A few weeks ago, I posted in a YM News the question, “What is youth ministry?” In the past few weeks, I have read a few descriptions. Here are a few of them:
For me Youth ministry is about a spectrum of activities that relates the full spectrum of Christian ministry to the realm of youth. This however, is culturally framed and directed – because youth is culturally framed and directed. Youth ministry is inherently heterogeneous and often highly specialised. It also means, as in any form of ministry, that we have to work hard to develop our theological and spiritual base from which, and within which, we do ministry. - Nick Shepherd
Youth Ministry is simply an adult building a relationship with a student. - Jim Rayburn, founder of Young Life
Youth Ministry is an inclusive congregational ministry in which God comes, [through all modes of ministry and with special regard to parents (or their substitutes)] in a differentiated and focussed way to, with and through youth as an integral part of the local faith community and also with and through youth to the world. - Malan Nel in The Journal of Youth and Theology
I would define youth ministry as building an adult relationship with a student for the purpose of promoting spiritual maturity in every area of their life.
I do not think that it is limited to a local church context or specific activities.
Can youth ministry only take place in the context of adult/student relationship, or can ministry to youth take place within the context of student to student relationships? Does youth ministry cease to exist, for example, in campus clubs or college ministry in which the group is student lead?
so what is the difference between youth ministry and youth work that is done by a christian but who calls themselves ‘youth worker’?
I think there is a lot of “youth work” that is ministry (just not called that). For example, teachers in schools who are Christians, influencing students towards Jesus Christ, are ministering to youth. In some countries around the world, that is the only youth ministry that can exist.
mmm… I hear what you are saying, however I am a Christian who is a youth worker, but I wouldn’t say I was a youth minister. From my perspective I come from youth work values with my christian values underpinning all that I do. In other words I start from where the young people are and allow them to discover the important things for themselves. I will be there to chat, say what I think(when asked or when needed to clarify stuff) but not to impose my beliefs on them, not to tell them how to believe or behave, NOT to get bums on pews, but to allow them to find a relationship with God that is real for them and not something that that they have done because I want them to make a decision or they think I want them to.
And in your opinion, this is different than what youth ministers do? From your comment, it seems you think that youth ministers have as their sole job to “impose” their beliefs on young people or “get bums on the pews.” Maybe I am misunderstanding what you are saying.
no I don’t think youth ministers sole job is to impose or get bums on pews, but often that is what happens…. and as someone who has been doing youth work for 30 years, I do not see myself being able to do that with any integrity. So if I come to the job with youth work values which is about participation, equality of opportunity, education (informal) and empowerment, I should not be imposing anything, but rather through my life and words be a good role model and allow young people to experience worship and new things to broaden their life experience. so that the young people will want to know wat is differnt. sure I will tell them what I believe, but I don’t expect them to take that on for themselves unless they are wanting to know more and ask.
hope that is clearer now
Thanks for the clarification. Can you tell us what kind of youth work you do? That would help me understand the difference.
hi sorry haven’t responded but I was away from yesterday morning until an hour or so ago!! I actually teach on a professional youth work course, but also am the volunteer youth worker for my church, so do confirmation classes as well as youth group on sunday evening.