Changing the world happens one student at a time, not in bulk at big events because students do not connect to programs, they connect to people. The most effective way students are influenced is by significant relationships with key people in their lives. Our goal is to develop adult youth leaders who will minister to students on a personal level.
The teenagers in our youth groups need adult leaders who will…
- Grow spiritually on a personal leve and let Him live through them.
- Be interested in their lives.
- Take the initiative to spend time with them.
- Pray for them.
- Be real.
- Say encouraging words.
- Believe in them.
- Laugh.
- Go to “their world.”
- Remember their names and care for them.
- Share God’s love through personal experience.
- Be consistent in life and ministry.
- Be patient.
- Enjoy life.
- Be a leader, not a peer.
What else do teenagers need from their youth leaders?
About me: I am married to my beautiful wife, 
From Ministry Questions.com...
January 28th, 2009 at 10:19 am
Bring them into your world from time to time (take them shopping or ask for their help running errands)
January 28th, 2009 at 10:33 am
To walk them through the tough questions on life. And when we don’t have an answer, admit we don’t know but we’re certainly going try our best using God’s Word to find the right answer. Then keep that promise and get back to them.
January 29th, 2009 at 9:51 am
Ask them to pray for you. I need it and they have the opportunity to speak life over their leaders.
Adult leaders need to write them letters whether it is on their birthday, after they get their license, etc. I have found these letters to be powerful.
Teens also need their adult leaders to take them to large events. I have been a part-time YP for five years, and large events such as leadership rocks or Acquire the Fire have been monumental in the lives of my students. I grew up as a teen with lots of relationships with adults, but it wasn’t until I went to ATF, that was life was dramatically altered. The adults I had encouraged me immensely, and I thank them often. But, when one of them took me to that event, it took me a journey with Christ that I had not been on before.
Thanks Tim.