Youth Ministry Vision

Teenagers live in a world of superficiality where rock stars promote rape and killing cops and Nintendo is considered an achievement.

Teenagers go to school in classrooms where teachers can pass out condoms but cannot pray.

Teenagers live in a world where television has replaced relationships while deep inside they long to know that someone cares.

I personally believe that we have a program to give meaning and purpose to the lives of teenagers through following Jesus Christ.

But what is effective youth ministry? In the past, good youth ministry was often seen as program-oriented--rallies, events, and other elaborate gatherings. However, today we realize that long-term influence with lasting results comes from significant relationships and role models.

When I became a youth leader, I learned early that, not only did I love these teens and want to share the love of Christ with them, but I liked them as well. I want to be an example to them and share my life and time with them.

It makes sense--real-life ministry happens when we invest our time. The Apostle Paul also describes it in 1st Thessalonians 2:8 as an investment of our lives:

We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel . . . but our lives as well. And to set and share an example in life, worship, and attitude of who Christ is and what He does for us when we submit our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ.

The ability to live life in awe and wonder of the mighty acts and saving love of God through Christ is a lifestyle worth learning and applying daily. We live in a world that desperately needs to know the certainty of the saving love of Jesus and how that love can change life from agony to Awe.

--Jim Hickman