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Youth Ministry Guiding Principles
from Mark
Yaconelli in his book "Contemplative Youth Ministry (Practicing the
presence of Jesus)"
Zondervan Publishing. Grand Rapids. 2006.
Anxiety vs. Love Youth Ministry
Anxiety seeks control.
(How do I make kids into Christians?)
Anxiety seeks professionals.
(Who is the expert that can solve the youth problem?)
Anxiety wants products.
(What book, video, or curriculum will teach kids about faith?)
Anxiety lifts up gurus.
(Who has the charisma to draw kids?)
Anxiety rests in results.
(How many kids have committed to the faith?)
Anxiety seeks conformity.
(Are the youth meeting our expectations?)
Anxiety wants activity.
(What will keep the kids busy?)
Anxiety seeks answers.
(Here’s what we think. Here’s who God is.)
Love seeks contemplation.
(How can I be present to kids and to God?)
Love seeks processes.
(What can we do together to uncover Jesus’ way of life?)
Love desires presence.
(Who will bear the life of God among teenagers?)
Love relies on guides.
(Who has the gifts for living alongside kids?)
Love rests in relationships.
(Who are the kids we’ve befriended?)
Love brings out creativity.
(In what fresh way is God challenging us through our kids?)
Love brings awareness.
(What are the real needs of the youth?)
Love seeks questions.
(What do you think? Or as Jesus said, “Who do you say that I am?”)
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