Page 58 - Youth Discipleship Student Textbook

Youth ministry with a discipleship emphasis must seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in every aspect of
the plans. As youth are discipled, the Holy Spirit must be front and center in the process.

3. Discipleship is grounded and guided by the Word of God
The Bible is our authority in all areas of life. “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and
you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). Consistent nourishment is a
vital component of one’s spiritual growth (Psalm 1, John 15). The major emphasis of a youth
discipleship ministry should center on teaching the youth God’s Word. They must understand the great
doctrines of the faith and why they believe them.

4. Discipleship is nurtured in community
Community with other believers is a vital part of our growth as disciples. We were made to be in
fellowship with one another. Thus the imagery of the body of Christ portrays how vitally linked we are
to one another. In such community we can fulfill the command of loving one another and with this
community then to love the world.

5. Discipleship is a continuing process of being transformed from the inside-out
“The ultimate goal of the believer’s life is to be conformed to the image of Christ (Ro 8:29).” Jesus
described a radical way of life in the sermon on the mount. In a world in which righteousness was very
much regarded by one’s outward actions, Jesus emphasized the transformation of the heart.

6. Discipleship produces spiritual fruit
As the Holy Spirit works to transform the individual and change is made from the inside-out, the
characteristics of God become evident in the believer’s life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).

7. Disciples of Christ who are in the process of inward transformation, yield to the Spirit’s leading in
service and mission.
Spiritual formation is both about the inward change of heart and the outward manifestation of that
changed heart. Christ modeled the life of service for His disciples and commands us to serve in humility
and love while proclaiming His truth in a lost world.

An effective youth ministry must have multiple avenues for the youth to share their lives in ministry to
others. The effective youth minister will integrate many opportunities in which the youth can share
their faith and practice their spiritual gifts with others.

When I was a youth minister, I created a puppet ministry. Many of the teenagers where shy or unwilling
to express their faith before others, so hiding behind a stage and operating a puppet appealed to them.
We traveled to multiple locations performing various puppet shows. Eventually, the students would
come out from behind the theater and share their talents with the audiences. Some could sing. Others
could share their testimonies and were effective speakers. Eventually many became excited about
ministering to others and became bold in their faith. They climbed out of their boxes and become active
servants of Christ.

8. Disciples are called to share in the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings
As we live in a sin-cursed world, we bear the effects of sin daily. With the presence of Christ and the
promise of future hope with Him, we can endure the pain and even be transformed in the process. Paul
writes of this truth in 2 Cor. 4:17: “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal

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