Priorities: Youth

We say that the youth are our focus, but that should be evident in what we do, say and believe.

• Our goal is not to make them just like us, agree with us, hold our beliefs. Rather, we are to help them find who they are, and develop beliefs that are intrinsic
• We need to be alert to and afraid of adulation that goes to our head. This is not good for anyone.
• We need to know what they prefer, want and need. This changes from year to year and from group to group.
• Outside agendas, such as “We've never done it that way before,” “that's not acceptable behavior,” “we need to preserve (older music/particular games or songs/traditions/ways of saying things),” “but I don't like that (“I” is not a factor in youth ministry),” “we don't want to upset the Elders,” … are way done the priority list. They can be considered but the current youth and their needs, wishes and concerns come first.
• We need to know their culture. We are not to buy into it or mimic it, but to know understand and adjust to their culture.
•   We need to cut them space and slack.
•  In pictures of youth group activities, especially public ones, are you the center of the picture or are your youth? 
  
  There are things that will help them in the long run that they might not accept or agree with. If we are really sure it is for their benefit, then we may need to be willing to be unpopular with them and insist on it.