The bulk of what we know of Jesus’ life and ministry on earth is just three years.
Jesus was thirty when he was baptized (Luke 3:23)!
By the time Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist at thirty, many Adventist children had been baptized for two decades. Maybe they’ve been through 12 years of Adventist academies, four years of Adventist universities, and four more years of seminary by the time they’re thirty.
At the 61st General Conference Session, the Adventist Church decided to lower the target age of youth and young adult ministry from 30+ to 30.
By this new standard, Jesus wouldn’t fall into the scope of youth and young adult ministry–and for some reason this struck me.
Ministering to Young People
Ministering to young people is crucial because they are the church’s future. These people also face unique challenges and struggles with which the older generations can help greatly.
What I think is even more interesting is in modern churches, young people up to their thirites can be largely neglected in a church setting–especially if, like Jesus, they don’t have children or a husband or wife.
So, what do we do with the young adults? How can we ministry best to them in the church?
Jesus was a young adult who ministered to young adults!
How Jesus Ministered to Young Adults
Jesus didn’t focus on one group of people–those married, with children, or working for the church.
Jesus included those navigating career changes, relationship ups and downs, and life transitions. He noticed and called people to him who were confused or searching for answers.
He interacted with children and mentored young adults.
Too often, we ask ourselves what the church should do to minister to a person, group, community, etc., when we could minister like Jesus.
Why Did Jesus Minister to Young People?
Some could argue that Jesus ministered to young people because they were more easily changed. They are easy to manipulate and are generally more malleable than adults. They were moreso than the older Pharisees of that time.
Young people are also more likely to take risks and embrace new experiences. They still have room for growth and transformation.
All these reasons may be why your church focuses on young people. It may be why ministries are formed and target young adults, but it’s not why Jesus ministered to them. It’s not why He loved them.
Are You Loving the Young People in Your Church?
It’s not enough to minister to the young people around you. Jesus didn’t. Jesus loved the young people around Him the way He loved everyone He met.
7 Tips for Loving Young People Like Jesus
- Pray for the young adults around you and teach them to pray.
- Allow yourself to be used by God as a mentor to a young person.
- Invite them into your life.
- Prioritize quality time with young people.
- Eat together with young people.
- Serve them in practical ways.
- He shared God in all He did.
Now is the time to connect with and love the young people in your life, church, and community.
Young adults need you. They need God. You may be the exact thing that connects them to their King.
