Years ago, I stumbled across an insightful and thought-provoking African proverb: If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. The proverb’s direct and candid nature irritated my individualistic inclinations. It caused me to ask aloud, “What type of person do I want to be?” Or even more importantly, “What type of person does God call me to be?” The more I went back and forth in my mind with the proverb, I realized that I needed to decide between accolades and effectiveness. Deep down in the recesses of my soul, would I direct the life that God has so graciously given to be enamored with temporary applause or devoted to lasting significance?
Since that day, I have come to recognize that all people are daily faced with the same question. Will the pursuit of outward, fast-paced accomplishment drown out the oft slower, yet dynamic work brought about through working with others? When I perused the Scriptures and began to investigate the ministry of Jesus, it became clear that effective ministry requires working with others.
The call to serve God in vocational ministry is a call to gospel partnerships. It requires the humility to recognize and utilize the giftings, talents, relationships, and perspectives of others. This humility speaks aloud to those in our sphere of influence that we is far more important than me. I’ve come to realize the importance of forming gospel partnerships through serving youth for the last 12 years in a variety of settings, whether inside the local church or parachurch ministries. In particular, I’ve realized how crucial it is to partner with the parents of my students.
Partnering with Parents
Over the past two years through serving the youth at my local church, my involvement with parents has increased. I’ve become a trusted influence as families deal with the surprising issues that arise in the lives of their youth. Parents have begun to ask my opinion about specific resources to aid in raising their teenagers. We have partnered to help usher youth towards major decisions like baptism and taking the next spiritual step in their lives. Yet, as is the case with all meaningful endeavors, it is a demanding and unrelenting task.
If you have served in any capacity with youth, you know that the issues they face seem insurmountable. From mental health crises, to never ending athletic activities, to social media, our youth are bombarded with endless pressures. While these issues have always challenged teenagers, technology and access to endless information have birthed added complexities.
These complexities, however, aren’t resting on our young people’s shoulders alone—parents and guardians are navigating them as well. Parents are asking what it looks like to parent well amidst all the societal upheaval. Then there are specific questions, like, “How much screen time should a child be permitted each day?” or, “How involved should I be in my teenager’s friend circle?” and even, “What age should I allow my teenager to get a tattoo or a body piercing?” All these practical questions have been raised by parents in my context over the past year. While strategies and programs are helpful, I have ultimately found that God has granted favor when I have pointed parents back to the basics: prioritizing God’s Word and prayer. I remind parents that the gospel—the good news that Jesus died and rose for our sins—is the power of God (Rom. 1:16).
Partnering in the Power of God
Jesus himself, when tempted and harassed by Satan in the wilderness, caused Satan to flee by reciting the Word of God. In the words of one preacher, whom I would often listen to, “The Word works!” The apostle Paul reminds his young mentee in the faith Timothy to prioritize God’s Word because the Word is inspired by God and is useful for reproof, correction, and righteous instruction (2 Tim. 3:16–17).
I have sought to partner with parents to return to the power found in the Word of God. One situation comes to mind after speaking to a parent who shared that her child experienced a mental health episode. The young teenager was going through a difficult season, and schoolteachers were concerned about language that insinuated self-harm. While it never escalated to that point, I felt led to create a plan derived from Ephesians 6, imploring the parent to pray the spiritual weaponry—the Word—over the child numerous times throughout the day. While drastic changes did not occur overnight, graciously over time we began to witness the favor of God. To this day we continue to depend upon the Word of God in hope of a more peaceful existence in their home. Yet already, by our partnership in praying Ephesians 6, we witnessed the power of God restore stability in the mind of a young person.
Ministry is filled with well-intentioned programs. The youth ministry in which I serve has plenty. Programs are required to bring order and create boundaries that are essential to the growth and health of youth. Yet in partnering with parents as we engage in the spiritual battle to keep the gospel relevant in the lives of our youth, I’ve found God’s blessing by relying on the Word and prayer. We partner with parents because when parents prioritize prayer and study the Bible for themselves, often their children recognize its importance!
The gospel is the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the foundation of life itself. When parents recognize that no matter their mistakes, low moments, or messiness, God sent his only Son to die for them, faith becomes a privilege rather than a duty. Therefore, it is a privilege to partner with parents and other ministry leaders to make sure our youth recognize the insurmountable riches found in a relationship with Jesus.
Seeking more practical mentorship and advice from seasoned youth ministers? Apply for Rooted’s youth ministry mentorship program, which will start in August.
