Today I received an email from JD Greear on a study that took place on the "Religous Beliefs" of American Teens ages 13-17. You can find that article here. I would love for you to take a look at what it says and then continue to read the rest of this blog. Do it now.
Good, now that you've read it, hopefully you can relate with what I'm saying. THE NEED IS GREATER THAN WE REALIZE FOLKS! Our students are walking through the doors of our churches and walking right back out without a firm grasp of what it is they truly believe. Student ministry is so much more than great big flat screen TV's, xbox 360's, air hockey tables, and pizza blasts (although these are great tools).
Student Ministry is exactly what it's title holds...MINISTRY. Our Students need to understand that "Grace" has saved them not what their parents believe. They need to hear Pastors teach them about the fall of man in the Garden and how God had a plan of redemption already lined up just 30 minutes later!!!!!! They need to hear the REAL AUTHENTIC GOSPEL!
I decided a long time ago that I would attempt everyday to raise the standards in Youth Ministry. I would no longer settle with seeing students turn their backs on a God who loves them when they get to college because they had no real concept of salvation in the first place. No, I have decided that I will do WHATEVER it takes to see our students firmly grasp the beauty and greatness of our God. This means I must commit myself to always being a learner of the Scripture and of the culture, take time to invest in the lives of these students (Earn the Right to be heard), and invest in the lives of their parents.
Is it going to be hard? Oh yeah. Is it going to take sacrifice? More than I can count. Is it really worth it? More than we'll ever know. Student Pastors, pour your life out. Live a life "upside down." Commit yourself to excellence. Invest in the lives of your students. It's all about real people wanting to follow a real God. It's worth it.
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