Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
What exactly is the purpose and function of youth
ministry? Is it ministering to
youth? Or is it ministering with
youth? This question has been in the
forefront of my mind recently. The way
we as a congregation answer this question can have a drastic difference in how
we approach youth ministry. Personally,
I see youth ministry as ministry together with youth. I think the distinction between which
preposition we use to understand youth ministry (or any ministry for that
matter) makes all the difference in the world.
Because ministry with a group of people implies a certain sense
of mutuality, when we view ministry together in this manner, we build up a
sense of belonging and growing together.
We acknowledge that no one is a master of faith. All people have the potential to learn new things
and grow in faith together. That is one
of the core motivations behind Luther’s catechisms – that we are never done
growing in faith; we are never done learning the catechism.
So imagine what ministry with youth looks like. It looks like people from all walks of life
coming together to love and support each other in faith. It looks like youth and adults struggling
with the tough questions of faith alongside each other, learning from each
other and growing in faith together.
Adults and youth support each other in fulfilling congregational vows
during Baptism to help each child of God grow in faith. Ministry with youth supports a sense
of mutuality and belonging that helps people remain in faith even during the
tough times in life. Such a model of
youth ministry lifts the task of helping a child of God grow in faith from their
parents and professionals, and allows the church to pick up some of the load.
As the saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child,”
so it takes a church to raise a child of God, no matter how old (or young) that
child of God is.
God’s peace be with you,
Vicar Mike
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