Top 10 Basic Needs of Students

I have been working with students for over 20 years, and believe me when I tell you that youth culture has changed. I will spare you all the cultural changes I have seen over the years, but I remember when it was cool to have the latest Swatch watch, and some students would even have more than one. We have gone from Swatches to iPhones and iPods to having to schedule time to hang out with students. Although youth culture has changed, the needs of students seem to not only be timeless but also cross all cultural boundaries. 

In Matthew 9:36 it says, “When Jesus saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Jesus knew and understood the needs of the people he was ministering to, from the leper he reached out and touched to challenging the rich young ruler to follow him. 

To effectively impact a student, we need to understand their basic needs. As we become aware of the needs of students, we will recognize the importance of investing in their lives.

TOP 10 BASIC NEEDS OF STUDENTS

1. TO KNOW THAT SOMEONE SINCERELY CARES

As youth workers, how do we demonstrate that we care? Each student is in a unique place in life. We must find ways to be intentional and show that we see and care about who they are.

2. SIGNIFICANT SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE

Students question their own faith and need your guidance. They need someone who can work through their questions and help them base their faith on what we know to be true. The best way to do this is to point students to God's road map for life, The Bible. The Bible is full of real-life stories showing how the Holy Spirit can soften even the hardest of hearts and most close-minded individuals.

3. ADULTS WHO TELL THE TRUTH

Students need role models and other adults who live what they say, people of integrity. As youth workers, we need to be wholeheartedly committed to following Christ as a lifestyle. We must ask ourselves, "How is my daily life reflecting Christ?" In other words, we need to live a life worth following. In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul tells the Corinthians to “follow me as I follow the example of Christ.” In the same way, our lives should be an arrow pointing to Christ.

4. TO BE CHALLENGED TO SEE A GREATER PURPOSE IN LIFE…

…beyond their own needs, wants, and desires. In other words, students need a cause and purpose greater than themselves. For too long in youth ministry, we have recognized students as objects of ministry. We need to start viewing them as partners in ministry. Our culture has very low expectations for teenagers, and I believe they want more. I see that every summer when I lead teams with Royal Servants. I recommend Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris, a book about a teenage rebellion against low expectations.

5. UNCONDITIONAL LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE

The message “If you change, then I will accept you" is not helpful. We must love and accept each student for who they are, as God brings them to us.

6. TO PLAY AND HAVE FUN

Many students today do not know how to play and enjoy life. They need you, as a leader, to create experiences. Creating experiences allows you to meet them where they are and break down the walls they build to keep people from getting into their lives.

7. TO FEEL SIGNIFICANT, NOT TRIVIALIZED, OR PART OF AN OBLIGATION

When we go out of our way and invite them into our lives, it communicates that they matter to us. Once a month, my wife and I invite students from our youth group to our house for “Dinner at the Burnams”. They love it. We don’t do anything huge, just eat together, hang out, watch a movie, and play games, but most of all, we are making them feel cared for.

8. A MOM AND DAD WHO LOVE EACH OTHER AS WELL AS LOVE THEM

It is so important to remember that youth ministry also entails family ministry. God can use us as youth workers to minister to the parents as well. In my years of youth ministry experience, I have learned that understanding a student's family situation helps explain how, why, and who they are right now.

9. FEEDBACK ON HOW THEY ARE DOING, BOTH GOOD AND BAD

Whether students realize it or not, they need boundaries. Discipline and encouragement are essential for them to develop in a healthy way. We need to speak the truth in love.

10. TO BE TALKED TO-NOT AT

We must talk with them about things that are important to them. When we do, it allows us to get into their world and understand what they are feeling and what their everyday life looks like.

The bottom line youth ministry is about relationships with Christ, peers, adults, and family members.