Commentary
What essential Characteristics should a model of youth ministry include?
It must promote holistic growth. We need a model of youth ministry that corresponds to a contemporary understanding of adolescent development and faith growth (see “Adolescents Today” in the Leadership Development component of Youth Ministry Access); Specifically one that promotes the internal assets and faith life of youth, while strengthening the external, community supports for positive youth development. We need a model that attends to a wide spectrum of youth needs and that is also attuned to the distinct developmental and social needs of young and older adolescents.
It must be family-and community-centered. We need a model of youth ministry that moves beyond traditional youth-only programming to include ministry with families, incorporation of young people into all aspects of church life, and partnerships with other churches/synagogues, schools, and community agencies in a common effort to promote positive youth development. Youth ministry needs to situate itself within this broader context.
It must be flexible and inclusive. We need a model of youth ministry that responds creatively and flexibly to all the youth of the parish, not just the ones who attend programs. We need a model that is designed to enlarge the number of approaches and methods used to minister with youth so that all youth can be reached through a parish’s youth ministry. Gone are the days when one program structure can respond to all the needs of youth.
It must put people first. We need a model of youth ministry that recognizes the changing needs and life situations of young people and their families and places this reality ahead of program structures. Programs are made for people; people are not made for programs. We need a flexible, adaptable model of youth ministry that can be tailored to address the real needs and life situations of today’s young people and their families in our particular community setting.
It must be theologically sound. We need a model of youth ministry that is well grounded in the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ and his Church. We need a model that will provide a clear understanding of youth ministry as integral to the life of the church.