The Future of Youth Ministry: Findings from the Lilly Laboratory Think Tank

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you locked youth ministry thought leaders, academics, and practicioners in a room and asked them, “What will be the big issues in youth ministry five to 10 years from now? And what should we start doing now to get ready?”
The articles below contain the overall findings of the Center for Youth Ministry Training‘s Fourth Annual Lilly Laboratory Think Tank and the eight “Big Issues in Youth Ministry.” Each is an individual article and each has a Facebook plug-in at the bottom so that you can join the conversation. These are written in a “white paper” style, so they are not definitive—there are still questions to be answered and resources to be developed.
Will you be the one to answer the questions posed below? Do you agree? Disagree? What other issues might be missing?

Findings from Think Tank 2012: 26 issues that will affect youth ministry in the next decade

  1. The Need for Ecclesiology
  2. Wrestling the Holy Bible to an Aha! Moment
  3. Youth Ministry as the Great Co-Mission
  4. The Weakness of a Domesticated Gospel
  5. Youth Ministry as Healing and Restoration
  6. Ready or Not
  7. Youth Minister as Equipper of the Household of Faith
  8. The Theology of Personhood

Share

About the Author

Ministry Leadership Center

Stay Inspired

Sign up to receive fresh ministry insights, free tools, and more.

More Articles

People of all ages are managing busy schedules, but a recent survey shows that volunteerism in ministry is on the rise. These 4 best practices will help you capitalize on this trend in your ministry.
Pastor practicing connective labor by listening attentively to a church member during a conversation.
Making people feel seen and heard can have a profound impact on the chronic loneliness, disconnection, and mental health challenges that so many are facing in your ministry. Here’s one practice you can implement right away.
Teen leading a devotional during a summer ministry event, supported by an adult mentor.
Summer moves quickly in ministry, but it also opens up space for deeper connection and growth. With just a few intentional choices, you can turn this season into one of your most impactful yet.

Stay Inspired

Subscribe to receive a monthly roundup of fresh insights and free tools for senior ministry leaders.