By Phyllis Fox
If current projections hold, the church of tomorrow could have a serious shortage of ministers. USA Today reported (December 20, 2001) that the number of ordained clergy under the age of 35 was less than 5 percent in some church groups. Meanwhile, leaders in Christian churches are calling for 5,500 new church plants by 2025.
These two factors””the “graying” of the ministry and the need for new churches””combine to create a staggering need. Who will lead and serve Christian churches in the next two decades?
One set of answers focuses on current church leaders in their 50s and 60s. We should continue to provide opportunities for service to ministers at retirement age. And we must find ways to encourage and educate those who would pursue ministry as a second career. (See “How Can They Hear Without a Preacher?” Christian Standard, January 30).
Meanwhile, we must recruit, call, and train young people to lead the church. The church must look at how we are presenting ministry as a profession to young people. Is it encouraged by the church and family? Do we encourage our brightest youth to consider the ministry?
A survey by the Association of Theological Schools shows that a significant number of students entering seminary began to consider ministry during high school. It is essential to present this possibility to students when they are considering their other future vocational choices.
The good news is that God knows the needs and is preparing the supply. He will work through us to encourage young people to consider congregational leadership ministry. Here are some ways it could happen.
SUPPORT THE CALL
God still calls young people into ministry. Every Christian adult””not just “professional” ministers””must encourage young people to seek God”s call in their lives. God”s call is more frequently heard in community than in burning bushes and blinding lights.
Many pastors hold blessed memories from their teen years of an adult who said something like, “You”d make a good preacher.” Tell a young person about the gifts and skills you see in them. Breathe words of support and confidence into their lives. Accept Jesus” command to pray for the teens in your life to hear God”s call. “Ask the Lord of the harvest . . . to send out workers into his harvest field” (Luke 10:2).
WORK WITH PARENTS
Don”t underestimate the influence of parents. In the book Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers author Christian Smith”s research shows the most important social influence on the religious and spiritual lives of adolescents is their parents. Smith says,
In the immediacy of parenting teenagers, parents may feel a loss of control and influence over their teens, but nationally representative statistics show that the religious practices and commitments of parents remain an important influence on the religious practices and commitments of their teenage children (pp. 115, 116).
Are we treating our ministers like we would want someone to treat our grown child?
Encourage parents to stop asking their children, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” This simple question, often asked of little children, seems harmless until we recognize that it focuses on what the individual wants instead of what God wants. Jesus taught his disciples to deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me (Matthew 16:24).
Let”s begin asking children, “What is God equipping you to be when you grow up?” This places the emphasis on God”s call rather than personal, self-centered desires.
EXTEND RESPONSIBILITY
It”s all about relationships. Everyone in the church must take responsibility for the spiritual feeding of young people (not just the youth ministers and adult sponsors). In George Barna”s book Real Teens, about half of all teens surveyed indicated that a good relationship with the senior minister was important to them (p. 139).
Teens are looking for role models. They are not attracted to vocations they have not been exposed to or do not view as relevant to their world. Strengthening relationships between the senior minister and the youth of the church can increase the likelihood of teens” desire to share the gospel from the pulpit.
Of course, youth ministers also impact the education and vocational choices of the youth of the church.
Youth ministry is a real vocation, not just a “stepping-stone.” Many church members expect youth ministers to “grow up” into senior ministers. This may be true for some. But many excellent ministers are called by God to youth ministry. Thank God for them and encourage them to challenge young people to put God first in all their choices.
LET THEM SERVE
Do not consider Christian teens as the church of tomorrow. These brothers and sisters in Christ can and should serve in congregations now. They should be given opportunities to interact with adults who will nurture their gifts and help them develop their skills.
Invite a teen to shadow the senior minister and other staff ministers. Encourage teens to serve on ministry teams, working alongside knowledgeable adults. When they experience the fulfillment that comes from service, teens are more likely to hear God”s call to ministry. And they are more likely to continue to be engaged with the church during their college and young adult years.
TEACH THE BIBLE
Christian Smith”s research finds that a vast majority of teens are incredibly inarticulate about their faith as well as their religious beliefs and practices. In an interview published by Books and Culture (January/February), he said, “It”s unbelievable the proportion of conservative Protestant teens who do not seem to grasp elementary concepts of the gospel concerning grace and justification. Their view is: be a good person.”
Topical studies aren”t enough. Teens must learn the Bible”s major themes. As Deuteronomy 11:19 encourages, both parents and the church must “Teach [the words or commands] to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
VALUE OUR COLLEGES
Encourage your church”s young people to consider attending one of our Christian colleges or seminaries””whatever their vocational interests may be. These institutions integrate strong academic programs with biblical faith, and many offer career preparation in a variety of areas.
It is fascinating to talk with alumni who came to a Christian college with no intention of entering full-time ministry but were led by God into exactly that.
Also encourage your church”s financial support of our colleges and seminaries. They are a mission field that is critical to the recruiting, calling, and training of young people who will lead the church.
The Christian churches and churches of Christ are blessed with numerous opportunities for our teens to hear the call of God in their lives. Examples include conferences such as those offered by Christ In Youth, National Missionary Convention/Windows to the World, the NACC teen program, numerous state Christian conventions, summer camps, and “Theological Program for High School Youth.” Ministry events offer teens the opportunity to hear God”s call and make lifelong commitments.
The role of the church cannot be underestimated in nurturing the call to vocational ministry. Youth leaders, parents, senior ministers, and all Christians must encourage teens to hear and answer the call of God.
Phyllis Fox is the director of Youth in Ministry, a partnership of Milligan College and Emmanuel School of Religion committed to helping students determine their vocational calling and prepare for lives of servant-leadership. Visit www.youthinministry.org.
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