Ministry Overview

The following is the overview I recently wrote for our our youth ministry at Dayspring. Call it my philosophy of youth ministry if you will...
Unfortunately, in many churches, the youth are pushed to the background as unimportant simply because of their age. However, 1 Timothy 4:12 says:
“let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” (NASB)
It is the belief of this church and this ministry that we are raising up future leaders of God’s church. These students are at a place in life that requires a different approach to ministry, and it is our goal to provide that. However, many youth ministries have taken this idea so far as to sacrifice foundational aspects of ministry. It is the belief of the Common Ground ministry that these students are fully capable of understanding the truths of Scripture. As such, our Sunday and Wednesday night meetings are centered on a significant time of expository study of the Word of God. Not only can these students understand the truths of Scripture, but they need to be exposed to them as well. Too many churches are watering-down the Word to the point that the wonderful truths of Scripture are being lost in translation. II Timothy 3:16 says:
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (NASB)
This process of equipping should begin from the moment we become a believer. If our churches are going to continue to faithfully uphold the Word of God in the face of an increasingly hostile world, we must begin to equip the future leaders of those flocks. Romans 12:2 says:
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (NASB)
This “renewing” is accomplished through the work of the Holy Spirit as we study and meditate upon the Word of God.
The current generation of middle and high school students are preparing to enter a world saturated with people desiring to undermine Christianity in whatever way they can. It is of utmost importance that our students are prepared for the battle they are about to enter. This ministry desires to see the students of Dayspring Christian Fellowship leave equipped with a solid foundation rooted in the Word of God, so that they might carry the banner of Christ into the world leaving a wake of new disciples of Christ as they go.

Your Input

I am preparing to begin a series with the youth group on ethics. As such, I would appreciate everyone's input on possible topics to cover during this series. We can assume the big ones (homosexuality, abortion, etc.) will be covered, but I would like your input on possible up and coming hottopics that are of concern to the youth of the next generation. Your input is appreciated.

Shelter

The past couple of weeks I have been addressing the issue of creation/evolution with my youth group. They have responded well, but it has really made me realize how sheltered this area is. Even the kids attending public schools are either taught creation or a heavily creationist slant on the pitfalls of evolution. One kid's teacher even gave a disclaimer before teaching evolution saying, "I'm sorry I have to teach this crap, but it's in my job description." Now, some may say that this is the way things should be. To some extent I would agree with this, but I also believe that these kids need to be readily prepared for the attacks awaiting them outside of the proverbial "heart of Texas." Some of these students were shocked to hear that in some parts of the country teachers could lose their jobs for teaching creation. My concern for this group is that they will leave the comforts of this town only to find themselves faced with a world much different than the one in which they currently reside. I suppose it is the task of every youth pastor to try and equip his students with the knowledge they need to resist the attacks of the world. However, I also know that if all they have is knowledge, their faith will crumble under the duress. They need to be overcome by the Word of God in such a way that it fills not only their minds, but their lives as well. Some shelter is a good thing, but there is a fine line which must be walked in order to prepare the next generation for the battle that awaits them.