Read through youth ministry books and other literature and chances are you will read quite a bit about how youth ministers need to keep their fingers on the pulse of youth culture. We need to know where the popular hangouts are, what the popular television shows are, what technology they are using, what music is on their iPods, and on and on. Not only are we supposed to know these things, we are supposed to observe them as well: actually watching their TV shows, listening to their music, etc. This supposedly helps us to better relate to teens and understand the world they live in, which will allow us to minister to them better.

But I’m not so sure. I think I would rather spend my time getting to know my teens instead of getting to know their culture. What means more to a teen, saying “I watch ‘The Hills,’ too” or actually spending an hour with him or her?

I’m not saying studying youth culture isn’t helpful. It might be helpful. But lots of things are helpful in life, but they’re not exactly important. In budgeting my own time, I choose not to spend it studying youth culture. I see it as a peripheral exercise that takes a back seat to knowing people, studying the scriptures, and reading in areas of theology and ecclesiology.

Is youth culture really that big of a deal?