I cannot help but see the flip side of the coin. I also know of a lot of youth groups (yes groups not ministries) that are entertainment driven rather than Christ focused. Where the Truth of Jesus Christ as written in the Scriptures is not proclaimed boldly if at all. Where students come to build relationships and are encouraged to make “good choices’ and to “live right.” Youth groups that have lost their first love.

These groups are not making an impact and are loosing ground. Survey and study after study are showing that “church going” or “Christian” students are not living their lives differently other students. Compare Suicide rates, teenage sexual activity and promiscuity, cheating on tests… the list goes on and you may be surprised. If youth group is about making good choices, relationships, team building, character building and service, I would much rather send my kids to the Boy Scouts of America they will do a much better job.

Time and time again youth groups and churches try to compete. Maybe they want to have better music, better games, better coffee, better speakers, better service, better community, better…
A business professor once told me “know what business you are in!’ and to that I would say.
Leave the music to the musicians, the game to the Pro’s, leave the coffee to Starbucks and the speakers to the politicians and poets. Leave the service to the scouts and the community HOA and rec center. l

Know what business you are in, and be in the business of Jesus Christ. If you are not everyone else will just leave