Quotes:
"Do we communicate to the youth that they are leaders now? Not that they will be one day, but that they are now?"
"God takes young people seriously."
"Young people are an asset, not a problem."
"Young people need to be actively engaged at all levels."
Key Points
People are usually exposed to youth ministry classes/training seminars more so than they are to youth development classes/training seminars. That is, we are more likely to focus on their spiritual lives than taking the time to help develop the youth as people.
Sometimes we become to concerned with numbers, rather than the actual level of spiritual/physical/emotional maturity that we are supposed to be developing in the youth. "How many do you have in your youth group?" Don't feel bad about not having a large group. Be more concerned with how well the youth in your group is doing.
Betterment vs. Development - rather than doing things for the youth, have the youth get involved in creating a better environment for themselves. If they are a part of the process, they may feel ownership of this environment.
The more a child is involved regularly in church, the greater prevalence of the forty assets.
Youth development does not necessarily have to be instigated by a youth pastor. Impact on a child's life can be made by anyone who has a key role in the child's life. Example, fifth grade teacher and student remaining in touch for decades because of a mentoring/positive role model position taken up by the teacher.
If we take the time to develop the youth, we will see benefits in the following areas: productive adults, spiritually mature church members, beneficial community members/supporters, etc.
Insights
One thing I hadn't realized, but once I heard it on the CD it made complete sense, is that youth workers sometimes feel as though they are the only ones doing the work, and don't look for outside help. We become to centralized in the idea that there is no help, when there is actually a ton of help just waiting to be asked. Whether that be mentors, sports coaches, etc. I knew that we could address the community, but I didn't realize that most people don't, because they have probably been scorned...hmmm...interesting...
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