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Philosophy: Philosophy of Youth Ministry

Submitted on Saturday, January 24, 1998
Tim Berger
Denomination: Nondenominational
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"Philosophy of Youth Ministry"
-A Weslyan Perspective
by Timothy J. Berger

I believe that Youth Ministry is relational. In 2 Thessalonians 2:7-8 Paul gives us a model for youth ministry by sharing, "As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us." This is my verse for youth ministry.

I believe in an organized youth program including a balance of both times of teaching and of fellowship but, I believe that through building relationships with young people the youth worker can offer very positive, effective, and powerful ministry. I think this follows Jesus' model of ministry with the twelve apostles. He spent time with them, ate with them, walked with them, etc. and through these experiences they became the men of God that impacted their world and ours. I like to think of the apostles as Jesus' youth group. It is because of Jesus' time with these men that we have Christianity today!! This style of relational, incarnational, discipleship oriented ministry to youth moves across barriers to meet people right where they are, with the love of God.

I believe that there should be four levels in a healthy youth ministry. The first level is "The Come Level." (Prevenient grace) This level is to get young people involved in the youth group by having attractive, fun activities, trips, events etc., that will appeal to unchurched young people and friends of youth group members. The second level is "The Grow Level." (Saving grace) This level is to allow for spiritual input and growth through the youth fellowship times where the young people are challenged to accept Christ and live radically for Him. The third level is "The Disciple Level." (Sanctifying grace) This level is for discipleship to take place through small group Bible study times where the young people can grow in their faith and discuss relevant issues biblically as to how they apply to their lives. The fourth level is "The Lead Level." This level is designed to train mature Christian youth how to reach out to others and how they can become "owners" of the youth ministry by doing some tasks of leadership in planning and organizing some of the youth ministry.

This four-level model of ministry is like a funnel where young people move down from come, to grow, to disciples, to leaders with the result being that they have become "World Changers!!"

Although no approach to ministry is one hundred percent guaranteed, this relational ministry is a biblical approach that when used with this four level strategy of solid discipleship-oriented programming is consistently effective in my experience. It is exciting to realize the potential that each young person that we meet has to become a world changer for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!! Praise the Lord for how he works in and through us.

Timothy J. Berger
Rev. 7-95




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