Recently, I was asked by our beloved DS Rev. Jackie Brannen to share about my ministries with youth and how to make youth ministry sustainable. To be honest, I don’t feel like I am the right person to talk about this topic as I myself always struggle with children and youth ministry like everyone else. But I think the reason why I was chosen is mainly because I am blessed with my five children who are Sunday School core members and my wife who has gifts and heart for children. So let me share some reflection as one beggar who wants to share his bread with another beggar.

The Power of One

We are often told that we need to have a clear mission statement for youth ministry, measureable three-year goals, and a fast-paced, high-tech ministry approach. Though these are all good and important, we need to remember that our children rate “a senior pastor who understands and loves teenagers” more important than all the other qualities.

Yes, it begins with you. it begins with me. Pastors and church leaders who understand and love our children are key to sustainable youth ministry. For me personally, I don’t feel like I’m naturally compassionate person. So I pray for compassion, patience, and love. I plead, “God, help me to love these children. Help me to care about their struggles and their families’ concerns. And make me real.” Children know instinctively who loves them and cares for them. Compassionate pastors and church leaders pull children in like a magnet. Remember it begins with you and me.

Building Community

Rick Lawrence did in Group Magazine’s fascinating study of ten thousand youth group kids. They asked students, “If you were choosing a church, how important would the following things be?” (numbers represent the percentage of kids who rated this item as “very important”):

  1. a welcoming environment where I can be myself—73 percent
  2. quality relationships with teenagers—70 percent
  3. a senior pastor who understands and loves teenagers—59 percent

You see our children are much more likely to be moved relationally rather than programmatically. In this survey we can hear our children’s longings, “Please know me, move me, be there for me.” They thirst for meaningful relationships with adults as well as their peers. So it’s crucial for the church to build community that is intergenerational, diverse, inclusive. What our children need most is not just their peers but also droves of durable, Christian adults.

Many of us are in a rural ministry setting. We may not have all the resources and people to support more diverse ministry. However, there are things that we, small churches, can uniquely offer, including a family feel to others – “a sense of community.” We can proactively invite children to be part of the life of our church instead of segregating them into their own space. We can offer a rich and beautiful opportunity to forge these inter-generational relationships. For instance, before the pandemic started, Houlton UMC always celebrated “Family Worship” every fourth Sunday of the month. Our children and youth were welcome to stay for the entire service and encouraged to help lead worship. And after service, we all enjoyed “Love Feast” fellowship (potluck luncheon) together. During the pandemic, we made every effort to invite everyone – children and youth, young and old, active and homebound seniors – to offer themselves to God in praise and thanksgiving according their gifts. We found ways to let people (including children and youth) pray, read scripture, sing, share their faith stories on a regular basis. By this we have been building community. Sustainable youth ministry comes from our long-term, sustainable relationships with our children.

One Child at a Time

Youth ministry is a high and holy calling. But at the same time, it can be a time-consuming energy draining task. We serve and love our children and their families, but oftentimes we get little response from them. We even get hurt. As pastors and church leaders, we need sustainable well to stay the course. So where do we find the strength, courage, and motivation to love our children like we’ve never been hurt? For me, John 21 is my go-to text. Always be fed first, then feed others. Youth ministry is not the hope of the world. Jesus Christ alone is the hope of the world.

We are not asked to make youth ministry grow. We are simply called to love Christ and faithfully take care of the sheep that he has sent to us. Today you may not have any children and youth among you. or You may be overwhelmed with great needs of children and young families among you. No matter what the situation is, our calling is always the same. It’s to love Christ’s sheep with our love for Christ. And it always begins with one child. So today, let us pick up one child given to us, love that child, pray for that child, bless that child in Jesus’ name. Remember it’s one child at a time.