Reaching The Next-Generation

1. As a Senior Pastor what are some practical ways your church reaches out to kids and teenagers?
Realizing we are building for the future and not just the present, we incorporate our youth into multiple areas that contribute to the overall ministry of the church. We have them serve as helpers in both junior and senior ministries, as well as soul winning through National, District and Local programs.

It is also very important that youth outreach isn’t built around personalities such as that of the youth leader. In reaching our youth, I am learning more and more that we must involve our youth with the church and not make them, or allow them to become, a separate entity.
2. What advice would you give other pastors/churches concerning ministry to the next generation?

Don’t treat youth ministry as if it is just something that needs to be done simply “because.” Understand that youth ministries breathe life into everything! We also need to allow this generation to express themselves in ways that relate to them; however, I’m not talking about compromising the Word of God. A passionate, vibrant youth group speaks of a continued congregational life. Pastors must be willing to look beyond themselves into other youth ministries for help.

The selection of youth pastors is also one of the most important things you will do. Just because someone wants to work with youth doesn’t mean they are qualified. Some are too immature to work with youth and it becomes more about them and what they want, rather than what is best for the church and the youth.

3. What are the most effective ways/programs that your church has used to reach young people?

First and foremost is the selection of effective teachers and leaders. Not only this, programs that require discipleship and faithfulness are a necessity. These programs also need to provide hands-on experience. Block parties, etc., offer such opportunities.

4. What are some of the challenges you face as you minister to the next generation?

Staying connected! I must not let my age and a mind-set from the past cloud what is happening in the present. Our kids and teens are so far ahead of me that I know I won’t catch up. (I’m talking about technology. WOW!) Their lines of communication have given them a different view of local, national, and world-wide knowledge than what I have had. When I was young, we had one phone fastened to the wall. Now everyone in a family has a cell phone and is communicating all over the world. A few voices gave me guidance and instruction when I was young. Now voices from all over the nation are speaking into our youth; pastors today are trying to give clarity to all of that.

5. What are some of the ways your church has invested financially in ministry to the next generation?

Our church has built a youth center that is used almost exclusively for our youth. It has become their main educational site, as well as an activity center. Our church also contributes heavily toward making it possible for our youth to attend youth camps. We also help greatly with camp expenses for all the youth regardless of where they come from.

We help them raise funds for Teen Talent Expos and mission trips, etc., in the area of investing. We also expect our youth to invest in themselves by raising funds through their own efforts.

6. What is your dream/vision for the kids and students that come from your church?

First and foremost, that they have a personal relationship with God that is based on Scripture. Secondly, that we are able to develop leadership qualities in them and that ministry is in their future, in whatever capacity that may be. Also, that they will walk and live in true Christian character; not given to gossip, backbiting, or untruthfulness; that they will be examples of godliness to their generations as to what is proper and what is not in the growing field of communication, such as e-mail, texting, Facebook, Twitter, etc.

It is my prayer that we are equipping and enabling our youth to be mighty vessels of honor in serving their Lord.

7. Please give us your favorite story in the Scriptures that inspires and compels you to minister to the next generation.

My favorite story in the Scriptures has to be the story written throughout the Word of God that speaks of His great love, mercy and grace that would receive a young man raised street smart and full of anger. A young man that lived in a world of fights, alcohol and dysfunction; that faced Federal charges at 15 years of age; that was raised in 26 different homes. A young man that everyone said would amount to nothing . . . but they never figured on Jesus Christ, who said, “If any man thirst . . . .”

The grace and mercy of God reached into me and now, like Paul, I say, “I am debtor.” I must reach for and minister to the next generation. We must not fail to reach them with the same grace and mercy that reached into us.

Bishop Terry Rowland has 36 years of pastoral experience, is currently a member of the General Council, serves the Ohio District as District Bishop, and serves as Senior Pastor at Trinity Full Gosphel PCG in Zanesville, OH.