September 29, 2024—Youth ministry is vital to the church, providing young people with the guidance, support, and teachings they need to grow in their faith. In general, churches should, first and foremost, explain who Jesus Christ is and why His violent crucifixion was necessary. To explain this, you must teach the Old and New Testaments. In addition, sin should also be discussed. I was talking to a young woman one day. She was one of seven children raised in the church, but she was unfamiliar with the terms sin and repent. Her church was completely missing the message of Jesus Christ.
As you finalize lessons on Jesus Christ and sin, you may realize you need a youth ministry. One thing that occurred in our church was the more we preached Jesus, the more youth started attending our services. We realized we needed to do more for the youth so they would not fall victim to the snares of Satan. It dawned on me that some of you are experiencing youth coming to your church. Therefore, here are five essential topics to cover in a youth ministry program, each rooted in Scripture and designed to help young people navigate their spiritual journey.
1. The Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ
Understanding the life and teachings of Jesus is foundational for any youth ministry. Jesus’s ministry exemplifies the gospel through grace. Some people think that Jesus Christ was just a prophet, a good man, or a religious zealot. However, the Bible is clear—Jesus Christ of Nazareth is our savior:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”- John 3:16-17
And
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” - John 14:6
In any ministry, youth or otherwise, make clear the life, ministry, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ. Tie lessons in the Old Testament and compare them to scripture within the New Testament. Church members should clearly understand who Jesus is and why He is necessary. In addition, churches must cover Jesus’s commandments on love (Matthew 5:43-46, 19:16-22, and 10:37) and spread the gospel to others (Matthew 28:19-20). Love is at the base of our faith. Tremendously so, Paul said love is the greatest gift (1 Corinthians 13:13).
Discussion Points to Cover:
The Calling of Disciples: Explore how Jesus called His disciples and how He equips each person for ministry. Discuss Matthew 4:19, where Jesus tells Peter and Simon that they will be fishers of men. The exact verse cites, “Then He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Acts of Compassion: Examine Jesus's healing, miracles, and interactions with various individuals, highlighting His empathy (Matthew 9:35-36).
The Great Commission: Conclude with Jesus's command to spread the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). Encourage youth to embrace their role in sharing their faith with others.
2. Understanding the Bible
Equipping youth with biblical knowledge is essential for their spiritual growth. When Jesus was led to the wilderness to be tempted by Satan, the devil tempted Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” (Matthew 4:3). Jesus’s response is recorded in Matthew 4:4, “But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” Satan tempts Jesus two more times. Jesus repeatedly rebuked the devil, saying, “It is written…”. In other words, to defeat the devil, you must know the gospel.
Engaging youth with the Word of God helps build a strong foundation in faith, for they will be tested and tempted as they walk with Christ. As they age, they will undoubtedly be challenged by peers in school, sports, or even at work. Without knowing the gospel, the youth will not know how to discuss their faith correctly.
Key Scripture:
”All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
-2 Timothy 3:16-17
Discussion Points:
Daily Reading: Encourage youth to read the Holy Bible regularly and discuss its relevance in their lives and among each other.
Memory Verses: Challenge them to memorize key verses that can guide them through life's challenges.
Bible Study Techniques: Introduce methods for studying the Holy Bible. In addition, start running bible study courses at your church once a week. The classes should be led by someone who displays Christian character daily and knows the Holy Bible.
3. Building Community and Relationships
Youth ministry should foster a sense of belonging and community. Relationships are crucial for spiritual support and growth. I want to be clear here. Relationships focus on love and respect for their families and friends, not romantic interests. The Holy Bible does not mention dating or courting but focuses on marriage with a single spouse. When God created Adam, He saw that it was not good for man to be alone, so God made a helper, Eve (Genesis 2). Emphasize that dating is from the world and not from God.
Your youth ministry should first focus on Jesus Christ—who He is and what He has done and is doing. Once you verify that Jesus is the center of the youth, explain the youth's role within their relationships with family and friends.
Key Scriptures:
“Honor your father and mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.”
- Exodus 20:12
“Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
For if they fall, one will lift his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm;
But how can one be warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him.
And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
- Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”- Hebrews 10:24-25.
Discussion Points:
Small Groups: Organize small group discussions to promote openness and accountability.
Service Projects: Encourage youth to work together on community service initiatives, reinforcing the idea of serving others. Serving others is serving Jesus Christ. This is illustrated in Colossians 3:23-24, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.”
Friendship in Faith: Discuss the importance of friendships based on shared faith, referencing Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
4. Navigating Challenges and Temptations
Solomon was clear in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” Parents have the role of teaching the gospel to their children (or children) (Deuteronomy 6:6-8). Pastors and Christians have the role of teaching the gospel to the lost, including the youth. Youth face numerous challenges, from peer pressure to hormonal changes. In addition, youth undergo physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. Addressing challenges and changes from a biblical perspective can empower them to make wise decisions.
Key Scripture:
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”
- 1 Corinthians 10:13
Discussion Points:
Identifying Temptations: Help youth recognize everyday temptations and discuss how to resist them through prayer and accountability. When we sin, we are to confess it to one another, “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16).
The Armor of God: Teach about spiritual warfare and the importance of Ephesians 6:10-18, emphasizing the need for spiritual protection.
Role of Prayer: Discuss the power of prayer in overcoming personal challenges and maintaining focus on Christ.
5. Living Out Faith in Action
Encouraging youth to apply their faith in real-world situations is crucial for developing their Christian walk. This involves service, evangelism, and living a Christ-centered life.
Key Scripture:
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
- James 1:22
Discussion Points:
Service and Outreach: Plan outreach activities where youth can serve the community and share the love of Christ.
Personal Testimonies: Encourage youth to share their faith stories and experiences, helping others see the impact of faith in daily life.
Living for Christ: Discuss how to live out faith in school, at home, and in friendships, reminding them of Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Conclusion
Youth ministry is an incredible opportunity to shape young people's faith. Youth can develop a robust spiritual foundation by focusing on Jesus's life, understanding the Bible, building community, navigating challenges, and living out their faith. As leaders and mentors, it’s for the glory of God to guide them on this transformative journey. Messages should be clearly presented. Ask youth questions to ensure they understand the message.
Accepting Jesus Christ
Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came in the flesh. Being innocent, Jesus died on the cross to pay the price of your sin. Three days later, Jesus Christ was resurrected in the flesh. Walking in the resurrected body for 40 days, Jesus ascended to the right hand of God. If you have not accepted Jesus Christ, I invite you to do so now. All it takes is saying this prayer aloud:
God, I confess that Jesus came in the flesh and blood, paid the price for my sins, died on the cross, rose on the third day, ascended to the heavens, and sent the Holy Spirit to help me understand Your ways. For that, I accept Jesus Christ as my savior and Lord, and I welcome the Holy Spirit in my life. In Jesus’s name I pray, amen!