At the youth ministry course tonight we looked at purpose driven youth ministry: knowing why you’re involved is as important as doing it. We must have a passion for what we’re doing that is evident to all around. As suggested by Aristotle, youth ministry is about a phronesis category of knowledge involving discernment and practical wisdom in whatever situation we find ourselves. Following an Action-Reflection model, shaping experience through discoveries, and taking time to reflect and learn.
By sending His son Christ to dwell among us, He found a way to talk and communicate with us in a manner that made sense: JOHN 1 V.14 “the Word became flesh”. Christ accommodated himself to the culture and language and culture, using metaphors they could relate to, and meeting with them in their situation, addressing them with compassion and genuine concern. He comforted the disturbed, and disturbed the comforted, tuning outcasts into icons. Youth ministry is Educational, Evangelistic, and Pastoral, with the most important resource being ourselves: be empowered by God. As youth pastors, we need to be accountable to ourselves, and the ministry we are called to work in.