12 Fundamental Keys to Developing an Effective Youth Ministry

The enemy’s job is to discourage and derail us from what God has called us to do. God’s Word gives us both a warning and grounds for hope in John 10:10, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” The enemy tries to take advantage of us, hurling darts at our minds in the attempt to steal, kill, and destroy the work God has begun in our lives. As a result of all these fiery darts, youth leaders often feel frustrated and defeated. Many feel they have failed both in ministry and in life. How many times has the enemy left you feeling like no matter how hard you work you will never finish everything you have to do? We cannot continue entertaining in our minds what the father of lies is constantly telling us. We must remember that Jesus came to give us life so that we could live it to the full. Jesus tells us about the enemy’s plan and also gives us the weapon of the Word to fight him. You are the leader God chose for here and now, and you must not allow the ministry into which God has placed you to stagnate and fail. Lean into God’s strength; fulfill your calling!

In the following chapters I will share some examples and principles from the Word of God which my wife Mary and I have used for years in youth ministry. We have seen lives transformed and families restored by the power of God. These bedrock principles I will share work anywhere in the world because they are based on God’s Word. They are just a few of God’s principles for any ministry, and they allowed Mary and me to develop an effective youth ministry. The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 3:13–14, “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” I encourage you to run toward that goal and that prize.