From skateboards to service, young hearts
are captured by the joy of Jesus’ kingdom.
The following article was adapted from an archived youth resource.
A cartoon episode depicted a typical conversation between a father and his son:
Dad says, “Bobby, I want you to go to youth group.”
Bobby responds, “Dad, I don’t want to go to youth group. That’s boring.”
The father eventually persuades Bobby to go. As Bobby approaches the meeting place, he grumbles, “What a rip-off. Other kids are out having fun, and I’m stuck going to this stupid youth group.”
Then something caught Bobby’s eye — skateboarders at a nearby park. His face lit up, and he exclaimed, “Now that’s what I want to do!” To his surprise, the skateboarders were headed to the youth group too. In fact, they were the youth group! Suddenly, Bobby’s whole perspective shifted.
The Question for Youth Ministry
-
- What draws young people into a youth group?
- What retains them?
This is a vital question for youth ministry leaders, pastors, and parents. It strikes at the heart of why a group exists.
What image does your youth group portray? Is it the same image Jesus gave his disciples?
The Biblical Image
Bobby initially thought youth group would be tedious and something to endure before getting back to real life. Many young people think the same way.
But when we look at the Great Commission, we see that disciple making begins when people are first brought to Christ. Jesus calls, captures attention, and they follow.
What compelled Jesus’ disciples? It wasn’t skateboarding, pizza, pool parties, or amusement parks. Instead, Jesus gave them:
-
- A compelling vision of his Father’s kingdom.
- An environment of hope and expectancy.
- The power of his Spirit to see and follow.
Activities like skateboarding or pizza aren’t wrong. They’re often what first gets a young person’s attention. But the true goal of youth ministry is not the activity — it’s the eternal hope, joy, and excitement found only in Christ.
Fellowship: Building a Biblical Group
A biblical group is characterized by loving fellowship. Youth leaders can foster this through the following ideas:
-
- Icebreakers
Start with simple activities to help members get to know one another.
-
- Shared Activities
Enjoyable events (like skateboarding) help members bond, moving from acquaintances to friends through shared experiences.
-
- Biblical Instruction
Go deeper by grounding fellowship in biblical teaching. A true biblical community practices the “one-another” actions of the early church — sharing burdens, joys, and victories. Leaders provide instruction in caring and praying for one another, turning individuals into a loving team.
-
- Service Together
Take on tasks that require teamwork — car washes, bake sales, service projects. Serving side by side unites youth more powerfully than preaching about unity ever could.
-
- Ministry Focus
Finally, shift from being just a group to being a ministry. Ask:
-
- How can our youth group use our gifts to share the gospel?
- How can we reach other “Bobbys” in the world?
When young people catch the vision of gospel-centered ministry, they become powerful witnesses — modern-day examples of Paul’s call: “Follow me as I follow Christ.”
Conclusion
Creating a biblical group image in youth ministry doesn’t just happen. It requires intentional leadership, loving fellowship, and a compelling vision of Christ’s kingdom.
It may start with something small, like skateboarding, but it matures when it grows into gospel ministry. Just as with Jesus’ first disciples, young people today can be galvanized into fellowship, service, and mission that points others to Christ.
