3 aspects of a missional youth ministry

Which is a picture of a “missional” youth ministry: Skating youth workers who read from the Bible while tackling ramps and 360s? A coffeehouse that through music and art seeks to show God’s desire for relationship to teenagers who would never step foot in a church? A group of teenagers and adults who meet in a Sunday school room amid folding chairs, Bibles and brownies?

Trick question. The answer is all the above. All these ministries seek to meet youth where they are—geographically, emotionally and spiritually. They honor God, build God’s kingdom and invite youth into a closer relationship with God.

Whether youth have been raised in a Christian home or do not even know who Jesus is, there will come a point where ownership of faith needs to take place. This is why ministry to teens has a natural missional tendency.

I find three components in a missional youth ministry: (1) creating an environment where teens can be themselves, (2) adults willing to be authentic and open in modeling their own faith journeys and (3) leaders willing to invite youth to be a part of the family of Christ by showing the work of God today.

Youth ministries should be a safe and welcoming space. Not safe in the sense of no adventure, no excitement, no radical living for Christ, but safe in the way teens feel encouraged to be themselves, be real, struggle with doubts and ask questions.

Teenage years are filled with anxiety, fun, excitement and questions. Questions range from Who am I? and, How does God fit into my life? to, Should I date, and if so, whom should I date? If youth can’t turn to the people of God to authentically grow and struggle in their faith, where can they go?

I remember speaking to a youth leader as a young teen. I was not sure if I was ready to make a continuing commitment to Christ. I had some doubts; I had questions. The one thing I remember in our conversation was my youth leader’s encouragement in pointing out that doubts aren’t necessarily harmful. It’s what we do with doubts that make them harmful. If we allow God to work through our doubts and work through our anxiety, we actually wind up in a closer relationship with God and a greater realization of God in our lives. This conversation helped open me to seeking God in a way I had not before.

A missional youth ministry also requires adult leaders willing to be authentic and vulnerable. When teens come to us with questions, we should not give them easy answers, especially in situations when there are no easy answers. We need to be willing to struggle alongside them and show that we, too, don’t know all the answers and that that’s OK.

God has given each of us our own faith journey. What a gift to share with youth, as we share where we were and where God has led us! We are still in process, and God is still at work in our lives; youth need to know this.

The third aspect of being missional is not to leave kids hanging where they are, in despair and doubt. We recognize we don’t have all the answers, but we know Someone who does. We need to invite youth to see the God moments in their lives and accept the call of Jesus to know him more intimately.

Being an intentionally missional youth ministry allows opportunities to witness growth in the lives of youth and in our own lives. When we meet teens where they are, it’s exciting to have the privilege of walking with them and inviting them to experience a greater love and relationship with their God.

Sallie Reed is associate pastor of children and youth at Bally (Pa.) Mennonite Church.