10 Reasons Why Teenagers Make Perfect Missionaries

#10. The Disciples Were Teenagers

Jesus worked with students. Most Bible scholars agree that most of the Twelve Disciples were in their teens during the time Jesus chose to minister to and with them. (Apparently, Paul did Jr. High ministry because it says in 1 Cor. 15:32 that he “fought with wild beasts” while in Ephesus! Okay, I know that’s cheesy, but I couldn’t resist.)

#9. They Have A Future

When you reach a student, they likely still have most of their life in front of them to live out for God’s purposes and glory!

#8. It Keeps You Young

Young at heart, at least! The excitement and relative innocence about life, and the zeal with which they often approach it, is a much-needed reminder to adults not to let the harsh realities and previous defeats in life cause us to stop seeing and seeking new opportunities and joys that may await us.

#7. They Produce Much Fruit

Statistically, youth are the most fruitful ministry. Time and time again, surveys show that about 80% of adult believers report having trusted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior during their teen years.

#6. There Are Opportunities For Growth

Student ministry is exciting if you have a vision for growing the Kingdom through multiplication (2 Tim. 2:2). Jr. and Sr. High youth, on average, have a higher impact on their friends than those in any other age group.

#5. It Sets Students On The Right Path

When you reach and disciple teenagers, you help them avoid many destructive attitudes, actions, and relationships that those who come to Christ later in life are left to deal with. While being a fallen human in a fallen world will inevitably bring us all a certain amount of suffering and pain, those who sow to the flesh for many years usually reap multiplied sorrow and pain (Gal. 6:7).

#4. It Is A Lot Of Fun

Building relationships with teens often requires entering into their world. Usually, their world includes a desire for lots of new, fun, and interesting adventures. Therefore, you often find yourself making time for activities that the business of life has caused you to ignore or leave behind (playing sports and crazy games, amusement parks, canoeing, skiing, video games, attending concerts, etc.)

#3. All Generations

The students you reach, lead in discipleship, and equip to be leaders will one day be the generation that provides leadership for your grandchildren.

#2. They’re Open

Students are often more willing and able than other age groups to help fulfill the great commission! Young people are free of “adult responsibilities.” They are ready to be inspired, stretched, and challenged to step out of their comfort zones and do service projects, short-term missions, and other great commission ministry.

#1. Glory to God!

The final and ultimate reason to do youth ministry is because it brings great glory to God! Faithful, long-term ministry–to an age group that many have trouble understanding, liking, or appreciating–causes others to marvel and ask, “Why do they do that?” If it is apparent that we are doing it because of our faith in and love for the Lord Jesus Christ, our devotion is a testimony to His greatness. In addition, the essence of sin is man making himself the center of his life rather than God (Isaiah 53:6, Romans 1:21-22). Teenagers can be self-absorbed and self-centered. So, when you help them to begin living a God-centered life, you help them live in a way that others take note of the change, and God gets more of the glory He rightly deserves!