Youth in the Wild

This past Tuesday and Wednesday evening we had our First Serve event for youth ministry. The purpose of this event was to showcase the many different ways you can serve in Church of the Nativity’s Youth Ministry. We had a total of 9 people show and it was awesome to hear the different reasons as to why they were there. I’m often curious as to why people want to serve in youth ministry. I have my own reasons (besides being paid) for getting involved; however, the ones that people share with me are quite awesome. The general theme I get from people who want to serve in youth ministry is because they want to provide better opportunities for today’s youth. They want them to have a more exciting youth program, closer adult relationships or a chance to really enjoy their faith.
I met with a potential minister today about ministry and the search for a true faith purpose. He expressed that in his search for a church and faith suitable for him and his family that he wanted and needed discipline. It wasn’t because he felt as if he needed to be punished for any problems he caused but he wanted rules to follow, guidelines to lead him down the right path. This is all because he wants to set a good example for his kids.
I feel that we all have this desire for discipline. When you go out camping, hiking or out into the wild we enjoy the thrill and risk of being in the wilderness and the satisfaction of taking it on. We know that if we aren’t prepared and don’t have the right tools it can get crazy even deadly. The real world is wild and to we are constantly taking on everyday challenges and the way to get through them is with discipline. The thing that people tend to forget is the fact that the best discipline, the best set of guidelines come from God.
We are always searching for that thing to fill the void in our life; however, it that thing we seek out is not God’s love and attention we will only find ourselves lost. Youth ministry is not just about raising Godly youth, giving them a place to feel safe and entertained. I think the real purpose of youth ministry is to help youth survive in the wild.