Make Us Servants

photo by Ben Ehmke

I’ve been thinking about the many teenagers that I have spent time with over the past 13 years of youth ministry.  Some of the teens have really excelled in life and faith, while others have struggled.  While thinking about the teens who have done well, one characteristic seemed to be consistent:   An attitude of service…

Some teens just naturally go out of their way to help.  They want to do everything they can to serve others.   I’ve seen them reach out to others who are hurting, I’ve seen them help me around the church, and I’ve seen them minister on mission trips.   But how do you teach service?   I know we can model it, I know we can teach and preach the life of Jesus, and I know we can give them experiences to practice it, but it still seems that so many teens don’t understand the importance of service.

I’m concerned when I look at the youth of our church (and even my own children) and see selfish attitudes and desires.  I think that our children and teens should naturally help others without being asked. They should see a need and respond to it. We should have high expectations when it comes to serving others.

It is a daily process to die to yourself and put others first, and I hope and pray that as a pastor and father, I can teach and model what it is like to be a follower of Christ.   But I would love to hear your ideas on how to teach our children and youth how to be servants.  Join in the comments below and share your thoughts.

Related posts:

1. What Happens After Youth Group & College?
2. What Happens After Youth Group & College – Part 2
3. For the sake of your children, fix your marriage
4. Why Some Teens Quit Youth
5. Youth Retreats