Youth Ministry: Disciple-Making

I am often asked, and most recently by a good friend serving in a local church as youth minister, the question, "What more can I do in youth ministry to see students be disciple makers?" Most of the responses or initial ideas that I get are the typical "band-aid" ministries.  Band-aid ministries are quick fixes to a deeper problem. Youth ministry can be a greater vehicle for disciples making disciples. Here is what I share:

(1) Develop the Feeder Program. Although schools, communities and friends are great ways to connect with new students, these networks are not the greatest "feeder" program into the youth group.  The children's ministry at the local church is the greatest "feeder" program into the youth group. If the youth pastor develops a discipleship program with the children's program then the youth teachings of today can be the children's teachings.  By the time the children reach the youth group, they will have hours of more discipleship/evangelism training.

(2) Parents are Priority. If I were a youth pastor today then my main focus would be marriages and parenting classes. Parents are the greatest spiritual influence in a child and teenager's life.  As a youth minister, you have four years to figure out the best method to connect parents to their children as the main disciple makers. As the youth minister, you may be in that student's life for a few years, but the parents are their for life. In any case, the parents for which the youth minister connects become leaders for the current youth group.  I do not know any youth group leader that needs more help ... haha.

(3) Jesus' Way. If you notice the first two thoughts do not directly minister to the current youth group but to groups that can make the biggest impact. The third way, that I find myself suggesting, is to do it the way that Jesus did it.  Intentionally focus on 3-4 or even up to 12 (like Jesus) and pour into them for 12 months.  Give them all of the knowledge, care and cadence that you have in ministry then show them how to develop 3-4 more next year.  I would start with sophomores the first year and the second year have them develop 3-4 younger youth while the youth pastor continues to work with 3-4,12 more.

david evans is the Evangelism Team Leader (Director) for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. If you have any questions or need anything then feel free to e-mail him at devans@tnbaptist.org. In the meantime, check out the Reaching App in your App store or go to www.TheReachingApp.com.