“Why is it important to have a gospel ministry to youth?” is a question that is asked too infrequently in our day. In its place, people often ask “Is it even worthwhile to have a gospel ministry to youth?” The trend in the modern ‘church’ in America is to entertain youth with games, to stuff them with sugary snacks, and then to ‘painlessly’ insert a short time of ‘Bible teaching’ while the children catch their breath. This is not gospel ministry—in fact, it is questionable if this qualifies as ministry at all.
The problem is not with games or sugary snacks, it is not with fun or entertainment, it is with wrong priorities. When children are presented with ‘church’ as a place where they go to relieve their restlessness or their appetite for treats, it shrinks to a place where they expect their needs to be catered to. In short, ‘church’ of that sort becomes man-centered. When that happens, we can expect to see souls damaged rather than saved by grace.
The question is still pressing: “Why is it important to have a gospel ministry to youth?” I believe that there are at least three reasons why ministry to youth of every age is extremely worthwhile, and even more so, it is vitally important.
First, it recognizes the value of human souls. Every human being will exist forever, being held in existence by the God who created them. Every human soul is precious, then, and should be treated with the utmost diligence and respect. Our primary concern for others should center on their knowledge of and response to the gospel, regardless of their age, and this includes children. Teaching youth in regard to godliness not only benefits them for their childhood, but for the rest of their lives (and for the life to come, cf. 1 Tim. 4:7-8, 6:19). If we spend time spiritually ministering to adults, why would we not also do so to youth?
Second, ministering to youth reflects the responsible stewardship of what God has providentially entrusted to us. If God has given us children of our own or has brought their parents into the church, they are part of the stewardship for which we are responsible. We cannot save them, of course, but we can lovingly treat them as we would treat any unbeliever. In a special way, we have an opportunity to preach the gospel and live it out before the offspring of believers. This can be done consistently and constantly. If God has brought them into our care, who are we to treat them carelessness?
Third and finally, youth ministry is precious because it looks to the future glory of Christ as it will be seen in the church. When God’s glory is the motive, we are truly free from unhealthy expectation (like snacks and games) and we can serve them in the best way possible. Again, we are not guaranteed that every child will be converted, but it is almost certain that some will be. By ministering to children and teenagers we are working for the kingdom of God as it will exist in the future. The pastors, deacons, missionaries, and godly parents of the future are all children today. If our communication of the gospel is the means used for converting one of these saints, then the spiritual house of God is one living stone closer to completion (1 Peter 2:5)! By serving children today, we may work to enhance the future kingdom of God, and thus work to display His glory even more magnificently in the world.
Lay a strong foundation, then! Look to those youth whom God has sovereignly placed in your context of ministry, and seek to preach the gospel to them. Only God can draw a sinner to Himself (John 6:44), but He uses the ministry of His servants to do so (Rom. 10:13-17, 2 Tim. 2:10). Since that is the case, serve Him diligently and wisely, so that His kingdom may advance through all the earth, and in every generation—even those that have yet to come.
--Dean of Admissions
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