The chief goal of youth ministry is that each of the young people will know Jesus as their Lord and savior, obtaining forgiveness of sins and eternal life through faith in the Son of God (Rom 5:8-9, Eph 2:8-10). Walking in fellowship with God (1 Jn 1:3-7), we desire each of the youth to love God supremely—with all their heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30). Love for God comes as a response to his love for us (1 Jn 4:19, Eph 2:4-5, Titus 3:4-5). Reminders from God’s Word will help us all to grow in faith and to delight in God above all things (2 Pet 1:12-15, Phil 3:1, Ps 37:4). Young people who love God more than anyone or anything will be characterized by obedience to God, worship, and evangelism. 

We want to help young Christians to live in obedience and holiness. Obeying God is motivated by love—God’s love for us and our love for him. As Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (Jn 14:15). By helping young people love God more and more, they will grow in obeying him. We want to use the Word of God to train them to distinguish good and evil and to discern holiness and worldliness (Heb 5:14, Phil 1:9-10). 

Walking daily in God’s mercy and recognizing his grace and love will prompt thankfulness to spring up in our hearts. We desire young people to worship God out of the thankfulness and awe welling up from all that he has done for them (1 Pet 2:9, 1 Thess 5:16-17, Mk 7:6, Jn 4:23-24). 

Like obedience and worship, evangelism also springs from love of God (2 Cor 5:14). “Evangelism” is most often thought of as speaking the good news of Jesus to those who do not yet know him. And that’s wonderful! In addition, we want young people to learn to remind each other of the truths in Scripture so they can encourage and build each other up in their faith (Jude 1:20). 

All youth ministry takes place in the context of the local church. The youth do not and should not live in a vacuum. Therefore, it is important for many mature Christians to be involved in the lives of our young people. Given the many “one another” commands in Scripture (Jn 13:34, Rom 12:10), it is essential to build vibrant relationships between people of all ages so that the whole church can be strong (Eph 4:16, 1 Thess 5:11). As the young people grow in their love of God, they will also increase in their love for each other and for everyone (1 Thess 3:12), to the glory of God and the strengthening of his church (Eph 3:21, Jn 13:35).