Standing quietly in the back, I am moved by the sight. Arms reach upward, voices carry throughout the room, and a tireless energy reverberates to the sound of the drum. Passionate and full of promise, they are far more than a group of teenagers. They are sons and daughters of God—the generation now, not next.
While I have heard others say they could never do what my husband and I do in serving as youth pastors, I see our role as a great privilege. Many times over, I have been deeply grateful for those on our team who have joined us in this high calling to high schoolers.
Calling His people out of captivity, God was specific in telling them that freedom would require sacrifice—His by grace and theirs by holiness. Laying down their chains, however, was a small price to pay for the abundance they would discover in His promised land. In His admonition to them regarding the boundaries within which they would find His blessing, He gave clear instructions: Raise up the next generation, lest the land be lost.
Looking at this passage, we see that the heart of teaching comes in living life together—talking of His truths along the way (Deuteronomy 11:18-20). Taking on a volunteer position in the church is important and helpful, but the real investment comes in relationship.
In the body of Christ, ministry to younger generations is not the responsibility of a select group with a particular gifting. When we all fail to impart to them the truth of God’s Word, we risk missing His heart and diminishing our inheritance. If we’re believers in the One who made time for children (Luke 18:16), then the church shouldn’t struggle to find mature believers willing to do the same today. The call—and the responsibility—is for all.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Ephesians 2:1-22
More:
Read Isaiah 59:21 and Psalm 78:5-7 to see God’s heart for generational investment in His kingdom.
Next:
How are you involved in the children’s or youth ministry of your local church? Considering your strengths, what are some practical ways you can invest in the younger generation?
GChoo on November 30, 2012 at 12:16 pm
Regina, thank you for reminding us the importance as well as it is God’s call to us to be involved in children and youth ministries.
I am really blessed that the church that i go to have courses to build up our knowledge of God besides the weekly sermon but also encourages us to take on children and youth work within and outside of the church.
Children and youth work may be challenging but it is also satisfying and wonderful to see them grow in knowledge, understanding and relationship with God and others.
Sometimes we think we may not have the ability to serve in these ministries, but if we don’t give it a shot we never know. Praying for wisdom, patience and understanding is definitely. Only God can provide us the way. That’s what i found out for myself when i volunteered to work with upper primary children since last year. Also, i have seen the changes with my own children when they were involved in the church youth group and activities. Thanks to those church volunteers who are willing to take up the call of God to serve in these ministries.
regina franklin on December 1, 2012 at 9:19 am
Thank you GChoo for sharing your heart. The rewards for investing in those who follow us cannot be underestimated. May the Lord richly bless your children and your family as you reach out to those around you.
winn collier on December 5, 2012 at 6:18 pm
the “real investment of relationship” – I like these terms because it is costly and also the only truly authentic way for transformation (ours and theirs).
regina franklin on December 5, 2012 at 10:27 pm
Dear Winn,
Good word–costly. Relationships require risk and transparency. But it’s not about putting our trust in others as much as it is putting our trust in the leading and protection of the Holy Spirit as we love others with our lives.