Youth ministry is tricky…and it’s getting trickier every year. With technology, Internet, video and the constant changing culture how youth ministry is ever evolving. This month I want to take a look at some myths in youth ministry that we have hung our hats on for years. What was a tried and true method in years past may not necessary be the best formula for youth ministry in the 21^st century. Its time to put these practices through the myth buster and see if they survive.

First and foremost we should never be afraid to redefine ministry trends. As Paul wrote to the church at Corinth his words ring true for youth ministry today.

Therefore, since through God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not loose heart. Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God…for we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus sake. For God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the glory of God in the face of Christ. -2 Corinthians 4:1-6

Myths that need to be busted…

MYTH 1 –The weekly program is the most Important thing we do

• It one of the many things we do
• Creates more entry levels

MYTHBUSTER – answer these questions

• Where do we get the most results?
• What is the most effective?

If we trust that Ministry is about relationships rather than programming and processes, then we can be free from forms of youth ministry that rely on mystical props, eye candy and exotic outings and trust more in the presence of God. If we believe that Ministry is about engagement rather than escape, hopefully we can have confidence that the ordinary tasks within our ministries will be enough to convey the Gospel

MYTH 2 –The talk was the Homerun of the week

God uses everything from

• Drams
• Worship
• Small group
• Mentoring
• Videos
• Testimonies

MYTHBUSTER – Answer this question

How can you create space for the Holy Spirit to speak throughout your entire ministry?

As a youth leader its ok if you do of have the gift of communication. Discover your God given gifts and talents and allow God to use them in creative and effective ways.

MYTH 3 –The Program had to be Evangelical

• Define the spiritual needs of your group (they change)
• Work with where your students are spiritually

MYTHBUSTER -answer this question –

What kind of program do I need to create that meets the spiritual needs of all of my students?

If your students have grown up in the church, heard the gospel message over and over again then maybe its time to become more missional or discipleship driven. You will find that as your students grow and mature so will the emphasis and purpose of your youth group.

MYTH 4 You have to give all the Answers

• We give out the answer without looking at the question
• Even the disciples walked away from Jesus asking questions
• If you give all the answers you stop all conversations

MYTHBUSTER –ask this question

How can I lay the groundwork and watch teens take ownership as they discover truth?

As youth pastors our job is to move students from hearing God’s word to receiving it to owning it. If students are ever going to own their faith then they have to cultivate their faith and work things out. They will believe and trust God not because “we said so” but because of the work he has done in their life.

MYTH 5 -Programs need to be Spectator sport

• You do not need to be doing all the work
• It become too much of a show and watch
• Youth Ministry is best received when it is interactive and personable

MYTHBUSTER ask this question

How can I develop students to become leaders and begin to entrust them with responsibilities?

Student led ministries are empowering. Not only does it free you up it allows teens to understand, develop and discover how God has gifted them. If teens own a part of your youth ministry then chances are they will support it and believe in it.

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