5 Myths About Youth Ministry

We’re in a brave new world of teenagers. Raised as digital natives in an ever-more-connected world, the under-21 crowd doesn’t just talk and dress differently than older generations. They think and operate differently, accustomed to self-branding, swiping, and, enacting personal lives wholly online. While teenagers have always represented a ministry challenge, they’ve perhaps never felt more alien to older generations in the Church.  

Still, youth ministry is one of the most important ministries. Teenagers represent the next generation on the brink of adulthood. They’re making decisions–and mistakes–that can form and shape the remainder of their lives. And despite what mainstream culture may tell you, they’re thinking deeply about things…and asking questions about God. 

In the following article, we’ll look at five common myths about youth ministry. More importantly, we’ll learn how to run a youth ministry that really works. 

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5 Myths About Youth Ministry

To effectively engage Gen Z and Gen Alpha, it’s critical to understand the myths surrounding youth ministry. These are common misconceptions that are rooted in good intentions, but that often lead to ministries without tenacity or staying power. 

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Teenagers are looking for fun, not for God. 

Looking to capture the elusive attention of an attention-deficit generation, church leaders often turn to games and flashy entertainment to entice teens. But fun shouldn’t be the goal of youth ministry. After all, fun has never been more accessible–especially on screens. 

What are teens are actually looking for when they come to church? God. 

“I think fun is an important part of youth ministry…but it's not a show,” says 30-year youth ministry veteran Pete Sutton. “I want our students to come knowing that when they come, they're coming for God.”

According to a Barna report, over 75% of Gen Z is curious about Jesus. Keep this in mind as you design your youth ministry. Offering Jesus first will help you build a ministry that produces more authentic disciples of Christ.

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Teenagers don’t want relationships with older people. 

One of the challenges of youth ministry is recruiting volunteers who are young, cool, and Christ-following. But the reality is that volunteers don’t need to be young or “cool” to connect with teens…and in many cases, young people actually crave older mentors whom they respect. 

“We've got a number of volunteers that are in their 60s and 70s,” says Sutton.”They're my best volunteers–they've got time, they understand the weight of the assignment, they're consistent, and they're humble.”

Sutton goes on to describe a Vietnam vet who volunteers in youth ministry and earns the respect–and attention–of young people with his seasoned faith and stories. 

While you may not be a war veteran or have decades of experience following Jesus, you can offer teens what they crave: relationships. Remember that regardless of age, most people will respond to time and a listening ear. Don’t be afraid to recruit older volunteers.

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Teenagers want to be on their phones…all the time. 

People have never been more glued to their smartphones–and teens are certainly no exception. According to Forbes, the average teen spends more time on social media than on homework, topping 4.8 hours a day on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. 

While that fact should make you cringe, it shouldn’t lead you to believe that teens want to be on their phones for 4.8 hours a day. Remember that phones are designed to be addictive, and that phones have been proven to increase anxiety (see Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation). While some teens may chafe when you take away their mobile devices, most of them are relieved by the “forced liberation” from their iPhones at school or church. 

While the iPhone may be a great tool for helping you to run your church events, discourage teens from using their phones during youth services. They’ll thank you later. 

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Teenagers have their own sub-culture. 

Historically, teens have been known to have their own sub-cultures. In the 50’s, it was drive-in movies, greasers, and, fast cars. In the 60’s, it was the Beatles and anti-establishment movements. In the 90’s, it was grunge music. 

What do teens have in the 2020’s? Not just a sub-culture, but an entirely different culture, with its own subtext for functioning as people. Namely, they operate online–sometimes with a series of different personas. 

“They’ve been raised online,” explains Sutton. “It's a user generated world, so they call the rules… there's no way that we can break into that world.”

Sutton goes on to explain that many teenagers have different accounts for catering to different “audiences”–their school friends, church friends, and sports friends, for example. He also explains that we have no way to enter this entirely teen-run universe of online interaction. 

Rather than try to break into their online world, offer a space for authentic, in-person connection. 

Remember that you don’t need to be one of them to minister to teens; you just need to show them that you genuinely care about them. 

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You have to be socially savvy to connect with teens. 

Youth ministry can intimidate some simply because they don’t feel equipped to open up conversations with teens. But it doesn’t take much to break the ice with a teenager–asking basic questions like, “What brought you to church?” can be enough to get a student talking. 

Finally, remember that many of today’s teenagers are struggling with anxiety, depression, sexual confusion, and even suicidality at unprecedented levels. Simply offering your non-judgmental presence and genuine care can be enough to show a teenager the love of Jesus. 

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Tips for Running a Successful Youth Ministry

Finally, a list of tips to make your youth ministry a success:

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Be consistent

Consistency is the #1 driver of a successful youth ministry. When your volunteers are consistently showing up week after week, your youth know that they have a steady place to land from the chaos of teenagedom.

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Keep different teens in mind

If and when you do offer activities at your youth group, keep all kinds of teenagers in mind. Not everyone will want to play Gaga ball. Offering a crafting activity, for example, can be a great way to create space for more introverted students. 

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Don’t shy away from difficult conversations

Don’t shy away from conversations about sexuality and gender. If you do open up dialogue on this topic, you may want to send communications beforehand so that parents can opt out if they wish. 

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Communicate frequently 

Teenagers are busy. Make sure to communicate about upcoming events (you can use email and/or texting) to make sure everyone is in the loop.

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Over to You

Adolescence is one of the most critical seasons of life, spiritually speaking. In youth ministry, church leaders have an opportunity to touch the lives of teens on the brink of adulthood. Doing it right can produce far-reaching impact and eternal fruit. With a few strategy tweaks and shifts in mindset, youth leaders can build stronger ministries that produce disciples of Jesus that walk with Him into young adulthood and beyond. 

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If you’re interested in a tool that can help you plan youth services, coordinate volunteers, and communicate with teens and parents, check out Tithely All Access. It’s affordable, effective, and easy to use–plus, it’s mobile accessible. Learn more about Tithely All Access here.