“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…” Ecclesiastes 3:1
The Seasons of Youth Ministry (Part I)
By Pete Folger
 As a young person growing up in Cleveland, Ohio one of the things that I could always count on was the changing of seasons. As a young person, I so enjoyed the fall and winter seasons. Now that I’m a little older I have a greater appreciation for any season which does not include snow. Although in northeast Ohio the only season where we are guaranteed no snow is summer.
Just as there are seasons of weather and climate, there are also seasons of life. Childhood is often referred to as springtime because of the growth that is taking place. Young adults are often considered to be in the summer season. It is the season where they are able to accomplish the most. They are in their prime. Those who have reached middle age could be considered in the autumn of life. Just as the leaves change into beautiful assortments of colors so their lives reach a beautiful state as well. Kids are reared and grown. New opportunities exist. They are free to do more than at any other time. But just as the leaves reach a gorgeous color, they begin the process of falling. With winter comes death or a stage of dormancy. The sun sets early, it’s cold and very few spend much time outside unless they have to.
While thinking on this subject I was reminded what my youth pastor shared with me shortly after I ventured into the youth ministry. Just as there are seasons in weather, and seasons in life, there are also seasons in youth ministry. As I have served in this capacity for over seven years I have come to realize that his words of advice were so true. I believe that God wants us to know that no matter what season we may find our youth to be in, that there is always another coming. These words bring great hope and comfort when in a difficult season. But they also ought to bring great warning to those who find themselves in an easy season of youth work.
The more I’m with teens there are three distinct seasons that I have come to be familiar with. There may be others, but these seasons have been distinct in our ministry.
- The Season of Indifference.
- The Season of Rebellion.
- The Season of Revival.
With each class that comes into the youth group you will find them fitting into one of these three categories. Typically they will all be the same. You may have a class that is rebellious. In that class there may be a few teens on fire for the Lord, but usually they are in the minority. I believe that there are some things that we need to consider as we deal with the seasons of youth ministry.
Pete Folger is the Assistant Pastor at Cleveland Baptist Church.
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15 Feb 
