What are some initial perceptions that come to mind when thinking about the next generation? Perhaps something positive or negative? Maybe something in the middle?
Despite various spirited opinions, we have reasons to hold onto hope for those growing up today. According to Barna, research indicates a growing interest in Christianity among the youth.1 Seeing a rising interest in the faith paired with the reality that God cares immensely for the upcoming generations (Ps 78:1-9) is great news for the Church.
Even so, one question that often comes to mind is how the local church can step up to support youth leaders and youth ministry. Although the local church often does its best, the unfortunate reality is that youth leaders have not always been treated well. Youth leaders navigate through various challenges in ministry, yet many continue to do their best to persevere and be faithful to God’s calling.
A study from Fuller Youth Institute recognized two concerning trends regarding youth leaders: 1) Many youth leaders tend to experience various degrees of burnout during their time of ministry and 2) that many youth leaders have contemplated quitting due to reasons such as job responsibility additions, competing demands, issues with church leadership, and more.2 Given this, what can we, as the church, do to support our fellow leaders today?
Although we may not have the power to sway the leadership of the church or perform miracles, one thing we can do is strengthen and encourage one another often. Many church leaders often feel isolated in doing the work of ministry for various reasons, however one thing remains clear: Ministry cannot be done in a vacuum. Youth leaders, like all church leaders, are in need of encouragement, fellowship, and guidance.
Our leadership at SOLA wanted to play an active part in encouraging our youth leaders and engaged with a group of seasoned youth ministry leaders through recorded interviews in partnership with CTS America. We are excited to present these interviews as an invitation for you to not only receive ideas and encouragement, but also to find support among peers who are serving in a youth ministry context.
Within these videos, you will find a series of interviews from several pastors and biblical counselors. Hear from Monica Kim (Christian Counseling & Education Foundation), Charlie Kang (Good Stewards Church), Kevin Yi (Rooted Ministry), Gower Lee (New Life Presbyterian Church of Orange County), Terrence Shay (First Chinese Baptist Church), James Han (Redeemer Presbyterian Church), Clark Fobes (First Baptist Church of San Francisco), Danny Kwon (Rooted Ministry), and Ervin Liang (Living Hope Community Church) as they share from their experiences to help anyone who has served, currently serves, or wants to serve God by impacting the lives of the upcoming generations. These interviews address various topics such as parental understanding, cultural nuances from immigrant parents, things church leaders ought to know about youth ministry, and more.
We at SOLA hope you find these videos to be helpful as you continue to minister to the youth. Furthermore, we hope you would consider joining our Youth Leaders Cohort so you can meet other youth ministers who are eager to encourage and support one another. For more information on the cohort, please visit the SOLA Ministry Leader Cohort page