The New Testament does not specifically mention the role of a youth pastor or youth minister. Local church youth ministries began to increase in the mid-twentieth century as an extension of the popularity of parachurch ministries such as Youth for Christ that reached large numbers of teenagers who needed further discipleship. However, the Bible does emphasize the importance of discipleship for all believers. Doing so was part of the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 6:7). In the New Testament, Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:18-20). Scripture also encourages the spiritual guidance of younger generations (Titus 2:4-6), and the responsibility of parents and church leaders to train children in godliness (Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:1-4). These principles provide the biblical foundation for the heart and purpose of youth ministry today.
The role of youth pastor or youth minister is a more modern trend in churches that the Bible does not specifically address. But it does provide helpful spiritual principles and raises some questions: Is a youth leader considered a youth pastor or youth minister? The difference matters. A youth pastor would biblically be an elder who would need to fit the elder qualifications of 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. These passages also limit pastoral ministry to men since New Testament elders were exclusively male. Seen as a youth minister, however, both men and women who work with teens effectively would have freedom to serve in this role.
The goals of youth ministry are also important. In general, the goal of youth ministry should be the same as that of the local church—to honor God through making disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). Therefore, the focus of local church youth ministry is to be discipleship, a process that includes evangelism, learning, friendship, service, and worship (Acts 2:42-47).
Another consideration is the relationship between youth ministry and parents of teenagers in the church. The Bible clearly states the priority of raising a child belongs to parents (Ephesians 6:1-4). However, additional help through youth workers can assist parents to better help young people grow in Christ. Besides, many youth ministries include teenagers from broken families or families with non-Christian parents. In these situations, the role of the youth worker becomes more important as he or she may be the only Christian role model in the young person's life. But still, parents are the primary disciplers of their teens, so a youth ministry should equip and encourage parents in their role as well as come alongside them in teaching teens the truths of God’s Word, helping them grow in faith, and pointing them to Jesus.
Youth programs are another important consideration for youth pastors or ministers. There should ideally be room for interaction with other age groups in the church (such as in weekly worship services) and gatherings specifically with teenagers to help address particular issues they face. Though youth ministry should include an element of fun, it is primarily about discipleship rather than entertainment. A balanced combination of outreach, growth, fellowship, and service impact teenagers and better prepare them for a lifetime of ministry.
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