Youth

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.

1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)

I've been reading a lot on youth ministry lately: books, emails, and papers written by friends in seminary. One of the themes that keeps coming up is relationships, and how relationships with youth are an important part of youth ministry. This is youth ministry 101, so it's not surprising it comes up. One of the things I've been thinking about though, is that it's not just about adults having relationships with youth, or even youth having relationships with each other.

Youth ministry's ultimate goal is to make new Christians. Therefore successful ministry must not only model healthy relationships, but teach its participants to create new relationships and sustain them. Most of my closest and longest-lasting relationships are with people I grew up with in the church. These are the relationships I come back to - the people I fall upon in times of need. They are also the people with which I share my joys.

1 Timothy is called one of the pastoral letters. It is written to leaders. It is famous for the above verse. This verse is calling youth to mentor others. You do not have to be an adult to work with youth. Ministry of any kind is about relationships and you are never too young to minister.

http://kairosverse.blogspot.com

A Prayer for the ELCA National Youth Gathering

For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.

Ephesians 2:10

I am praying tonight for all those who go to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's National Youth Gathering. 32,000+ youth and adults descending on the city of New Orleans for a week of fellowship, worship and service. I am sad that I cannot be with all my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, but I am there with them in spirit. I pray that they will enjoy their time there and the opportunities the trip provides; and that they will serve joyously in the tasks they are given, so that the people of New Orleans will see Christ shining in them.

Amen

http://kairosverse.blogspot.com