Dear Student Pastor/Leader,
1. Give them rich content and fun.
I love a good game. Throw some chocolate syrup and burger in a blender and I’m down. I think making church a fun place to be has much value. However, it shouldn’t be the primary thing a student walks away remembering. What a wonderful opportunity you have to develop teenagers into theologically rich and gospel-centric young people. I can’t tell you the joy I experience when I speak with a freshman in college who had a youth pastor who faithfully taught the truths of the Scriptures to them.
2. Teach them that in Christ they have all things.
So many college students enter school seeking value and worth in frivolous things. They don’t understand that, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3). As new creations in Christ, God gives them value. Can they join organizations, play intramurals, and work within the student government? Yes, however their value and worth isn’t defined by what they can offer. Upon entering college they need to understand that Christ has equipped them to be uniquely them.
3. Help them see past the youth room.
Teenagers have a natural affinity towards each other. You don’t have to tell a 15-year-old to hang out with another 15-year-old. They do that already. Help them see that God has gifted them with abilities for the benefit of the whole church. Imagine a college freshman with a deep love for the local church? Do you think he/she is going to stray? Most likely not. College ministry in many ways is vastly different than student ministry. We do them a disservice when they only interact they have at church happens in the youth room.
Youth Pastor/Leader, Keep up the wonderful work. You are in a position to shape teenagers in an extremely influential time. Thank you for your hard work, deep love and commitment to seeing teenagers love Jesus more than themselves.
Sincerely,
A College Pastor
