People and Programs

There’s always a struggle in youth ministry regarding whether we should focus on building relationships (People) and organizing activities (Programs). In reality they are two sides of the same coin. You cannot have one without the other.

Types of Youth Programs

While balanced youth programs have elements of each of these, there tends to be a primary emphasis in certain areas from program to program.

Evangelism based.
This may be a youth group or ministry which has as it’s primary focus evangelism. The ministry is centred on outreaches, door knocking, witnessing classes etc.
Key Inputs: Preach the Gospel – Matthew 28:20
Gift emphasis: Evangelism and preaching

Discipleship Based
In this group, building up and strengthening of believers is the primary objective. Maturity in Christ for each member is the goal. Training on how to discover your gifts, healing, prophecy, tongues may be common if from a Pentecostal background or if nor Pentecostal the emphasis may be on the lay mobilisation, lay ministry, team ministry where the minister is one of the team etc.
Key Inputs: The body life – Ephesians 4:11
Gift emphasis: Discernment of gifts, exhortation.

Ministry based
This involves a range of welfare or semi welfare type ministries designed to meet the “needs” of people. Some example may be a children’s club, youth centre, feeding program, craft mornings, visitation, ethnic fellowship times, morning teas, study or tuition group, after-school care, counseling, etc. Can also be any group which is service project based or involves community care of some type.
Key Inputs: The poor – Luke 4:11
Gift emphasis: Mercy, Shepherd

Teaching Based.
A strong teaching ministry – most members bring Bibles to session with many taking notes. Traditionally the meetings are designed for the committed Christian. In some groups the line between discipleship based groups and teaching based groups is blurred.
Key Inputs: The Word – 2 Tim. 3:16
Gift emphasis: Teaching, wisdom, prophecy (proclamation) and preaching

Worship Based
The main objective of this group is the celebration of God’s presence and honoring him with our lifestyle. The ministry has a strong emphasis on Music, prayer, Scripture, giving, meditation, worshipful drama or even dance.
Key Inputs: Character of God – Romans 12:1-2
Gift emphasis: Prayer, faith

Fellowship Based
The group is seen by new comers to be very laid back with a strong emphasis on fellowship events, meals and outings after the event is seen to be as important as the meeting itself. The group is relationship based rather than organisational based. Home groups have an emphasis on sharing.
Key Inputs: The Church as a community – Ephesians 2:19
Gift emphasis: Shepherd, encouragement

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