What is the state of youth ministry?
In my role at National Netowrk of Youth Ministries (NNYM), I'm asked this question:
What's the state of our youth, and the quality of our ministries to them?
I have a unique vantage point to think about this question.
Of course, our current culture provides some great challenges and reasons for concern. But I am also greatly encouraged by the spirit of comradery and collaboration that I'm seeing among ministry leaders nationally and locally.
Allow me to share an exciting example.
Earlier this month, NNYM had the privilege of hosting our annual Youth Ministry Executive Council (YMEC) gathering in Washington DC. More than 50 executive leaders from 40 national youth ministries and denominations were in attendance.
We gathered to pray together, build relationships, and explore important issues and how we might work together to share the gospel and advance ministry to every teenager.
I wish that every youth leader could witness the spirit of unity in the group! Denominational leaders met a day early to interact about shared challenfes unque to their groups. It was invigorating to see the executive leaders from Anglican, Assemblies of God, Baptist, Catholic, and other faith backgrounds interacting on biblical engagement, sexual orientation, and racial justice issues.
Our first session of YMEC was facilitated by Jonathan Morrow of Impact360, who co-authored the recent report with the Barna Group, Gen Z: The Culture, Beliefs and Motivations Shaping the Next Generation. We had vigorous interaction about how to respond to this current generation of teenagers. The second day we took time to explore the Museum of the Bible. YMEC concluded with a compelling session on biblical unity led by Lucas Ramirez, author of Designed for More, and Dave Rahn of Youth for Christ.
So, what were some of the takeaways?
- Now is NOT the time to be deceived into thinking that today's teenager has no heart to hear and respond to the gospel. They are open and looking for authentic relationships and fellowship.
- Genuine biblical unity does not mean uniformity. We move toward Christ's call for unity when we cultivate a heart to listen to and serve those whom we minister to within our local contexts.
- Meaningful dialogue and unity moves forward when I reach out and build a meaningful relationship with someone who doesn't look like me or may not think like me.
Although I was greatly encouraged by our YMEC gathering, I'm most energized by what I see happening through youth leaders and other concerned Christ-followers working together in our local communities. Our local schools, neighborhoods, and communities are where the action is.
The heart of NNYM is to serve by connecting and providing the resources to unify our ministry efforts. Let us know how we can better serve you.