Eight Reasons to Minister to Our Youth

August, 2002

by: Jeff Jones

Recently I taught a lesson to the junior highers on why it is important for the church to minister to its youth, so I thought it would be a great idea to share those things with everyone. Here are the top eight reasons why we at Calvary Bible should minister to youth:

1. The Bible is not age–graded. God does not hold youth to a lower standard than the rest.
2. God has used youth in great ways. Check out Joseph (Gen 37:2ff.), Samuel (1 Sam 2:11, 18; 3:1-8), David (1 Sam 17:31ff.). Josiah (2 Chr 34:1, 3). Daniel and his 3 friends (Dan 1:1-21; 3:1-30), Jeremiah (Jer 1:6-7) and Mary (Luke 1:46-55), whom tradition holds was only twelve when she gave birth to Jesus.
3. God judges youth. There is a story in 2 Kings 2:23-25 where 42 lads mocked God's Prophet, Elisha. The prophet responded by cursing them, and two she-bears came and mauled them all. God will judge youth for their sin. Nowhere in the Bible does it say youth are ineligible for judgment, even hell, because of their age.
4. God gives spiritual gifts to Christian youth. 1 Pet 4:10-11 says, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Christian youth, just like every other Christian, have something to contribute to the church. If we do not let them serve because they are young, then we are making them sin.
5. Youth in America visit a mission field five days a week — school.
6. Youth are single. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7:35 that people who are unmarried have the most time to devote to the Lord.
7. Satan is after youth. What age group are most television shows, commercials, music, movies, etc. aimed for?
8. 80% of people come to Christ before age 25.

Are you convinced? Are we not fools if we don't value youth and desire that they be used to advance God's kingdom?