Working with young people can be one of the richest and most rewarding experiences in ministry. To face up to the challenge of finding meaningful answers to their questions can prove to be deeply satisfying and fulfilling. On the other hand, trying to understand their needs and satisfying their demands as they search for meaning and purpose in life can be extremely frustrating. However, the greatest sense of achievement in ministry comes when a youth leader sees young people resolve their search for identity and belonging by making a commitment to enter into a life-long relationship with God; by inviting Jesus Christ to be Lord of their lives.
In spite of these possibilities, many people hardly know where to begin. It is a real challenge to know how to sustain an ongoing ministry that will meet the ever-changing needs and demands of this age group. In an effort to “do something for young people” many so often settle for providing them simply with plenty of “fun and games” in the hope that they will soon outgrow their youthful stage and channel their boundless energies into something meaningful and worthwhile.
The church has put together a relevant and effective youth ministry. To forfeit our responsibility to effectively involve young people in the ministry of the church is to place at risk the whole future of God’s Kingdom. Much of the ineffectiveness in youth ministry is related to lack of direction and understanding about what needs to be achieved. We need to establish a clear and simple statement that outlines our philosophy of ministry, for, and with young people. This philosophy of ministry needs to be biblically based and theologically sound. It must be relevant to the contemporary needs of young people and provide adequate answers to all the vital issues and concerns that they face. To be seen as successful it must be practical and achieve the commitment and involvement of young people in the fellowship and mission of the church. – Youth Ministry Handbook and Leadership Training Manual (2005).
In His master plan, “the Lord has appointed the youth to be His helping hand.”- Testimonies, vol.7, p. 64.
With this thought and the Holy Spirit guidance, the Oromo Seventh-day Adventist Church of Minnesota has established a youth ministry that will:
- Empower our youth leaders and youth to reach others for Christ.
- Support and encourage young people at what can be the most critical time of their Christian experience.
- Discover and develop the young people in terms of spiritual gifts and abilities.
- Give our youth the opportunity to work in the community- with the goal of growing their relationship with Jesus and with man.
- Help young people to be happy with the Adventist Church, and see Christ in serving others.
Our programming focuses on Biblical-centered leadership and service. We are committed to serving youth and doing all we can to provide life-enriching experiences.
Please follow the link for more information regarding worldwide Youth Ministries of the Seventh-day Adventist:
