The biggest challenge for any youth ministry is helping teens embrace a whole-hearted devotion to God that lasts far beyond their years in the youth room. But what does that look like, how does it happen, and how can parents and youth leaders work together in helping their kids follow Christ?
Veteran youth ministry educator and author Duffy Robbins says he’s learned the “secrets” of successful youth ministry. He shares those tips with us and unpacks what it means to launch teens and young adults into a lifelong walk with God.
Duffy points out that many teens in our country self-identify as Christians, but we need to probe that declaration. “There should be an inherent sense in which we’re all spiritual, but a lot of people approach faith with an “MTD” mindset – moralistic, therapeutic deism. Is God concerned with youth being happy, or following Him? Are those mutually exclusive?
Duffy shares some of his experience working with young people. Some youth ministries focus on “felt needs” and being complacent and comfortable; others are so “salty” and hard-hitting that the teens are turned off and vow to stay away from organized religion as a whole. Where can we bring the balance? Duffy says, genuine discipleship comes with time and patience. We can learn to spot the traits of a real-life teenage disciple, including a firsthand faith (fellowship vs. follow-ship). Duffy says, we can love young people without seeking to make them comfortable and unchallenged. “Most people don’t discover God when they feel safe. They discover God when they feel unsafe.”
“Real nurture doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a long-term thing. If you really want to call people to discipleship, don’t call them to the giant step that they can take 20 years from now. Call them to the baby step that they can take tomorrow.”
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