Heather Combs Tucker

Follower of Jesus, wife, mother, middle school teacher

[Heather Combs Tucker @combs_tucker]

If a teacher becomes cynical in certain areas, it’s because they’ve experienced plenty to create that in them.

[Holy Bible @Holy__Bible1]

Deuteronomy 31:6

[Shane Pruitt @shane_pruitt78]

Why Youth Ministries and Youth Ministers are Biblical, & should be honored and supported as such:

Although, the specific title “youth pastor” is not found in Scripture, just as titles like “children’s pastor,” “executive pastor”, “worship pastor”, or “missions pastor” aren’t either. However, Scripture clearly supports shepherds equipping believers & older Christians discipling younger ones. A Youth Ministry & Youth Pastor is simply a ministry or ministry leader who focuses on shepherding, teaching, & discipling students within the local church. It’s is a practical application of the Church’s biblical mandate to make disciples of every age.

Here are 6 of the strongest biblical foundations for Youth Ministries & Youth Ministers:

1. The Church is commanded to disciple the next generation.

-Deuteronomy 6:6–7: Parents are commanded to diligently teach God’s Word to their children.
-Psalm 78:4–7, Psalm 145:4; Each generation is to tell the next generation about God’s mighty works.

The pattern throughout Scripture is that faith is intentionally passed from one generation to the next. Thank God for Youth Ministries that assist in doing that, & also helps equip parents.

2. Jesus welcomed & invested in young people.

- Mark 10:13–16: Jesus welcomed children when others tried to send them away.
-Matthew 19:14: “Let the little children come to me.”

Jesus didn’t see young people as “the future church”, or a nuisance. They mattered in the present. Youth Ministries & Leaders are needed to help parents & students live on mission now!

3. Young people can be examples in the faith.

-1 Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone despise your youth, but set the believers an example…”. Young believers are capable of leading and influencing others for Christ.

Often, young people are some of the best soul winners. Thank the Lord for Ministries & Leaders that help equip them.

4. The Church equips young people for ministry.

Ephesians 4:11–13: God gives pastors & teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry.

A Youth Pastor functions as a minister & shepherd serving a specific age group & their parents within the church. Encourage them!

5. Older believers are called to invest in younger believers.

-Titus 2:1–8: Older men and women are intentionally called disciple younger men & women.
-2 Timothy 2:2: Faithful believers are to entrust truth to others who will teach others also.

Youth Ministry can be an extremely effective & intentional context where this discipleship takes place. Youth Leaders are not “babysitters or entertainers”, they are disciple-makers & ministers. They should be honored as such.

6. The Great Commission includes every generation.

-Matthew 28:18–20: Jesus commanded the Church to make disciples of all nations.

Teenagers & children are part of “all nations,” making intentional ministry to them an expression of obedience to the Great Commission.

Young people are also called to make disciples now. Youth Ministries are great training ground for teens to walk in this calling.

So, is a Youth Pastor & Youth Ministry biblical?

Yes! I believe this with every ounce of my being. I’ve dedicated my life to this belief.

Every church may not have the resources to have a Youth Ministry, or hire a Youth Pastor. However, every church is responsible for intentionally making disciples of the next generation.

Churches may fulfill that responsibility in different ways: through parents, pastors, volunteers, intergenerational discipleship, dedicated youth ministries, or a combination of these… but, the biblical mandate to invest in young people is unmistakable.

Ultimately, you should champion & celebrate all of these efforts, instead of criticizing or attempting to delegitimize those that do it differently than you do.

What Youth Ministry or Youth Minister are you thankful today?

[The Bible @The__Bible7]

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.

[Biblical and Reformed @reformedhg]

Forgiveness does not mean one forgets (as in, has the ability to remember no more) the offense, but that in spite of the memory, one erases the debt.

Voddie Baucham

[Paul David Tripp @PaulTripp]

No one can satisfy like Jesus. No one can bring rest like the Father. Only the Sovereign King provides an unshakeable foundation for hope.

[Bible 365 @Bible365_]

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” - Romans 10:13

[Inky Johnson @inkyjohnson]

This is the day that the Lord has made, so let us rejoice and be glad in it.

[Heather Combs Tucker @combs_tucker]

But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. - Psalm 3:3

[Heather Combs Tucker @combs_tucker]

@John_Matthew_T 💜