Associate Pastor Collin Gregory
Tales from the Frontlines
Camp Promo video as the Introduction Video for the Sermon
Pastor Alex comes to the stage and talks about Summer Camp 2025
- “What you just heard is why youth ministry matters—because the seeds we plant today will shape the faith of tomorrow. That’s why today’s foundational scripture is so important.”
Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV) – “Train up a child in the way he should go,
And when he is old he will not depart from it..”
Introduction
Welcome & Purpose (What Youth Ministry did to Change my life):
- Share that this message is about your journey in youth ministry
- The early Years and how we got started in Youth ministry
Youth ministry is not just a program; it is a biblical mandate to disciple the next generation into a lifelong faith. Scripture shows that authentic community, deep discipleship, and personal encounters with God are essential for faith to last beyond adolescence. When the church models radical commitment to Christ, sacrificial love, and intentional mentorship, young believers are more likely to stay rooted in their faith. The goal is not just to entertain or retain youth but to equip and empower them to live boldly for Jesus. A thriving youth ministry doesn’t just create churchgoers—it produces disciples.
Making Disciples of All Through Youth Ministry
Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT)
“19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Break down the verse and emphasize how youth ministry is a frontline battle for souls.
This mandate applies to all people, including youth. The church can fulfill this mission by intentionally discipling young believers and equipping them to share their faith. Here’s how:
“Sticky Faith” is a research-based book by Kara Powell, Brad Griffin, and Chap Clark that explores how to help young people develop a faith that “sticks” into adulthood. The book is based on a six-year study from the Fuller Youth Institute that examined why some young people stay connected to their faith after high school while others drift away.
The Power of Influence (How the Church can change the lives of the next Generation)
1. Faith That Sticks Is Built Through Intergenerational Relationships
Key Finding: The more teenagers have meaningful relationships with adults in the church, the more likely they are to keep their faith after leaving home.
Why It Matters:
• Youth ministry should not be an isolated “silo” within the church but should integrate youth with the larger church body.
• Young people who have a significant adult mentors in their lives (outside of their parents) are more likely to stay engaged in church after high school.
• Faith communities provide spiritual “parents” who model authentic Christian living.
Personal Stories becoming “Parents” of Teens.
Biblical Connection:
Titus 2: 4-7 (NLT)
4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.
6 In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. 7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.
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2. Faith That Sticks Is Rooted in a Personal Relationship with Jesus (Not Just Church Attendance or Behavior)
🔹 Key Finding: Young people who develop a personal faith—rather than just adopting their parents’ beliefs—are more likely to remain faithful as adults.
🔹 Why It Matters:
• Churches sometimes focus on behavior modification (don’t drink, don’t have sex, don’t swear, etc.), but young people need a deep, personal relationship with Jesus that drives their choices.
• Youth who experience genuine encounters with Christ—rather than just “church culture”—are more likely to develop a lasting faith.
Personal Stories: The evolution of Wally and Omar
Key Finding: Obedience alone is not the goal—parents and mentors should focus on shepherding the child’s heart toward God.
Biblical Connection:
Philippians 3:8-10 (NLT)
8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ.[a] For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead.
Paul speaks about knowing Christ personally rather than just following religious rules.
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3. Doubt and Questions Are Not the Enemy—They’re Part of Growth
🔹 Key Finding: Teens who feel safe asking hard questions about faith are more likely to stay engaged in church and grow spiritually.
🔹 Why It Matters:
• Many youth ministries unintentionally create an “all-or-nothing” faith—if a young person has doubts, they feel like they can’t belong.
• Instead of avoiding tough topics, churches should encourage honest conversations about God, science, suffering, sexuality, etc.
• Faith that survives adulthood is faith that has been tested, wrestled with, and made personal.
Personal Stories: “Who are they” the Shepherds in the nativity scene. Having that one – on – one relationship with the teens allowed us to minister on their level.
💡 Biblical Connection:
Mark 9:24 – The father of the demon-possessed boy cries, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Jesus doesn’t condemn doubt but meets people in it.
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4. Serving Others Deepens Faith and Makes It More Authentic
🔹 Key Finding: Young people who engage in serving others—missions, outreach, helping younger kids—are more likely to own their faith.
🔹 Why It Matters:
• When youth see faith in action, it becomes real instead of just a set of beliefs.
• Serving provides purpose and responsibility, making them active participants rather than just church attendees.
• Engaging in mission work connects them to a bigger story—God’s kingdom at work in the world.
Personal Stories: Watching the kids who were your “Problem Children” become the leaders of tomorrow – Church Camp Example
💡 Biblical Connection:
📖 James 2:17 – “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Part 2: The Frontlines – The Good, The Bad, and The Funny (15 Minutes)
- Tie it Back to Proverbs 22:6:
- “In all of these moments—good, bad, and funny—we were planting seeds of faith.”
Part 3: The Call to the Next Generation
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV)
- “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Address the Youth Directly:
- Challenge them to step up in their faith.
- Encourage them to join the youth group, get involved, and own their relationship with Christ.
- Remind them they are not just the future of the church—they are the church.
Personal Testimony of a Student: Jaden in the worship band
Conclusion: The Challenge to Everyone
To Parents & Adults:
- Support, pray, and engage in youth ministry—because the seeds planted today determine the future.
To Youth:
- Dive into the ministry, be bold, and set an example in faith and action.
Closing Story or Illustration:
- A final, powerful story to drive home the message.
Call to Action:
- Invite the youth pastor to join in praying over the youth and those who feel called to invest in them.
- Challenge the congregation to contribute financially or volunteer in the youth ministry.
Closing Prayer
- Pray for youth, parents, and church members to step into their roles in youth ministry.
- Pray for the upcoming Church Camp and the impact it will have on the youth.
- Pray for strength and wisdom in guiding the next generation.
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