Youth ministry, also commonly known as a youth group, is an age-specific religious ministry formed by religious groups or other religious organizations, usually 12 to 30 years old, whose mission is to engage and interact with young people who attend their places of worship or who live in their community. A youth group, or youth ministry, is an age-specific religious group. Its goal is to get young people, usually 12 to 18 years old, to participate in activities based on faith and spiritual awakening. Church youth groups can also include people up to 30 years old who act as group leaders and relate to participants.
Young people need guidance and support as they go through the most difficult part of their development and seek to grow in their walk with Christ. Christ-like leaders are needed to serve young members of the congregation and help them achieve their full potential. National Catholic Youth Ministry Federation (Washington, DC) A non-profit organization dedicated to encouraging the development of youth ministry within the Catholic Church in the United States. For the body of Christ to grow, that is, believers, it is necessary to begin with the future of the church: young people.
It focuses on youth empowerment, religious and social questioning, cooperation between youth and adults, worship, learning, companionship and social action. YouthScape (Southern Baptist Convention) (Nashville, TN) A resource site for the youth ministry of the Southern Baptist Convention. Youth ministry leaders must build on a biblical foundation in order to effectively communicate with young people. Whether it's a local non-profit organization, a youth group is likely to be able to offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities.
At a time when terms related to “church growth” have a commendable status in ministerial leadership circles, the result can be low-quality youth ministry. So, if you're looking for ways to help your teen grow spiritually in their formative years, consider joining a youth group. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Home and Family Division, Youth Materials: Resources for Youth, Parents, and Youth Leaders Forum for Adults in Youth Ministry (FAYM) (Columbus Pike, Delaware) A professional organization for youth workers dedicated to increasing the professionalism of the field of youth ministry in the eyes of the church. These beliefs are ingrained in Christian youth ministries and are still very much alive in many parts of the world.
Anyone interested in starting or joining a youth group should understand that commitment and perseverance are the keys to success. Available resources, youth personalities, and community culture influence what is offered through each church's youth group. Ultimately, helping young people to grow spiritually in their formative years will equip them to have an impact for Christ both now and in the future. So what do you do in a youth group? How often do they meet and what do they talk about? These are all legitimate questions for anyone thinking of starting or joining a church youth group.
By contributing to the church and interacting with other adults there, young people feel important, involved and cared for. And in Canada, the NCSY is a leader in raising awareness among unaffiliated young people about what Judaism is.
