by Peter Dutton, MHPL Youth Ministry ConsultantIn this post-Christian era that we live in, Youth Ministry needs to be a high priority in churches today. Research from NCLS data tells us that 80% of people make a decision to follow Jesus before the age of 20.[1] Research also indicates that those who have committed to following Jesus at a young age, are more likely to continue in their faith for the rest of their lives. Research also tell us that 40% of youth say that youth group experiences are significant for their spiritual formation.[2]
The young-adult drop off is real and affecting youth at a much younger age, with research suggesting 72% of people are leaving church after high school and this is probably getting higher.[3] Often, we see that young-adults may leave the church once they finish high school, but the reality is, they have probably disengaged years before they officially become an adult.
In an age where youth ministry is often aimed at entertain youth, the results often show us that youth are actually after something more. The gospel is as relevant today as it’s ever been, and young people are open to it. God’s word is still transforming lives thousands of years after it is written. One of the key ingredients that experts tell us to help alleviate this problem is to run youth ministry which is inherently focused on biblical discipleship. Discipling youth through their high school years in reading and understanding the bible can produce fruit that lasts. It’s about getting alongside youth and studying the bible with them. It’s simple, effective and easy to do.
There are countless examples throughout Australia, where young people are being invested by the people in local churches and going on to change the communities in which they live in. We are told that there are no youth in our churches in this diocese, and that they are not interested in faith anymore. The opportunities are enormous, with around 5 million people living in our diocese. Research suggests that we are the most spiritual that we have ever been, and the effects of Covid have only increased the appetite for people to explore something bigger. Young people are no different. They are definitely complex, and definitely can be challenging, but they are worth investing in.
The strength of youth ministry in this diocese is the strength of youth ministry in the local church. It is time to increase this focus, to meet young people where they are at, and to disciple them the way Jesus taught us. I thank God that MHPL is investing in encouraging, supporting and resourcing those who are passionate about discipling youth. I feel very humbled and privileged to be working alongside MHPL to help to strengthen biblical ministry across the diocese. I look forward to seeing how God will use this opportunity to equip youth leaders and bring more young people into relationship with Jesus Christ for his glory.
Peter Dutton is Youth & Young Adults Minister at St Bart’s, Toowoomba as well as Youth Ministry Consultant for the Mathew Hale Public Library. Through a partnership with St Bart’s, Peter has been engaged by the library one day/week. He is available to provide advice on Youth Ministry in your parish.
[1] 2016 NCLS Attender Sample Survey O_22 (n = 1358).
[2] McCrindle, ‘Social change, spiritual trends: Christianity in Australia today.’ (Christian Venues Association, 2014; NCLS 2011).
[3]Philip Hughes ‘Why Young People Are Leaving the Church’. Pointers 25.1 (2015): 1-8.