student ministry reflection

I am reading Contemplative Youth Ministry by Mark Yaconelli and it has caused some interesting thoughts. In the first chapter of the book Yaconelli sees in many churches that the reason their youth ministries exist is to placate parents and distract students from an ‘evil’ world. I wonder if we do that. I hope not.

Are we a ministry that challenges students to truly experience God? Do we do all that we can to create situations and space for that to happen? Do the adults who volunteer their time see themselves as mentors and role models who have the opportunity to be open about their own journeys toward Christ while challenging students to take part in the same? Do we help students step out of a world of constant activity, advertisements and consumerism to try and see reality for what it really is? How can we improve and what would it look like for us to be a community that really seeks Christ?

The key seems to have loving, God fearing adults around students and allow them to share life together in a meaningful, purposeful way. Busyness seems to be the biggest obstacle to making that happen. We as adults are too busy to pray, to be purposeful and to really spend time with students. Even those of us who are paid to do it tend to get caught up in so many activities that we don’t get with students in the midst of real life. Instead we work hard to create non-lifelike situations and hope that we make a lasting impact.

How can we do this well and what is the ultimate goal? I think the answer is to see students grow into fully devoted disciples, as is expressed in the Great Commission but what does that really look like?

May we slow down and actively seek what that might look like.