Upon reflecting theologically about the nature of youth ministry it becomes clear that the existence of youth ministry as it is popularly practiced in western Christianity is a sociological, rather than theological, phenomenon. Societal structures have divided populations according to age-based categories, especially in the public education system, thus normalizing such divisions. Youth ministry bought into this division initially and seems to be in the process of rejecting itself as a separate entity from the wider ministry of the church. This new emphasis to move away from completely age-segregated ministry is a healthy transition.

While it is admirable that youth ministry is trying to shun the “one-eared Mickey Mouse” model of ministry it is also impossible to speak of change in youth ministry without speaking in the same breath of change in the church. As a community called by God to disciple all people into the Way of Jesus Christ, regardless of age, race, gender, or status, youth ministry is in essence a ministry of the church, not a ministry of a select group of paid professionals or dedicated volunteers. Youth ministry may contain said paid professionals and dedicated volunteers but should not be defined nor limited by them. Instead, these paid professionals and volunteers should serve as a gateway to creating a congregational ethos of youth ministry. When a congregation sees youth ministry as a vital part of its overarching mission adults will willingly accept youth into roles normally reserved for adults and be willing to deal with the almost certain inconveniences that will arise out of youthful passion and egocentrism. This may lead to “messy” ministry, but oftentimes messiness is a prerequisite to authenticity. Ministry to and with youth must continue the move out of age-segregation, past the involvement of families in ministry, and towards the total inclusion and integration of youth and adults within the Christian community.

The Telos: Youth Ministry as Disciple-Making

After understanding that youth ministry is a theological practice and that it should occur as a function of the overall ethos of a congregation, the questions must be asked, “To what end? Why are we doing this?” Most simply, youth ministry has as its aim to make lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ out of adolescents. To do anything less would not be rightly called ministry.