“What makes a good young adult ministry?”  I hear that question all the time from pastors and church leaders.  Many churches are beginning young adult ministries.  They are just getting started on this journey.  And they are all wondering, “What makes a good young adult ministry?”

Well, I don’t claim to be an expert or anything.  I can only talk from my experience.  But I think there are some general principles to be found – if we can find them.  So let’s go digging.  And let’s try to explore this to find out what makes a good young adult ministry.

First, a good young adult ministry has a sense of acceptance and belonging.  There is nothing young adults want more than belonging and acceptance.  So many young adults and twentysomethings do not have a community.  They do not have any friends.  They might even be in a new city or state or going to college away from home.  Regardless if they are married, single, kids, no kids, college, no college – young adults simply want to feel like they are accepted and they belong somewhere.  A good young adult ministry sets this as the context for everything.

Second, a good young adult ministry has committed leadership.  Now, notice that I did not say “strong” or “expert” or “experienced” leadership.  A good young adult ministry has committed leadership that is willing to keep working even if things do not go well.  And that is the key to young adult ministry: keep working, keep working, keep working.  A good young adult ministry has leaders that are committed.  That is what we need.

Finally, a good young adult ministry focuses on the mission of Jesus Christ.  Love God.  Love others.  That is what we are all about.  Serving.  Helping.  Being the hands and feet.  A young adult ministry without the mission of Jesus is going to stutter and falter.  But a young adult ministry that is centered on the mission of Jesus Christ is always going to be relevant and engaging.  Keep Christ as the center.  And work towards the mission.  That’s a good young adult ministry.

But if I had to answer the question of “What makes a GOOD young adult ministry?” in just one word – what would I say?

God.

… and You.

I guess that is two words.  But that is where a good young adult ministry starts.

Here we go.