Why do we do youth ministries? Perhaps the simplest answer is because young people are part of the Episcopal Church and we are called to minister with them. Youth ministries is one part of the ministry of the whole church. Ministries with older adolescents means the church's involvement with young people between the ages of sixteen and nineteen. Youth ministries is the ministry of, with, and to young people and the adults engaged in ministry with them. 

It would be great if there were a specific verse or chapter in the Bible that said, "You will do youth ministries!" There is not just one place but many places in Scripture to which we can turn to get a biblical basis for youth ministries. The call of Jeremiah (Jer. 1:4-10) reminds us that we are not to say "I am only a youth"; God called Jeremiah despite his youth. Paul also reminds Timothy not to let anyone despise his youth, but to set a good example for all people (1 Tim. 4:12). Jesus told the disciples to let the children come to him (Matt. 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18: 15-17). 

We do youth ministries in order to lay the groundwork for young people to have a faith in Jesus Christ that is their own. In the Episcopal Church we baptize infants and, as a congregation, promise to teach them about Jesus and God's love for them until they can make their own statement of faith. In confirmation, young people make their own statement of faith. Youth ministries is the special ministry of the church that provides young people the opportunities to work out their questions, their commitments, and their opportunities to grow in faith. This call to ministry is not predictable; it is an adventure. In accepting Christ's call to discipleship, we begin a lifelong journey of hope. Youth ministries include:

• Service projects, such as young people raking leaves for older adults
• Singing in the choir
• Social action projects with young people
• Young people teaching vacation Bible School
• Parents and young people attending classes on human sexuality
• Diocesan, provincal, and national youth events
• A community center for young people sponsored by a congregation
• Youth evangelism efforts peer counseling
• Young people walking to fight hunger
• Acolyte groups
• Senior high retreats
• Young people planning "Youth Sunday" in a congregation
• Education in peace and justice
• Christian education programs for youth
• Episcopal camps and conference centers
• Episcopal schools
• Preparation for rites of inititiation
• Bible study, service, worship, recreation, community organizing, and much, much, more!