American pastor, Bill Hybels, describes the local church as ‘the hope of the world’ as it is God’s plan for seeing his Kingdom grow on earth. At Thrive, we want to enable the church to fulfil its calling, which is why we don’t do youth work for a church. We want to come alongside churches and help them develop and deepen their youth ministry, whilst at the same time always communicating that it remains their responsibility not ours.
Research suggests that we fail young people when we recruit people from outside the church fellowship to carry out youth work on our behalf. There may be a perceived growth in numbers of young people, but the reality is when that leader leaves or the young person grows out of the youth work, there is a high chance that they will walk away from church and faith.
Thrive is committed to the long game on this. We realise change does not happen quickly but it does not mean that we shouldn’t pursue it. Youth ministry will only be truly healthy in a church when the fellowship is genuinely committed to reaching out and discipling young people. Give us two or three leaders and we will come alongside a church, show them how to lead well, resource them with whatever materials they might need and to coach them as they grow in their roles. But we won’t do it for them.
As a result, we developed a church partner scheme where a church commits to growing in their youth leadership. The scheme involves the church being committed to ten key leadership principles including creating a vision and strategy for the youth ministry, having a committed leadership and sufficient funds to enable growth. The church also commits to having a key leader mentored by Thrive as well as meeting up annually with the church leader to assess future plans and needs.
“As a church with a few youth work related struggles over the last year, we have found the support of Thrive Youth Ministries to be invaluable. Andy’s expertise and willingness to come alongside youth leaders, young people and the church leadership has been so supportive. I am personally very thankful that we have such a resource base on the door-step and for the personal encouragement that Andy and his team are.” – a local church leader
Our vision is for every church in our area to have a thriving youth ministry. Young people aren’t an optional extra to our churches, they are fundamental to our growth and our future existence. We are trying to help churches realise that God has given them all they need to develop this ministry. They need to see what that provision looks like and to grow in confidence and ability. The reality is that Thrive spends a lot of time cheering on leaders and trying to build up their confidence in their abilities.