The 7 Principles of Effective Ministry to Children and Youth

By Rev Tim Beilharz & Annemarie Rivers

We believe ministry to children, youth and their families is vital for churches seeking to engage in God’s mission to see his name glorified and his kingdom grow. Research shows that most adult Christians made their decision to become disciples of Christ before 20 years of age[1], and yet it is at this same stage of life when many from Christian households decide to walk away from the faith[2]. There is a direct and observable impact on the growth of the local church when people under 30 years old have a healthy and active faith.

Youthworks’ 7 Principles of Effective Ministry sets out the priorities of a church that is effectively establishing young people as disciples of Christ and members of his Church. The principles come out of the biblical understanding of the status of young people as sinners in need of salvation, who along with the rest of the body are covered by the blood of Jesus through faith in his atoning death, and who are considered by God to be equal members of the Church. They affirm the responsibility given to parents and the whole Church to invest in the discipleship of young Christians. 

1.   Teach young people God’s word through relational discipleship

Proclamation of God’s word is essential to the growth of all God’s people. Scripture makes people ‘wise for salvation’ and ‘thoroughly equipped for every good work’ (2 Timothy 3:14–17). Preaching and teaching Scripture is essential to effective discipleship of children and youth and those who teach the Bible must do so with great care (James 3:1). 

Bible teachers must always recognise Scripture is the final authority on all matters relating to God and the Christian faith. They must always be prayerfully dependant on the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those listening. 

Scripture can be taught to young people in various ways, including preaching, small group discussions, song and storytelling. Language and content used takes into account the developmental stage of the audience. 

Effective teaching of God’s word functions best within the context of genuine Christian relationships. Relationships provide opportunities for young people to help each other understand God’s word. They also enable more mature disciples to model to younger disciples what obedience to Christ looks like in practice. Young people need a variety of trustworthy relationships where they can safely receive and ask for support as they learn and grow as disciples of Christ. 

2.   Equip parents to disciple their children in partnership with the church

Effective discipleship occurs when the church encourages and supports parents to be the primary disciple makers of their children. When church workers take on the main discipleship role in a young person’s life, they diminish the role God intended parents to play in the lives of their children. Effective ministries engage with parents in formal and informal ways. Leaders are encouraged to build relationships of trust with the parents of the young people in their ministry programs. They prioritise clear communication between the ministry and the home. They seek to work with parents to see children and youth grow as active believers. 

3.   Integrate young people into the household of God

Effective discipleship happens when young people are included as equal members and integrated into the wider “household” of God’s people. In an intergenerational church, Christians of all ages influence each other to glorify Christ and every Christian is affirmed as an equal member of the body. Moreover, an intergenerational church provides a safe environment in which young members can contribute to the community through active service, consolidating their identity in Christ. 

Integrating young people into the church body requires effective strategies to retain them through life transition points, develop discipling relationships with others beyond their peer group and actively participate in the life of the church. 

4.   See young people coming to genuine faith in Christ

Effective children’s and youth ministries are committed to welcoming new members into the body of Christ through evangelism. Evangelism starts with prayer (Ephesians 6:19–20). An outward-looking ministry will pray regularly for the lost and for God to use the church to share Jesus. Regular programs need to make the gospel accessible to newcomers, ensuring that it is proclaimed and modelled in various ways each week. It is very important that churches support this with an active welcoming strategy that helps newcomers connect into their community. One-off evangelistic events can be an effective addition, providing a focused time for gospel proclamation and follow-up. 

Equipping children and youth to share the gospel with their friends and family is also an important part of promoting evangelistic growth. This training will include help to explain the gospel clearly and age-appropriately and develop the social skills to engage in talking about their faith and effective welcoming.

5.   Collaborate with other churches in effective ministry to young people

Effective ministry happens as local churches collaborate with other Christians in the wider community. It is beneficial for young people to see that their membership within the people of God extends beyond their involvement in the weekly gatherings in their local church and that they belong to a global community of disciples ‘from every nation, tribe, people, and language’ (Revelation 7:9–17). This can significantly affirm a young person’s sense of purpose and identity as a Christian. 

6.   Effectively train leaders for gospel ministry to young people

Effective children’s and youth ministries actively recruit and train their leadership team. The kind of leader that the Bible commends acts with integrity and displays godly character, deep Christian convictions and ministry competence (1 Timothy 3:1–13). They will have a good understanding of the gospel of Jesus and how it applies to life both now and for eternity. Developing a leadership training program will facilitate the continued growth of leaders. This includes regular training and planning meetings where the ministry team can establish trust through teamwork, grow together in their faith and understanding of God’s word, learn new skills together and work on program direction and group culture. 

7.   Invest in spiritually and emotionally healthy youth ministry workers who lead with intent

The spiritual and emotional wellbeing of leaders is critical for the ongoing sustainability of children’s and youth ministry. A spiritually and emotionally healthy ministry worker exhibits resilience, maturity, self-control and the ability to make good decisions in the face of ministry pressures. They are invested in their own wellbeing through self-care and can maintain appropriate boundaries within their relationships. Moreover, they have a real trust in the grace and sovereignty of God. 

It is important that churches foster a healthy and safe environment where godliness and accountability are highly valued. This will help ensure their young people are led and discipled by leaders who are actively growing disciples themselves. 

Next Steps

The Youthworks Ministry Support Team has developed a range of resources to explore these Principles further. 

[1]  78% of Anglicans in Sydney say they became a Christian before the age of 20. Becoming a Christian: Key Influences on Faith Formation and Church Attendance. Report on Questions Commissioned by Anglican Youthworks in the 2016 National Church Life Survey. May 2018

[2] 40% of people raised in church-going Christian families leave the Sydney Anglican church by the age of 25. In Protestant churches in America this statistic is closer to 60%. 5 Reasons Millennials Stay Connected to Church: Research Releases in Millennials and Generations (September 17, 2013). The Barna Group https://www.barna.com/research/5-reasons-millennials-stay-connected-to-church/ accessed August 14th 2019.