Faith Beyond Youth Group – Five Ways to Form Character and Cultivate Lifelong Discipleship

Youth ministries often produce nice, obedient kids who behave themselves but struggle to extend their faith beyond youth group. Faith Beyond Youth Group offers five ways to cultivate character for a lifetime of growing closer to Jesus, such as cultivating trust, modeling growth, teaching for transformation, practicing together, and making meaning.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2024
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group

Youth ministries have become increasingly focused on producing well-behaved and obedient children who behave themselves but then leave the church and the faith. Even those who remain struggle to extend their own faith beyond the youth group. While these young individuals may appear to be good kids, their lives and decisions outside of youth group are not aligned with Jesus. It is evident that this is not our ultimate goal. Therefore, it is crucial to ask ourselves what we are doing wrong and how we can better serve the unique needs of the most anxious, adaptive, and diverse generation in history.

If you are tired of traditional youth ministry that fails to make a lasting impact, it is time to rethink and transform your approach. Drawing on two decades of the Fuller Youth Institute's pioneering work and incorporating extensive new research and interviews, "Faith Beyond Youth Group" offers a comprehensive guide for adult youth leaders who want to cultivate character for a lifetime of growing closer to Jesus. This book identifies the common reasons why youth ministry often falls short in both the short-term and long-term, providing valuable insights for leaders who are committed to making a difference.

One of the key findings of "Faith Beyond Youth Group" is that youth ministry often fails to address the deeper emotional and spiritual needs of teenagers. Instead, it focuses solely on teaching them moral values and religious principles, which can be effective in the short term but may not foster a lifelong commitment to faith. To address this issue, the book offers five practical ways for adult youth leaders to cultivate character for a lifetime of growing closer to Jesus.

Firstly, leaders must cultivate trust with their teenagers. Trust is built through open communication, genuine care, and consistent presence. By demonstrating trustworthiness and vulnerability, leaders can create a safe and supportive environment where teenagers feel comfortable sharing their struggles and questions.

Secondly, leaders should model growth and transformation in their own lives. Teenagers are more likely to be influenced by their leaders' actions than their words. By living a life that reflects the values and principles they teach, leaders can inspire teenagers to pursue personal growth and development.

Thirdly, leaders should teach for transformation rather than simply information retention. Teenagers are hungry for meaning and purpose, and youth ministry should provide opportunities for them to explore their faith and connect it to their daily lives. By encouraging teenagers to ask questions, think critically, and engage in meaningful conversations, leaders can help them develop a deeper understanding of their faith and its relevance to the world.

Fourthly, leaders should practice together as a community. Youth ministry is not a one-person show; it requires the collective effort and support of the entire leadership team. By practicing together, leaders can build stronger relationships, share resources and ideas, and create a sense of unity and camaraderie among the youth group.

Finally, leaders should make meaning together with their teenagers. Meaning is found in the experiences, relationships, and activities that we engage in. By creating opportunities for teenagers to participate in meaningful projects, service opportunities, and social events, leaders can help them find purpose and fulfillment in their faith.

In conclusion, if you are tired of traditional youth ministry that fails to change lives, it is time to embrace a new approach. "Faith Beyond Youth Group" provides a comprehensive guide
guide for adult youth leaders who want to cultivate character for a lifetime of growing closer to Jesus. By cultivating trust, modeling growth, teaching for transformation, practicing together, and making meaning, leaders can help teenagers develop a deep and lasting faith that will guide them throughout their lives. This book is a valuable resource for anyone who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people and wants to create a youth ministry that truly impacts the next generation.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 147 x 224 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781540903518