When I reflect on the current state of youth ministry in the church; I automatically become aware of many red flags and dangers.  Many of our students have this kind of idea that they are following a hip, cool, and flashy Jesus.  Our services are fun and culturally relevant as to not lose this generation, but at what cost. Now I am not saying that our youth meetings should be a drag, but entertainment and drawing students in should never be the focal point.  The method of reaching students may change but the message can never be watered down or diluted for the sake of being relevant.  The bottom line is what are our students following? Are they really following Christ or more of a brand or idea that is not founded in truth.  Do they understand that Jesus was not a popular celebrity or icon and that the crowds shouted to “crucify Him!”?  Truly following and making Jesus Lord of their lives, will never be popular in a world going in the opposite direction. I find that I am frequently asking myself the following question.  Am I as a student minister, leading in such a way that these students will stand on the truth of the Word of God, even if they have to stand alone?

When others look at the product of our labor as youth leaders, what do they see? Is it just some kids wearing Christian clothing or sporting youth group brands with nothing of substance coming from their lives’?  Is there any difference between them and the rest of the world? Are we equipping warriors who use arrows of love and truth to reach the generation around them? Do we teach them and challenge them to walk with God and push them in the truth of Scripture even if they don’t like us? If we as ministers to students care more about popularity than the spiritual state of students; they will do the same.  I pray that as a student minister my life is producing more than an endless cycle of baby Christians who never grow up to be leaders for Christ in a lost world.