One in three Americans feel lonely every week*. Are you one of them? In a world where we can be connected with almost anybody at any time, how can we still feel so disconnected? Students are no different. Even though they’ve grown up only knowing a world with cell phones and social media, they’ve also grown up feeling the disconnect between people in real life. How do we create a connected community, specifically for students in our ministries?
God calls us into a powerful form of community called discipleship. This is a part of the Great Commission and our DNA as followers of Jesus. The gift of discipleship is that real people are in a relationship with other real people! They know one another and can help each other know and love Christ. Your ministry is a part of this great mission God gave us. Every gathering, Bible study, all-nighter, and summer camp is a part of growing these discipleship relationships.
An important note to consider as we disciple students in our culture today is that many are being ‘mentored’ (you might even say discipled) by people online. They are constantly hearing teachings, ideologies, and values from people they are drawn to watch and listen to! These ‘mentors’ could be YouTubers, streamers, or Instagram influencers. While many people are hopefully preaching good values to their viewers, the fact of the matter is those ‘mentors’ don’t truly know every single viewer. While our students can know so much about this influencer’s life, the person on the screen may know nothing about the people they are preaching to.
Discipleship matters because we all have a deep desire to know and be known. God created us in His image, a Triune God. Family was God’s idea! Because He is a relational God, we are also made to be relational! A connected community is possible when we slow down to see each other, hear each other, and know each other better! This is such a gift to your students. The most valuable thing about your mentorship in a student’s life is not just the wisdom you can pass on but the gift of knowing this student! Your sermons are important, the worship band playing on key is a great addition to your youth ministry, but nothing replaces the value of knowing your students.
Exemplify the connection students are longing to have by intentionally listening in conversations when you ask, “How are you doing?” Follow up with people on prayer requests they shared last week. Create space for students to check in with each other when you gather. Give your adult leaders simple questions they can ask your students each week that show care and intentionality. By creating a connected community outside of our phones, students can catch on and see the value in being discipled in a community where they can know and be known!