Torch, Spring 1984

work after he has gone . Really, it is a question of which generation we are living for." II Timothy 2:2 answers the question of which generation. And the things that thou has heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Paul's ministry with Timothy, with Silas , with John Mark, and with others was the same. He trained them to carry on their ministry after he was gone . That's reproduction. QUICK FIXES The local church youth ministry is an easy place to attain "momentary applause" and "popular recognition ." If a youth worker succeeds, he will then gain that recognition and applause from the pastor, from his peers, and even from parents . Programs and personalities are often the basis of those local church youth ministries . Many churches spend several hundred dollars each year to purchase a "youth kit" with the intent that a program will solve all the needs of their young people . One of the tragedies in contemporary youth work is the attitude that a "kit" of programmed materials can effectively solve the youth problem in local churches. A "kit" alone will never meet those needs . Each individual church must be committed to teaching the next generation. The "kit" approach, at best, must be only a tool in the hands of qualified and dedicated youth workers. Often when a church begins to grow, the people sense the young people are being neglected and seek to hire a youth pastor. They almost expect him to be a proverbial "hired-gun" who rides into town and shoots all the bad guys the church is afraid to face itself. "Kits" and "hired-guns" can provide temporary results, but neither approach will meet the long term needs as well as an effective, successful, and Biblical youth ministry. PROPER PURPOSE AND PLAN In order to be Biblical, a local church youth ministry must have a proper purpose and a correct plan. God's purpose for a local church is found in Ephesians 4:11-16. Briefly stated, we are to produce people who have a spiritual maturity for a life of service for Christ. That must also be the sole purpose of a Biblical youth ministry. This text also underscores God's plan for His work in our age: God's will is to work through His church. In order to be effective, a youth ministry must have a local church base. How then is a local church to run its youth ministry? The following questions are things to consider when evaluating the present or proposed youth program. 1. Is it true to God's Word? It's important that the youth ministry and youth materials are doctrinally correct. There are several packages of materials and programs on the market which do not meet doctrinal standards. Churches should "do their homework" in regard to publishing houses and youth organizations. 2. Is it local-church based? There are many para– church organizations which build loyalty · to that particular organization instead of to the local church. Churches should never let an outside organization control their youth. 3. Do you agree with its philosophy? Concerned youth workers mu~t know what they are trying to accomplish . They need to know if the philosophy of the youth program coincides with plans and purposes of their local church. 4. What are the costs? The "kit" approach to youth ministry often entails a specific amount of money, a minimum number of workers, a particular type of facility, and other needs . Again, churches should "do their homework" and find out what it takes to operate that program. 5. Does it have a balanced program? Many youth programs emPfifsize only physical or social activities while neglectin$ spiritual or mental activities. A well– balanced youth program must be a top concern. Churches, after evaluating the present or proposed programs, must establish a strategy for reaching and discipling the next generation. This plan of action should continue by formulating a set of Biblical priorities. The pastor, youth pastor, youth sponsors, parents, and others involved should meet to discuss the things they wish to include in the youth ministry. This should not be a session where "pet peeves" are aired, but a time where true Biblical imperatives are listed for the basis of the youth program. Things such as Bible memory, serving opportunities, parent ministry, discipleship, socials, outreach, and Bible teaching must be included. The next step would be to establish a total program where those priorities are worked into an entire structure. The church's youth workers could then look through some of the wealth of youth materials available for ideas for young people ' s meetings, for Sunday School, for outreach, for socials , for parent ministries, for discipleship, etc. The youth workers should then put together a calendar of events for the young people . This schedule should include all of the church's events and activities for its junior high and senior high youth. It is important then that an effective promotional and motivational plan be utilized. The teens and parents of teens must be aware of what is happening and must know the reasons for having those events. The most important part of any church's youth ministry is not its programs or plans, methods or means. ~ trategies or resources. The key ingredient is people: the teens, the parents, and the leaders. continued on page 22 Rev . Mel Walker is instructor of youth ministries at Faith Baptist Bible Col– lege in Ankeny , Iowa. Formerly, he was youth and assistant pastor at Cal– vary Baptist in Ypsilanti, Michigan. 17