Missionaries vs. Mission Field: Why Are Most Christian Parents Getting This Wrong?

Missionaries vs. Mission Field: Why Are Most Christian Parents Getting This Wrong? | BTYR Ep. 58

Ellen Hembree • November 19, 2024

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Missionaries vs. Mission Field: Are We Getting It Wrong?

Welcome to the Beyond the Youth Room blog! Today, we’re unpacking a crucial topic for parents and ministry leaders: missionaries versus mission field. Many Christian parents unknowingly adopt a mindset that could hinder their children’s spiritual growth. So, let’s dive into why this matters and how we can rethink our approach.

The Misconception: Preparing Instead of Empowering

A common belief among Christian parents is that kids need to be “raised up” to spiritual maturity before they can effectively share their faith or engage in ministry. But the Bible doesn’t command us to merely raise our children—it calls us to train them. Like trees that grow stronger through exposure to wind and storms, our kids need real-world experiences to develop a resilient faith.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of overprotecting kids from challenges, but this can backfire. Without opportunities to navigate struggles, their faith might not withstand future pressures. Instead of sheltering them, we should equip them to step boldly into their roles as young missionaries.

Teenagers: The Boldest Missionaries

As youth pastors, we’ve seen firsthand how teenagers often live out their faith with more courage and clarity than adults. The New Testament suggests that most of Jesus’ disciples, apart from Peter, were likely under 20 years old. They didn’t wait for perfect knowledge or maturity—they learned as they followed Christ.

Imagine if we took the same approach with our kids. Instead of treating them as a mission field, waiting passively to be discipled, we need to view them as missionaries already capable of making an impact.

The School Debate: It’s Not Either-Or

This discussion often circles back to the debate between public, private, and homeschool education. Ryne and I have walked different paths—he was raised in a mix of homeschooling and Christian schooling before transitioning to public school, while I became a Christian as a public school student.

From our experiences, it’s clear that no one educational path guarantees stronger faith. Homeschoolers can lead others to Christ just as public school students can, and vice versa. The key isn’t the environment; it’s how we train our kids to live out their faith within that environment.

In our youth ministry, we see students from diverse schooling backgrounds living out the gospel in tangible ways. However, we’ve also encountered parents who feel torn, assuming one path is “better” for spiritual growth. Instead of focusing on the schooling method, we should focus on encouraging all students to see themselves as missionaries in whatever environment God has placed them.

A Challenge for Parents

As Christian parents, our role is to equip our children, not merely shield them. Take them to places where they can engage with the world. If your child is homeschooled, challenge them to attend a public high school football game and sit near the student section. Let them experience the brokenness of the world and the need for Christ in real, tangible ways.

Let’s stop treating our children as spiritual projects and start seeing them as active participants in God’s mission. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or at the dinner table, they have opportunities to be the light of Christ to those around them.

Are Teens Missionaries or a Mission Field? A Biblical Perspective

In recent conversations among parents and youth leaders, the question of whether teenagers should be seen as missionaries or merely as a mission field has sparked much debate. A quote circulating online claims, "Read your New Testament. You won't find a single child serving as a missionary. Your children aren't missionaries. They are your mission field. The Bible says, raise them up, not send them out." While well-meaning, this perspective may not align with the Bible's teaching on the role of young people in God’s mission.

A Shift in Perspective

It’s true: parents are called to disciple their children. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 instructs us to talk about God’s Word in every aspect of life, training children in His ways. However, there’s a difference between “raising” children, which implies cultivating and waiting, and “training” them, which involves active, hands-on preparation. Parents don’t just raise children to maturity; they train them for the spiritual race ahead, equipping them to take ownership of their faith.

While younger children might primarily be a mission field—needing to be nurtured and discipled—teenagers are different. Teen years are a crucial time for spiritual development, and scripture shows us that teenagers can and should step into active faith roles.

What Does the Bible Say?

A closer look at the New Testament reveals that Jesus specifically chose teenagers to be His disciples. In Matthew 17:24-27, Jesus instructs Peter to pay the temple tax for both of them. This tax was only required of men 20 years and older, implying that Peter was the only disciple over that age. Jesus entrusted His mission to a group of young people, teaching them and then sending them out to change the world.

Furthermore, in Jewish culture, the age of 13 marked the transition to adulthood. Jesus worked within this cultural framework, training His disciples—many of whom were teenagers—just as today’s youth leaders guide teens in the faith.

A Balanced Approach

So, should teens be missionaries? Yes—but with discernment. As parents and leaders, it’s our role to ensure that they are prepared and equipped for the challenges they’ll face. Sending an unprepared teenager into spiritually hostile environments is unwise. But keeping them insulated from the world can hinder their growth and limit their impact for Christ.

