Last week Paul Martin wrote a blog entitled “Why we need Youth ministry” for The Gospel Coalition. In this blog, the author asserts the necessity of youth groups. A basic read of his post will show one very important factor missing: Scripture. The only support the author finds is in reference to the Jewish education tradition. Relying on the cultural practices of Jewish or any other tradition to support one’s position is a truly unbiblical path to take because it elevates tradition to an authoritative level near to that of Scripture. While I am certain this is not the author’s intent and I am positive that he would ensure that his readers understood that, it is inevitably the logical conclusion one must reach when using this method of support. The development of these rabbinical schools which the writer refers to stands in stark contrast to the commands given in Deuteronomy 6. To his dismay, the writer would find that rather than being an advocate for rabbibical tradition, Jesus was rather adamant that many of these traditions were not in line with God’s Word (Matthew 15:1-9).
In order to make the present day case for youth ministry, Paul provides three brief points.
His first point is merely based on circular reason: “Youth ministry exists because it is needed”. His point is rather short and centered on a quote by Robert Epstein which itself assumes that it is the role of the church to determine the maturity of youth and not that of the parent. The need for youth to be discipled does exist, but the answer to this need is for the parents of these children to be the ones who minister to their youth.
His second point is equally based on his presuppositional interpretation of Scripture. He calls his readers back to the type of discipleship modeled by Christ but misapplies this due to his drive to promote youth ministry. However, he again gives no direct Scripture references but seems to hope that the broad appeal to model Christ will be enough for most of his readers.
The previous two attempts by the writer are lacking in their call to action, but his final point should cause us to pause and really question what it is he is trying to promote. In short, and with a slight of hand seen only by the most talented of illusionists, he paints those who are resistant to youth ministry as archaic. “Change” is the banner he wishes to raise and those who will not help to hoist it are, by his standard, standing in the way of the spiritual maturity of the next generation.
In his closing paragraph, Paul Martin unknowingly shows his hand. “Youth ministry is a cultural phenomenon…” To this we can certainly agree. Youth ministry is based on culture and has itself become a cultural group with our churches.
In the epistle to the church in Colossae, Paul warns the believers to be on guard against “…philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ” (Col. 2:8). Colossae was steeped in Greek philosophical tradition peppered with gnostic teaching and existing Jewish culture. While the warning Paul gave was likely directed at specific teaching, the principle cannot be missed: culture, philosophy, and tradition is insufficient for the believer unless it is founded in Scripture. Thus, in verse 10, Paul reminds us that we are “complete in Him (Christ)” and have no need to add to His teaching or seek additional ideas outside of what has been expressly given in the Word.
How can anyone base the necessity of a church ministry or practice without the use of Scripture? As Paul Martin’s article reveals, it is more commonplace than we are willing to admit. Pragmatism, tradition, and the appealing to man’s wisdom have crept their way into our churches. Over time, seemingly unnoticed by most, it has begun to blossom into the age-segregated ministries we see touted and vehemently defended by many today.
If we simply start with Scripture and rely on it as our foundation for Christian life, family ministry, and church structure, we will have no need to look to tradition or empty philosophies to support our positions. Without realizing it, the author has stepped outside of the authoritative camp of Scripture and into the pragmatic camp which others before him have unwittingly done. If youth groups are truly biblical, all that is needed is Scripture to prove such. If they cannot be supported by Scripture, then they simply have no place in church life.
One of the marks of Christian faith which Charles Spurgeon preached so fervently for is the sufficiency of Scripture. He said,
If the revelation of God were not enough for our faith, what could we add to it? Who can answer this question? What would any man propose to add to the sacred Word? A moment's thought would lead us to scout with derision the most attractive words of men, if it were proposed to add them to the Word of God. The fabric would not be of a piece. Would you add rags to a royal vestment? Would you pile the filth of the streets in a king's treasury? Would you join the pebbles of the sea-shore to the diamonds of Golconda? Anything more than the Word of God sets before us, for us to believe and to preach as the life of men, seems utterly absurd to us; yet we confront a generation of men who are always wanting to discover a new motive power, and a new gospel for their churches. – Charles Spurgeon
Such zeal for the Word is seemingly needed more today than ever.
– written by Adam Gray. Adam Gray is the founding elder of Reformed Baptist Fellowship of the Albemarle, a newly planted church in Elizabeth City, NC. He graduated from Liberty University with a B.S. in religion and is finishing his Master's Degree in Apologetics at Luther Rice Seminary. Adam has been married to his wife Tracy for over 13 years. They have six children ages 12, 10, 7, 5, 3, and 1. Adam is also a Chief in the U.S. Coast Guard and has been serving on active duty for over 16 years. He has worked with Living Waters' Ambassador's Academy and is active in street preaching.
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