Mission:
To reach an irreligious, post-Christian generation of students, causing them
to become fully committed followers of Jesus Christ.
Goals:
To Encourage Students
Today’s youth are in a battle for acceptance and are searching for significance.
They are in need of caring, loving, accepting relationships. A effective student ministry
offers these through Christ and other students sharing Christ’s love.
(Psalms 103:2-5)
To
Encourage Families
Today’s families are in disarray and need help. A student ministry supplements
parents in these challenging days.
(Colossians 3:18-20)
Strategy:
Prayer is the key to hearing, knowing and obeying the Word
of God. He desires to lead us by His Spirit. Prayer is powerful and effective
and nothing will be worth accomplishing without it.
(Matthew 21:12 and James 5:16)
Effective
Relationships must exist before any effective ministry will be established.
Discipleship must have a concentrated effort on relationships. True Christ-centered
relationships occur when students are known, cared for, held accountable and
encouraged on their spiritual journey. A youth ministry equips adults and
students in developing these relationships through adult- and student-led
small groups. The depth of relationships will determine the depth of ministry.
(Mark 3:14 and Matthew 4:19)
Praise
and Worship enters us into God’s presence. A student ministry
provides opportunities for youth to lift their voices, prayers and bodies
as sacrifices of praise to God.
(Revelation 19:5 and Psalm 95:6)
Service
is faith with hands and can be seen as "meeting needs with love".
A healthy student ministry will consistently encourage students to discover
their gifts and put them into practice through ministry and mission opportunities.
(Matthew 22:39 and James 2:17)
Hearing
God’s Word gives us faith we need so we can act on
His Word. Meetings are centered on God’s Word. The bible is our life
manual and source of inspiration, guidance and truth.
(Psalm 119:9, Romans 10:17, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Evangelism
is a demonstration of our compassion to the world, whether through the life
we live or the words we share. A powerful student ministry equips students and
establishes opportunities for students to reach their world with the Gospel
of Jesus Christ.
(Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15, 20)
Fellowship
fosters unity and allows for healthy diversions from the pattern of this world.
It also provides outlets for evangelism and strengthens the body.
(Hebrews 10:25 and 1 Corinthians 10:31)
Thoughts and Specifics:
Student ministry cannot exist by itself. It must be a ministry of the church
and have infusion into the church.
Ministering to
students requires a church body, not just the work of the student pastor. The youth
pastor’s main role is the preparation and training of youth workers
equipping them to minister to the students. The pastor of students also gives direction,
guidance, structure and support.
The youth pastor is a role model whose life echoes Paul’s, “Follow
my example as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:1)
Student ministry needs and strategies depend upon, and must be consistent with,
the mission and strategy of the church.
The relationship between pastors in a church is very important.
The pastoral staff should have growing accountability relationships and beneficial
fellowship as co-laborers for Christ.