Big Problem, Small Solutions

We are facing a systemic problem with regard to youth ministry today. While some individual ministries are effective, youth ministry as a whole is not.  When we are engaging 81% of youth but only passing the faith to 5%, we must admit that system is failing. I'm sorry, but that conclusion is inescapable.

So what is the solution? Well, that's the big question isn't it.

On the one hand, the solution is very small and simple. It ultimately comes down to reaching, converting, and training new believers... one person at a time. This is what the Bible calls "making disciples." It requires one-on-one personal involvement on the part of a mentor/teacher/mature believer (discipler) and a new believer (disciple). It is a time consuming process. It involves getting into each other's lives. It requires commitment not only on the part of the new believer, but also on the part of the more mature discipler. This was the way Jesus did it. It worked pretty good for Him. He "suggested" that we follow His example.

(Mat 28:19-20 NIV)  "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, {20} and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.""

Unfortunately,far too often modern American youth ministry doesn't look like that. While we may agree with Jesus' "suggestion" in theory, something breaks down in practice. The reasons are undoubtedly many and varied but here are a few observations from some ministries with which I am familiar.

• Some have neglected to make youth ministry a priority
• Some have allowed youth ministry to become more of a social venue than a worship/training venue.
• Some have emphasized quantity at the expense of quality.
• Some have substituted events for one-on-one relationships.
• Some have relegated disciple making (like many other ministries) to the paid staff of the church who are desperately overloaded.

I'm sure there are many other reasons and that there are many churches/ministries for which these issues are not issues. I suspect there are also churches and ministries to which these issues apply more than they think they do.