September 15, 2024—Recently, my husband implemented a youth services program within our church. As a result, more youth are attending our youth program and our regular services. To have the most enriching opportunities for the youth at your church, you must have a plan in place. Led by the Holy Spirit, any ministry you enter will empower youth and adults with the knowledge they need to face the world. Before I get into detail, let’s define what we consider youth:
Old enough to understand what sin is
Have a hunger and a thirst for Jesus
Unmarried young adults attending high school or college or actively in the workforce or military
Spirit-Led Youth Ministry
You will need someone who can help you run the youth ministry. Pay attention to the elders at the church. How are they treating everyone inside and outside the church? Are they a model of Jesus whose intentions, actions, and words glorify Him? In this matter, your communion with the Holy Spirit is essential to your walk with Jesus Christ. Without Him (the Holy Spirit), any effort to enhance the church or your life will crumble.
To prevent such tragedy with youth services, pray to God through Jesus Christ and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you. Indeed, the Holy Spirit will tell you which church elders to pay attention to and which ones should assist you in running the youth services.
Preach the Truth at Your Youth Ministry
Preachings should emphasize the truth of Jesus Christ. Similarly to letting the Holy Spirit appoint an elder to the youth ministry, let Him guide you in the passages to focus on. I advocate starting with John 1. This chapter is dedicated to showing that Jesus Christ is our savior and the Son of God. John 1 is rather long for a service; you will likely need to cover it in a few sessions.
When these sessions conclude, move on to John 16: 5-15. You may be wondering, “Why this chapter and verses?” John 16: 5-15 clearly explains who the Holy Spirit is and His role for us. Focusing on the Holy Spirit, we need to make it clear to all church attendees what His role and importance are. Without the Holy Spirit, we would be subject to false doctrine, chasing man's knowledge and not the wisdom of the Lord, our God.
After explaining John 1 and John 16:5-15, dive into 2 Corinthians 13:14, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.“ This verse ties John 1 and 16 together, explaining the role of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Regardless of what I said above, let the Holy Spirit guide you in the youth services.
Encourage Questions at Your Youth Ministry
Let the youth ask questions when the message concludes. Chances are, if one asks a question, there may be others with similar questions. Answer it biblically. Do not fear; the Holy Spirit will tell you how to respond. If the youth see wisdom in you, they will be encouraged to ask more questions and read their Holy Bibles. Both youth and adults must know the Holy Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us why:
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.
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!
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