Timothy is young according to 1 Timothy 4:12 (“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young“).  Paul took this youth, Timothy, under his wing, teaching and nurturing him in the faith.  Youth are young adults, and discipling youth is critical for the future of the Church.  Recent surveys indicate that youth are not staying in the church but rather adopting secular views instead as they enter adulthood. Youth ministry (for age 12 through the teenage years) requires some special attention so that youth will come to Christ in a lasting way.

What Is Effective Youth Ministry?

First of all, Youth Ministry is NOT entertainment, the best show in town, the best food in town, or mimicking the world’s way of doing things. Youth Ministry IS purposefully driven instead of popularity driven. Events must focus on the power of God being present, the purpose of God being evident, and the principles of God being taught.

Development of Young Adolescents

Young people in ages 10-15 undergo more rapid and profound personal changes than any other time in their lives.  Some areas of youth physical & emotional development vary during this time. For example, changes occur irregularly, puberty is experienced at different times and different rates, youth become aware of their socioeconomic status, and ethnicity adds to diversity awareness or challenges. Youth also develop concerns about appearance and body image and have a desire for peer acceptance. Their patterns of thinking begin to change with a greater capacity to think more on their own, and the environment and media begin to have a greater influence over their values.

How Youth Learn

The foundation for faith (in God, or in something else), is laid down during the first seven years of life.  By the time students enter youth ministry (around age 12), they will have a belief system basically established in their hearts and minds.  Neuroscience research studies have shown that youth learn well in five areas:

1. The youth needs to “feel OK” to learn effectively.  Emotion is fundamental to learning for young people. 
2. Youth find it easier to learn when the teaching matters to them.  Brains can shut down when students are taught information that is not relevant to their own goals.
3. It is easier for youth to learn when the environment is active.  Active engagement in the teaching time is necessary for learning. 
4. Youth need to work on their skills over time.  The experiences of youth, over time, gradually sculpt connections in their brains. 

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”   –  2 Timothy 3:14-15

5. Youth learning requires regular support.  Having support and mentoring helps learning to be reinforced and to be adjusted to one’s own personal experiences. 

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”  – 1 Timothy 4:12-16

The Purpose of Discipling Youth

There are four purposes in discipling youth:

1. To help them apply their Christian faith to every area of life. This includes worship, prayer, fellowship, Bible study, ministry and evangelism.
2. To talk to them about the tough issues. This includes the benefits of healthy behavior (purity), the risks and consequences of unhealthy behavior (drugs, alcohol, sex), and the difference between temptation and sin (Temptation is the devil knocking at the door. Sin occurs when one opens the door and invites the devil in). “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”  (James 4:7)
3. To teach them to make good decisions. This includes using good judgment (Psalm 119:9,11), having courage (Philippians 4:13), having honor (Romans 12:9-11), and exhibiting self-control (1 Thessalonians 4:3,4).
4. To help them become leaders in the cause of Christ. Youth must learn to seek spiritual growth, have a servant heart, build up people skills, promote cooperation, and manage problems. They should learn to lead worship, prayer, and Bible study. They should also learn to disciple others.  The Great Commission should become personal to them (“Go and make disciples……teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…” – Matthew 28:19-20)

Developing the Next Generation of Church Leaders

There are four things worth remembering about youth in the Church. First, the leaders of tomorrow are the youth of today. Today’s church leaders were forged in the 1960’s & 1970’s. Tomorrow’s leaders are being forged in the 1990’s & 2000’s. Second, what youth don’t like today they will change tomorrow. They are not sure what they really like, but they know what they don’t like and they will want to change what they don’t like. Third, each generation wants to be better than the previous one. There is a continuing evolution of social thought and each generation wants to make a contribution to the culture. And fourth, we must teach youth Biblical principles, not church traditions. The focus should be on eternal truths, not temporary beliefs. Let the power of the Word draw them in, not traditions or practices. Let our actions be determined by Scripture, not by man-made ideas.

(From Chapter 6 in our Discipleship for Church Leaders™ Training Manual, ©2015.)