Forum 2 – Saturday Morning – Annual Gathering

Pastor Scott Elliott
Spirit of Joy, Weddington, NC
Pastor of Family and Youth

The young people in our culture are still out there. To reach them, we need to transform the way we think about ministry. NOT the message. The Gospel does not need to be updated or repackaged. We need to think outside the box. Just like Jesus did, we need to meet people where they are.

This starts earlier than some students. It starts with the parents. Helping parents build foundations in the word, praying, learning how to live for Christ, and being examples for their children is crucial. Scott says, “Faith becomes life. Scripture becomes the lens by which we see all thing through.”

Some practical steps are

Sunday School just for parents
Life group of young families
Family mission trips
Annual parenting conference

50% of students active in church today will put faith in backseat after graduation. 70% of those never return to their faith.

But faith does stick for 50%. Why?

They had a parent praying for them regularly.
They had 4-5 other adults outside of parents speaking truth and love into them. Showed interest in them.
Their faith is Christ focused and based on the Word.

Also, many think youth can’t understand the depth or complexity of scripture. These kids are taking AP or even college classes in high school. They can understand more then given credit for.

Who are the volunteers and adults helping shape and influence these youth? You. The entire church. They watch how you live out your faith. How you engage in worship on Sunday. How you serve in and out of church. How you speak to and about others.

“Youth recognize authenticity. And they have a really good BS meter.”

You are not outdated. You have to be who God wants you to be. Be authentic.

“Youth are not the church of tomorrow, they are the church of today.”

If we are being true to the youth, we can see their gifts and help them serve in areas that strengthen them. Where does TEC (Teens Encounter Christ) enter in? TEC deepens the faith of the youth. It also helps develop leadership, it helps them write about faith and biblical walks in ways others understand. TEC is a broader community and helps grow a desire to know God’s word better, evangelize to friends, confidence to be leaders in God’s kingdom now. Become a more integral part of the Body.

When a youth is wanting to grow deeper in their faith, it’s important for the church to help them continue growing. They can help in children programs, adults can mentor students, host a 4th day event. Then what?

They become Young Adults. They still need the acceptance, authenticity and mentoring. Don’t just thrust them into adult ministry. Be flexible and adaptive. Their lives are all over the place between school, working new jobs, learning a trade, even new marriages. Think outside the box and listen to them. They will tell you what they need. And you will continue to transform the way you do ministry.

A book referenced was Sticky Faith by Dr. Kara Powell.

Scripture