Nov 6

Posted by Jim Dekker, Co-Director of Center for Youth Ministry Studies at North Park University

Having spent much time in various capacities and contexts of youth ministry the term “whatever” captures my attention. To me, it means that youth ministry happens in so many ways, at so many levels, and in so many diverse contexts. What happens can be whatever the situation demands. Having said that, I am not the only one saying “Youth Ministry: Whatever”. For some, youth ministry may be a ‘whatever’ program that chases whatever likes and dislikes of adolescents: this game, that activity… Ten minutes later, another “whatever”, and so the program changes into whatever. And then there is the mood of “whatever”. The kind of thing said when an adult requires something from a reluctant or stubborn teen. The message is: “I will do it but it doesn’t mean anything to me”.

Youth Ministry in our churches may be similar. We may have a program where teens participate but it has little meaning. We may be doing a ministry that chases whatever opinionated wind that blows. Or we may be doing youth ministry based on whatever worked for the temporary youth leader (or intern) years ago. I propose that any of these “whatevers” are unhealthy for the church community and the impacts they have on youth.

Meaningful youth ministry takes work. It pays attention to youth culture, today’s varied family systems, and the capacities of adolescents. Meaningful youth ministry is informed by deliberate theological perspectives that provide hope and strength in today’s cultural soup of confusion. Meaningful youth ministry takes seriously the ‘first break-up’ just as it would the impact of divorce or the death of a high school friend. It respects the Scriptures when many call for “… just wanna have fun.” It goes on missions trips to other cultures when people are saying, “just serve our own community.” It talks about sex and drugs, suicide and depression, self injury and anorexia when all seems fine in our community. In short, youth ministry is just that, Youth Ministry: Seriously

For more information about the Center for Youth Ministry Studies click here.