If You’re Not Building a Student Ministry, You’re Losing a Generation: 7 Steps to Start Today

By Overseer Derwin R. Jackson, Sr. National Student Ministries Leader | DRJ Ministries International Inc.

I’ve been in student ministry for over 30 years.

I’ve seen trends come and go, Pizza Parties. Lock-ins. Bible trivia nights. They had their moment. But entertainment is no longer enough to capture the hearts of this generation.

And I say this not to criticize, but to challenge and encourage.

Because I’ve also seen the power of what happens when a church decides to make their young people a priority, not just an afterthought.

I’ve seen the teenager who was on the verge of giving up become the leader of the youth team. I’ve seen churches that were struggling with attendance come back to life when they gave students a platform and a purpose. I’ve seen students set the tone for worship in a way that shook the room.

Not because we gave them a space to play...But because we gave them a space to grow.

Pastors, Here’s the Hard Truth:

If we don’t intentionally build ministries for our students, the world will disciple them for us.

They’re already being shaped by social media, influencers, and everything else that comes across their screens 24/7. But God is still calling the church to be a voice that speaks louder than the noise.

You don’t need to have a youth mega-ministry.You don’t have to understand every trend.But you do need to prioritize building a place for students to encounter God.

And you don’t have to do it alone.

7 Practical Steps to Start a Strong, Active Student Ministry

If you’re starting from scratch, or restarting from a quiet season. These 7 steps will give you a clear roadmap without overwhelming you:

1. Start with Prayer and Purpose

Seek God for the “why” behind your student ministry. Don’t just fill a calendar—birth a vision. Ask, What’s the heart of this ministry? What’s the assignment for our youth in this season?

2. Find the Right Leader—Not Just a Warm Body

Don’t give the youth to whoever “has time” or is just young. You need someone with passion, patience, and purpose—someone who will go the distance and disciple them, not just entertain them.

3. Create a Safe, Consistent Space

Meet regularly, and make it known. Whether it’s twice a month or weekly, consistency builds trust. Students crave structure more than you think. If they know it’s their space, they’ll show up.

4. Incorporate the Word Creatively

The Bible is still relevant—it just has to be presented in a way that speaks their language. Use videos, skits, discussions, even TikToks. Let them see that God’s Word applies to their real-life situations.

5. Let Students Lead

Give them opportunities to teach, sing, dance, speak, or lead games. Student ownership builds commitment. And when they feel seen and valued, they stick around.

6. Partner with Parents

A student ministry without parent support will struggle. Keep them in the loop, invite them to serve, and help them disciple their teens at home. It takes the whole house.

7. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

Your first event might have 3 kids. That’s okay. Every soul matters. Stay faithful, stay prayerful, and watch God multiply your efforts.

Final Thoughts from One Pastor to Another:

You don’t have to be a youth pastor to care about youth.

You just have to recognize that the future of your church, the future of the Kingdom is already in your pews. All they’re waiting for is someone to invest, believe, and build with them.

Let’s not wait until they’ve left the church to wish we had done more.

Let’s start now.

Need help getting started?

That’s why I’m here. DRJ Ministries International Inc. has been equipping students through the Experience Creative Arts Ministry in both Georgia and Florida, and I currently serve as the National Student Ministries Leader for the Independent Churches United (ICU). Whether it’s creative arts, mentorship, or discipleship—we’re committed to helping churches build sustainable student ministries that work.

Visit www.derwinjacksonministries.org to connect, invite us in, or start the journey of building something powerful for your youth.