BIBLICAL YOUTH PHILOSOPHY

Do not let "philosophy" scare you.  Philosophy is a big word that simply means the reason we do what we do.  It's not a word that most youth pastors use (or spell correctly), but it needs to be Biblical and work as a "filtering" device for everything associated with the youth program.  In other words, if it doesn't fit into the philosophy, it is not necessary.

I.          Purpose of Youth Ministry:

Eph. 4:11-13

Our purpose is to develop mature Christian adults through a complete discipleship process. The purpose of Faith Baptist Church as taken from its constitution shall be:

1. To preach Jesus Christ, and Him crucified, buried, risen, and coming again.

2. To present the way of salvation in Jesus Christ to the lost.

3. To build up the saints in their faith through regular worship services, prayer services,  and Bible study with Christian testimony.

4. To extend this same ministry throughout the world by the prayerful and monetary   support of missionaries.

Our desire is for our young people to grow into:

Adults that are EQUIPPED! (vs. 12a) -- Taught the Word of God
Adults that are EXPERIENCED! (vs. 12b) --Experienced in serving God
Adults that are EDIFYING!(vs. 12c.)-- Their lives are building up the church

II.     Point of Youth Ministry   Here is our six point GOAL of discipleship:

         A. The point of SALVATION! (Rm. 10:9,10)

1. Realize that you are a sinner.

2. Recognize that Christ died for your sin.

3. Repent of your sin.

4. Receive Jesus Christ as your Savior.

B. The point of SURRENDER. (Rm. 12:1,2)

1. Jesus Christ gave His life for you.

2. You should give your life to Him.

C. The point of STUDY. (2 Tim. 2:15)

1. Have a daily quiet time alone with God.

2. Have a regular feasting on God's Word.

3. Have an effective prayer time.

D. The point of SEPARATION. (Rm. 12:1-2)

1. Be different from unsaved people.

                    2. Be different from ungodly practices.

E. The point of being SOUL-BURDENED. (Mt.5:14-16)

1. Have a burden for lost souls bound for Hell.

2. Have a godly witness in front of the lost.

F. The point of SERVICE. (Col. 3:23-24)

1. Be ministering in the church for God.

2. Be ministering with all your heart.

III.    Plan of Youth Ministry

How do we bring about this six point goal?

A. We help teens be EQUIPPED with God's Word.

1. Daily Quiet Time

2. Sunday School Bible Lesson

3. Wednesday FOCUS Group

4. Pulpit Ministry

5. Scripture Memory Program

B. We help teens be EXPERIENCED in serving.

1. Christian Service Work (CSW's)

2. Personal Witness

3. Evangelistic Outreaches

C. We help teens EDIFY the church.

1. Prayer

2. Faithfulness to Church

3. Fellowship

4. Visitation

IV. People of Youth Ministry

Who are the key people in Youth Ministry?

A. The Parents

1. The HOME is the primary institution as set forth by God.

2. The PARENTS have the greatest responsibility and accountability for teaching and bringing up their children in the way of the Lord - not the church youth group.

B. The Pastor

1. The pastor is God’s man called to be shepherd of the entire church.

2. The pastor is an active advisor to the Youth Pastor, and has final approval or veto of any function.

3. The pastor is concerned with the spiritual growth of the Youth group as a ministry of the church.

C. The Youth Pastor

1. A man called of God to the specific area of working with young people.

2. The youth pastor is concerned with six specific areas in the discipleship of young people:

D. The Whole Church

The church is to LOVE the youth

1. Live Godly

2. Offer Support

3. Volunteer to help disciple

4. Encourage the teens verbally