Somewhere between the missing link and the hottest fad. by Dean Conkel
Things change. Views of youth being involved in missions are no exception.
Twenty-four years ago, missions would have been seen as a “missing link”, with youth ministries being rather egocentric and “serving others” seen as being a “foreign concept” (no pun intended)
Today, missions and youth are sometimes mindlessly connected together to produce the coolest fad for a youth group be involved in . . . plenty of experience without knowing the vital and biblical purpose behind "the trip".
If a youth ministry is not prayerful and careful the “missions and youth connection” in the United States can go from one unhealthy extreme to another.
Missions are vital and awesome. Ministry to youth and through youth is also vital and awesome. To have the best possible combination youth workers and leaders of the church should prayerfully incorporate the mission’s aspect of a youth ministry into the overall ministry to youth and through youth.
A Missions emphasis in a youth ministry should be complemented with a discipleship emphasis as well. Having students coming to know Christ, fall more in love with Christ and become more like Christ is the strongest foundation from which to build any type of Missions aspect within a youth ministry.
It should also be complemented with a fellowship emphasis (having strong, sweet and growing Christian relationships among the students and leaders in the group)
It should also be complemented with times of worship. Worship through song and/or prayer.
It should also be complemented with regular, local service to peers, the church and/or the community.
Missions should be one part of an on-going, well-balanced and biblical youth ministry.
Prayerfully Ideas to possibly put into practice
Start praying. Prayerfully work through the hard question of, “Why are we seeking to do missions in this youth group anyway?
Start locally. Passion for missions with show up locally as well as globally. This will help keep it from simply being a “summer experience trip”.
Start small. Prayerfully plan, prepare and participate in mission’s attempts that are “win-win-win”. Mission’s opportunities that truly Honor Christ, help others and are encouraging to those involved.
Start looking for help from Missions agencies that assist groups to be as honoring to Christ and as effective as possible. I humbly encourage you to contact Missions to the World (MTW) and their short-term missions department. It is a rich resource for youth ministries to use.
Start or continue teaching from Scripture the importance of Missions or “sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with others.” Don’t let a year go by without spending some time dwelling upon it. It is part of what we do as followers of Christ. (Matthew 28) (Acts 2) (Romans 12:11) (Gal 5:13)
Missions and Youth . . . not a “missing link”, nor a passing fad but an experience that honors Christ, is very helpful to others and is a blessing to those involved. Lord Jesus, please make it so. Amen.
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