I Timothy 4:12, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”
You read it right! I think that the youth ministry is the best ministry to be involved in. Now most YPs maybe would agree and some other ministry leaders may think I am biased… but Youth Ministry is the BEST. Now, by best, I mean superior to all other ministries! While all the other ministries in the church are important, I believe that the Youth ministry is the most rewarding, and I’ve even got scripture to prove it!
1. Youth Ministry has a PROMISE.
Jesus promised anyone that would help youth in any way would earn a reward they could not lose. Not every ministry has that promise. Adult Sunday school, nursing home services, choir, senior ministry, etc. – none of these have a promise like this one! “And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:42)
2. Youth Ministry was a PRIORITY
Jesus sought after the youth. Jesus called them to Him, and He had them sit on His knee. Jesus never went out of His way to target other groups (singles, seniors, married couples). But there are many times that Jesus went out of His way to reach youth. “And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,” (Mt. 18:2) “But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” (Mk. 10:14) “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.” (Lk. 18:16).
3. Youth Ministry is full of POTENTIAL
There is something so special about being able to reach a young person and help them conform themselves into the image of Christ. To help them find God’s Will for their life is such an amazing experience, and to see what God does through them for the rest of their life brings a joy like no other. By being able to reach a young person, you are truly able to impact their whole life! An adult has already wasted half their lives, but young people are just beginning. D.L. Moody said, If I could relive my life, I would devote my entire ministry to reaching children for God!
4. Youth Ministry comes with a stern PROHIBITION
I think Jesus is pretty serious when it comes to youth. He never made a warning like He did in Luke 17:2 about other people groups. I don’t think the Lord is happy when we cause others to stumble or fall, but He is very clear on how He feels when youth is involved.
“It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.” (Lk. 17:2)
5. Youth Ministry is a PATTERN
I find it interesting that Jesus told adults to act like youth, and not the other way around. Sure youth aren’t perfect by any means, but Jesus wants adults to see the humility of youth. He wants us as adults to be able to understand how He wants us to come to Him. As children who aren’t afraid Jesus didn’t tell kids to act like adults. He told adults to be more like kids. How is that possible? So some gum chewing, seat-rocking kid is an example to the straight-sitting adults? Maybe not in maturity or behavior, but apparently, many youth have a better grasp on humility than most adults. “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 18:5).
6. Youth Ministry is PROMOTING JESUS
When you welcome a teen, you welcome Jesus. Every teen who strolls through your doors equates to welcoming Jesus in your youth ministry. 50 teens = Jesus times 50. 100 teens = Jesus times 100. You get the picture. “Whoever receives one of these little children in My name receives Me;” (Mark 9:37) I don’t know how that works but it is an amazing statement from the mouth of Jesus. Serving in
youth ministry is literally serving Jesus!!! So wrapping this up, it’s hard for YP’s to be humble. And for good reason. The Bible places unique value on reaching the youth. Hey YP YOU are important! Hey Youth Worker, YOU are important. Youth Ministry is the best, so let’s do our best to serve in the best ministry possible. YOUTH MINISTRY!!!
William Davis | Assistant Pastor
Clays Mill Baptist Church | Nicholasville, KY
https://www.claysmill.org
