One of the most important parts of any youth ministry is building relationships with students. But this is getting harder. In a recent article, Cameron Cole writes, “Youth pastors now struggle to get access to kids or garner regular attendance at youth group events. And when kids don’t attend consistently, it’s hard for youth ministers to connect relationally, build community, or disciple effectively.” 

What factors have led to this struggle? Cole identifies the influence of social media, youth pastors’ increasingly limited access to schools, and extracurricular activities like travel sports that families add to their calendars as they chase college scholarships. 

How do we address these trends? Youth ministry leaders could simply do more outreach, helping with tutoring or coaching a sports team at a local school, for example. But Cole suggests a better approach may be found in simplicity, intentionality, and investing in families. “While youth pastors don’t have as much access to students,” Cole writes, “parents have more access than they did in previous generations.” This means investing in the spiritual maturity of your church’s parents is an investment in their kids’ discipleship.

Want to learn more? Read the full article below, or join us at TGC’s 2023 Conference, September 25–27, in Indianapolis. Cameron Cole will be there leading a microevent on “The Important Role of the Church in Family Discipleship.” I hope to see you there!

With prayers for the next generation,