S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Although youth ministry is a fixture in the modern church, there is no biblical model for such a ministry. However, biblical principles can and should be the model for all ministries in the local c...

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July 01 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does the Bible say about youth ministry?

The Bible doesn't mention "youth ministry" as a formal role. Still, it strongly supports intentional discipleship of young people through teaching God's word, mentoring, and integrating them fully into the church, emphasising they are vital members today, not just the future, using passages like 1 Timothy 4:12 (don't let anyone look down on your youth) and Deuteronomy 6 (teaching children God's law diligently). It highlights mentoring (2 Timothy 2:2), discipleship (Matthew 28:18-20), and calls for equipping them to serve and live Christ-like lives, partnering with parents in their spiritual formation. 

Biblical Principles for Youth Ministry:

1: Discipleship & Mentoring: The primary goal is making disciples (Matthew 28:18-20) through training in doctrine, character, and equipping for ministry (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

2: Passing on God's Word: Old Testament passages (Deuteronomy 6, Proverbs 22:6) emphasise teaching God's truth to the next generation, while Joel 1:3 calls for telling stories of God's work across generations.

3: Valuing Youth: Scriptures show young people like Samuel, David, and Josiah serving God, and Paul tells Timothy (and by extension, youth) to be examples in speech, life, love, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12).

Key Scriptures for Youth Ministry:

1: 1 Timothy 4:12: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity."

2: Deuteronomy 6:6-7: "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."

3: Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it."

Matthew 19:14: "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'"

4: 2 Timothy 2:2: "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others." (Mentoring principle) 

The biblical foundation for youth ministry is built on the following themes:

1: Setting an Example: The most cited verse for youth is 1 Timothy 4:12, where Paul tells Timothy, "Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity".

2: Spiritual Strength: 1 John 2:14 addresses young men because they are "strong" and the "word of God abides" in them.

3: Biblical Examples: God frequently called young individuals for pivotal tasks, including Samuel, David, Josiah, Jeremiah, Mary, and Timothy. 

The New Testament emphasises that every member, regardless of age, is an essential part of the "Body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12). 

1: Full Participation: Biblical evidence shows children and youth were present in corporate worship; Paul addressed them directly in letters intended for the whole church (Ephesians 6:1, Colossians 3:20).

2: Prophetic Promise: In Acts 2:17, Peter quotes the prophet Joel to affirm that God pours out His Spirit on "all flesh," including sons and daughters who will prophesy and young men who will see visions. 

Ecclesiastes Chapter 12:1 has a good principle for young ones: Ec. 12:1 ESV: Remember also thy Creator in the days of thy youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, "I have no pleasure in them."

Youth is a time for making important choices. But one option is more important than all others​—your decision to serve God. When is the best time to make that choice? Read Ecc 21:1.

King Solomon's advice to young people, who may, for a time, fail to recognise the tragedies that life can bring, is relevant for all of us. Make your Creator the focus of your life.

10 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report