Youth pastors often emphasize that teenagers are uniquely positioned to reach their peers. As one leader put it, “Teenagers do a much better job reaching other teenagers with the gospel than we can ever do as youth leaders.” When teens own their faith and live it out, they can profoundly influence their peers in ways adults often cannot.

Conclusion

The idea that teens cannot be missionaries underestimates their potential and overlooks biblical evidence. Parents are still their children’s primary disciplers, tasked with training them for spiritual maturity. But as teens grow, they are called to step out in faith—to not only be disciples but to make disciples.

Rather than seeing teens as merely a mission field, let’s view them as part of the mission force. With proper training, prayerful guidance, and a clear understanding of God’s Word, teenagers can live out their faith boldly, bringing the hope of the gospel to a world in need.

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5 Warning Signs Your Youth Ministry Needs a Revamp

By Ellen Hembree • July 8, 2025

Is Your Youth Ministry Stuck in a Rut? Five Warning Signs It's Time for a Revamp Are you a youth pastor or leader feeling uninspired, overwhelmed, or just going through the motions? You're not alone. A recent Barna Group study revealed that only 16% of Christian teens in the U.S. have a strong understanding of their life's purpose connected to their faith. This statistic, combined with many leaders' struggles, signals a clear need for re-evaluation in youth ministry. This post will explore five warning signs that your ministry might need a revamp and offer actionable steps to turn things around. Think of these as dashboard lights for your ministry – ignoring them won't make the problems go away! 1. Your Students Don't Know the "Why" Imagine walking into your youth group and asking the average student, "Why do you meet?" What would they say? Would they talk about fun and friends, or a deeper mission? If the "why" isn't clear, students often feel like they're just "meeting until they graduate... then meeting until they die, move, or graduate." As Michael Hyatt says, "People lose their way when they lose their why." Action Steps: Set a Bold Vision: Clearly define the purpose and mission of your youth ministry. What is God calling your specific group to do? Communicate Constantly: Use visual reminders, consistent messaging, and empower students by handing them the mission. Don't just invite them; challenge them to own it. Secret Shop Your Ministry: Consider having trusted (even non-believing) individuals or teens from outside your group "secret shop" your ministry to get honest feedback on clarity and impact. 2. You're Not Excited to Go to Youth Group (and You're Not Sure Why) We all have off nights or exhausting weeks. But if you find yourself regularly dreading youth group without a clear reason, it's a red flag. This isn't about faking enthusiasm, but recognizing a deeper issue. Ryne shared a recent experience where focusing on tasks instead of connecting with students drained his excitement. Action Steps: Evaluate Your Life Holistically: Burnout often stems from imbalances. Examine your physical, emotional, relational, and financial health. Is ministry becoming an idol? Talk to a Trusted Mentor: Share your feelings with someone who can offer perspective and ask insightful questions. Schedule Vision Retreats: Take time away, even if it's just a few hours, to get alone with God, re-evaluate your calling, and plan for the next season. Resources like retreathood.com can help connect you with free retreat spaces for ministry leaders. Reflect: When was the last time you walked into youth group with passion instead of pressure? Has it become more of a job than a calling? 3. Prayer is a Last Resort, Not Your First Oswald Chambers famously said, "Prayer does not fit us for the greater work. Prayer is the greater work." If you're constantly rushing through tasks and prayer becomes an afterthought, your ministry might be running on fumes instead of divine power. Action Steps: Study Jesus' Prayer Life: He modeled consistent, intentional prayer, even amidst intense ministry. Pray for Students by Name: Implement a system to regularly pray for individual students and specific schools or areas within your community. Make Prayer a Part of Your Ministry: Dedicate time during programs for collective prayer and teach students how to pray. Linger with the Lord: Beyond daily rhythms, seek extended times of prayer and communion with God. 4. You're Just Copying What Works Elsewhere Are you reacting to popularity or listening for purpose? While borrowing methods isn't inherently bad, exclusively copying other successful ministries without discerning God's unique call for your context can lead to an inauthentic and less impactful ministry. Ryne shared the "cutting the ends off the roast" analogy – doing things simply because they've always been done that way, or because someone else does them, can stifle true innovation and purpose. Action Steps: Ask "Why" for Every Activity: Go through your weekly activities and programs and genuinely ask why you do each one. Are they serving your unique mission? Embrace Your Ministry's Uniqueness: What is God uniquely positioning your church and youth ministry to do? Are you reaching an overlooked group or addressing a specific need in your community? Utilize Spiritual Assessments: Tools like the "four-tier assessment" can help you measure spiritual growth in your students. This helps determine if what you're doing is actually working and aligning with your goals, rather than just copying a trend. 5. You've Lowered the Bar Just to Keep Them Coming This warning sign manifests in various ways, from avoiding discipline with disruptive students to shying away from deeper biblical truths to attract more people. Lowering the bar not only alienates serious students but also communicates a lack of vision for growth. Just as you wouldn't use "baby talk" with a child forever, you shouldn't "dumb down" biblical truth. Action Steps: Define and Uphold Your Standards: Clearly articulate the behavioral and spiritual expectations for your ministry. Prioritize Growth Over Popularity: Focus on discipleship and challenging students to grow in their faith, even if it means a smaller initial attendance. Address Issues Directly: Don't avoid difficult conversations or disciplinary actions, as this can lead to a loss of respect from other students. If any of these warning signs resonate with you, it's a sign to pause, pray, and re-evaluate. Remember, God has a unique purpose for your ministry, and by addressing these areas, you can lead a more vibrant, effective, and fulfilling youth ministry. Which of these warning signs hits closest to home for you, and what's one small step you can take this week to address it?

