Youth Specialties Blog

NYWC- LA BIG ROOM 2: PERRY NOBLE + DAVID CROWDER BAND

By Ryan Smith on September 25 2009 | 9 Comments

When I look at the church today I see a big breakdown between youth ministry and the church
Some of you feel like an overly glorified babysitter and no one understands how important your job is
I believe the reason I am here today is to say “You Matter”
God is using you to shape the future of the church- you need to understand it so you can do it

#1 I pray the church will begin to pay attention to youth ministry. (Acts 20:7 )

They are not the church of tomorrow, they are the church of today!
Youth Ministry is the ripest field on the planet
Why? We have treated them like 2nd class citizens for 18 years
A teenager was sitting in the back of this “church” in Acts 20 and died.
Perry’s first Youth Ministry in the Budget was $500.00-
The church nickles and dimes the youth ministry – the church doesn’t ask its senior citizens to sell donuts when they want to go on a trip
Mature people give up their rights so immature people can grow.

#2 I pray that Youth Ministries will submit (Acts 20:10)

Students need leaders who submit to Jesus.
Not of these students can relate to superman.
Students need leaders who are not trying to be Rob Bell (don’t buy the glasses or record 8 minute videos).
Perry just admitted to a 790 SAT score COMBINED.
The problem with ministry is we are basing it on IMITATION not REVELATION (referring to copying another ministry models and curriculum)

#3 I Pray For A Bblical Foundation (Acts 20:11

People are leaving churches because there is no bible and no Jesus- anyone who tells you differently is lying
Paul never stopped preaching- he never took his eyes off Jesus
Danger #1 We only teach morality- don’t watch R movies, don’t listen to secular music= creating weird social misfits
Teach the world and dominate the world with the gospel
Danger #2 We compromise because we want a big cool crowd-
If we don’t teach Jesus our ministry is “crap and cinnamon sticks”
Danger #3 We push a personal agenda: Jesus didn’t die for our agenda.
I am all about recycling but Jesus is coming back to to blow the planet up.
Numbers matter- each one represents a life in the midst of changing.

#4 I pray for stewardship (Acts 20:12)

There are some people here who are thinking about quitting: Jesus has been through it and he didn’t quite.
“If only I had big lights and building, budget” when we say we are going to quit we say Jesus, the scriptures, and the Holy Spirit are not enough.
Pentecost Acts 2 there were no fog machines and lights
Senators serve and impact for decades, Church leaders serve and impact eternity- who is more important?

Discussion:

What are some of your prayers for youth ministry? the church?
What are some practical ways we can practice stewardship, foundation, submission, and attention?
What do you think the average youth ministry in America needs to go to the next level?

By Ryan Smith on September 25 2009 | 9 Comments