An excerpt from Amy Jacober’s book, The Pastor’s Guide to Youth Ministry, includes a top ten list.
There is no one way to do youth ministry,” says youth minister Amy E. Jacober in The Pastor’s Guide to Youth Ministry
What does a healthy youth ministry look like? Jacober posits her “top ten signs of a healthy youth group.” And if her ideas do not ring true in your church, she suggests using the list as a discussion starter to define your own signs of success.
Top Ten Signs of a Healthy Youth Group
- Your teens are not embarrassed to invite their friends.
- You know not only the names of your youth but something about each one.
- Your students know they are at church and not at an after-school program community center.
- Other adults in the church know the names of your students and pray for them.
- Your church cares more for teenagers than they care about the carpet.
- Your group is loving and friendly to others.
- Your group shows a change in its thinking, attitudes, and behaviors that reflect time with God and in the Bible.
- Your house or office has been “decorated” at least once in the past twelve months.
- You and your leaders are more refreshed than drained.
- Your youth grow up to be lifelong followers of Christ.
This list is used by permission from Abingdon Press.
