Lessons for Teens

It is so important in youth ministries to have discussions and messages that truly revolve around scripture. Here is a great site with many lesson ideas for youth group topics and discussions! Check it out here!

I found this on http://www.youthpastor.com/youth_ministry/ and I think it is a helpful beginning to explaining just what is this thing we call "Youth Ministry".  

What is Youth Ministry?

Simply put, Youth Ministry is the Church's efforts to help each & every young person grow personally & spiritually.

The purpose of the Youth Ministry program is to prepare students for effective ministry to middle high, senior high, or college students and their families within the context of a local church or a parachurch organization.

Training young people to lead the cause of Christ, and apply Christianity to every area of life is what "youth ministry" is about. If we don't know that, the kids won't either.

Youth ministry is more than programs and events.

Youth Ministry is every effort by the Christian community to reach out to the youth with the love of God as revealed to us in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Youth Ministry is a means for both junior high and high school students to grow as individuals while exploring ideas, values, and faith within the context of a supportive community of peers and adults.

Youth Ministry is a church-wide ministry which strives to provide a variety of opportunities and experiences to draw teens into active, responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the faith community and the greater church.

Youth Ministry is designed to help spiritually train and equip teens in a fun and Godly atmosphere to the Glory of God.

Youth Ministry is an umbrella term that describes the systematic attention the faith community gives to young people which enables them to reach their full God created potential. That is, everything the faith community is involved in that promotes both healthy development and faith growth in adolescents.

Youth Ministry works to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person and seeks to draw young people into responsible participation in the life, mission and work of the faith community.

Youth ministry is the Church in its pastoral concern, reaching out to young people to embrace their gifts and to walk with them in their process of becoming all they can be.

Youth Ministry is defined as the response of the Church to the needs of young people, fostering their faith in Jesus Christ and their communion with the Blessed Trinity, and drawing them into responsible participation in the life, mission and ministry of the Church.

Youth Ministry seeks to help youth share their gifts, grow in life skills, develop a positive self-image, overcome prejudices, develop respect for differences, serve those in need, and foster social change, participate in the sacraments, develop a personal spirituality and prayer life, apply Catholic faith to daily life, integrate Catholic values, participate in the Church, and develop a personal relationship with Jesus.

Youth Ministry is fun, faith, and friends, usually with a little food added to keep our engines going!

Youth Ministry is a series of programs and activities to give young people a chance to participate in Church life, develop their own faith and spirituality, and discover new friendships.

These are just a couple of the definitions for Youth Ministry that I could find online. Many ministries define "what they do" without really defining "who they are" and "why they are". It's good to sit down and ask these questions at least once a year and to make sure that your students understand the answers. If you want to send us your "Youth Ministry is..." definition, send it via email to info@YouthPastor.Com.

A little something for everyone!

When browsing for some sites for Christian youth I came across this site.  It has many resources, but the best part that I found was that it has the option to connect youth all over the country to a youth group in their area.  Getting involved in a youth group as a young person in this country is something that in my experience was priceless, and got me through many of the tough times of jr. hugh and high school.  Many times I think people want to be involved somewhere but don't know where or how.  It is important to invite friends and family to church with us, and hopefully get them connected in that way.  But for those who don't have friends or family in the church, resources like this one are very helpful!

Youth Conferences

One of the best ways for people of all ages to learn about our practical application of Christianity is through attending conferences. These days there are conventions and conferences on every topic imaginable. In the weeks to come I will research some of the touring conferences that I think would be a good investment, or at least looking more into. Here is one that I was looking at today. More to come!

My Dream

Over the past year God has deepen a passion in my heart for youth, specifically the youth of America. I believe that there is a great potential in youth all over the world, and being the generation up and coming, youth is who can and should make the differences that need to be made in the world. My dream and goal for this blog is to find helpful and encouraging websites that will come along side youth and aid them in developing their full potential. My dream is to learn along the way of resources to share, and in the process of me learning be able to share all these resources with others. I hope to one day be a youth pastor, and I know that there are many people and resources that I can learn so much from in order to help me reach my dream and be the best that I can be.