Let’s keep it 💯: the church that ignores its youth is writing its own obituary.

I’ve been in student ministry for over 30 years. I’ve seen generations shift, attention spans shrink, and culture evolve. But one thing remains true, God still speaks to and through young people, and He’s still calling the church to make room for them.

The days of pizza nights and cute dances being enough are over. We’re in a time where students are battling identity crises, anxiety, isolation, and spiritual confusion like never before. They need more than a babysitting ministry, they need a movement. A place to belong, believe, and become.

Here’s why, as a Pastor, you must prioritize a thriving student ministry in your church:

1. The Future Is Already in the Room

You’re not just investing in students, you’re investing in future pastors, worship leaders, creatives, business owners, and community changers. Your next deacon, intercessor, or youth leader might currently be in middle school, but if they’re overlooked now, they may never become who they were called to be.

Student ministry isn’t just about keeping teens occupied. It’s about cultivating purpose and planting vision. The local church should be the first place they feel seen, heard, and spiritually developed, not the last.

“Train up a child in the way he should go…” (Proverbs 22:6) isn’t just good advice. It’s a command.

2. Culture Is Discipling Them, Even If You’re Not

Let’s be real: TikTok, YouTube, and influencers are preaching louder sermons than some pulpits. If your church isn’t offering spiritual truth with authenticity, creativity, and consistency, culture will win by default.

That’s why student ministries must be innovative and intentional. You don’t need smoke machines or celebrities, what students crave is real love, real truth, and real leaders who understand their world without compromising the Word.

The church needs leaders with clean hands, but also calloused hearts, ones who’ve prayed, fasted, and cried for the souls of this generation. Not placeholders. Not programs. People who care.

Outreach

3. Revival Always Starts With the Young

Throughout Scripture and history, movements of revival have always started with young people. David, Samuel, Josiah, Esther, Timothy, God has a pattern of using youth to shift culture.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking students are the "future church." They are the right-now church.

If we want revival in our churches, it won’t come just through Sunday morning, it’ll come when we pour into young people Monday through Saturday. When we show up at their games, support their gifts, and teach them how to pray, lead, and walk in power.

Final Word to Every Pastor:

This generation doesn’t need a youth group, they need a spiritual army. But they can’t rise up if nobody is willing to lead them, love them, and labor for them.

Ask God to reveal the right person to lead your student ministry, not someone just looking to fill time, but someone who carries fire and strategy. Don’t wait until your church is empty to prioritize the next generation.

Build now.

Plant now.

Disciple now.

Because the future of your church is already sitting in your sanctuary… waiting for someone to see them.

About Overseer Derwin R. Jackson, Sr.

Overseer Derwin R. Jackson, Sr. is a seasoned student ministry leader with over 30 years of experience empowering the next generation. He is the Founder of DRJ Ministries International Inc. , the parent organization of The EXPERIENCE, a thriving student ministry currently operating in both Georgia and Florida. With a passion for using the creative arts as a tool to reach and disciple youth, Overseer Jackson has helped churches across the country build dynamic student ministries from the ground up. He currently serves as the National Student Ministries Leader for the Independent Churches United (ICU), where he equips leaders to cultivate powerful youth programs that transform lives and communities.

Throwing out the net

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