5 Youth Ministry Myths YOU Probably Believe

By Ellen Hembree • July 1, 2025

Five Youth Ministry Myths Busted: Unpacking Hidden Assumptions for Deeper Student Growth Check out the podcast here . For years, many of us in youth ministry have held onto certain "truths" that seemed foundational. But what if these deeply ingrained beliefs are actually hindering the spiritual growth, leadership, and impact of our students? In this post, inspired by a recent discussion with Ryne , we're diving into five common youth ministry myths that might be negatively impacting your work and revealing the liberating truths behind them. Myth 1: Students are the Church of Tomorrow This is a common refrain, but it's a limiting one. While students certainly will lead the church in the future, the more critical truth is that students are the church of today . This isn't just about giving them roles; it's about recognizing the Holy Spirit's immediate work in their lives. As Ryne highlighted, there's "no junior Holy Spirit." A seven-year-old who trusts Christ has the same Spirit living within them as any adult. Think of King Josiah, who began his reign at just eight years old and became one of Israel's most faithful kings. Or consider Jesus's instruction to "let the little children come to me, for such as the kingdom of heaven." If our primary goal is to make disciples, and we know that most people make a decision for Christ during their youth, then investing heavily in kids and student ministry isn't just a good idea—it's essential for the church's health now and in the future. We need to equip them to be the church today, not just someday. Myth 2: You Need a Large Youth Group to Make a Difference Many youth pastors feel the pressure to grow their numbers, believing that a larger group equates to greater impact. However, this is a pervasive myth. The reality is that God moves through the faithful, not necessarily the large groups . The average youth group size is often cited as around 12—a number with some interesting biblical parallels! Think of the impactful stories of D.L. Moody and Billy Graham, both of whom were led to the Lord by Sunday school teachers with only a handful of students. David Livingstone, the missionary, saw only one convert in his lifetime of faithful service, yet his groundwork laid the foundation for widespread Christianity across Sub-Saharan Africa. God's increase may not always be visible in your lifetime, but faithfulness in the small things often yields exponential, unseen results. Myth 3: Students Need More Theology Before Being Used This myth suggests that students need to accumulate a vast amount of biblical knowledge or attend countless classes before they can truly live out their faith or share the Gospel. The liberating truth is: If they know enough to believe, they know enough to share. Consider the woman at the well, who immediately went to tell her town about Jesus after their conversation, or Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, whose encounter in a chariot led to the spread of the Gospel in Ethiopia. Even the slave girl who told Naaman about Elijah—she had "bad theology" in the sense that it was God, not Elijah, who could heal him, yet her simple faith led to Naaman finding God. When students are encouraged to share their faith, even with incomplete knowledge, it often deepens their dependence on the Lord and prompts them to seek answers to questions they didn't even know they had. Students, especially those in public schools, are surrounded by thousands of peers daily—a mission field far larger than most adults encounter regularly. Leveraging this time for them to share their faith can lead to incredible growth and impact. Myth 4: Youth Ministry Success Equals Church Attendance After Graduation While we certainly desire for students to remain connected to the local church after they graduate, measuring youth ministry success solely by post-graduation attendance is a false metric. The true goal is lifelong transformation and a genuine commitment to living for Christ. Studies have even suggested that a significant portion of regular churchgoers may not have a true relationship with Christ. The church isn't successful when it's full; it's successful when it's faithful. Our aim isn't to create lifelong "consumers" of church services, but to equip students to be active, growing, and serving members of the local body of Christ. Are they serving? Are they growing spiritually? These are better indicators of lifelong transformation than mere retention. Myth 5: Students Don't Want Authority In an increasingly uncertain world, it's a myth that students inherently reject authority. In reality, they crave guidance . What they reject is hypocrisy. Post-COVID studies revealed a significant decline in trust in institutions like government and healthcare, but one group that maintained high trust among teens was "elders"—those older than them. Students are looking for authentic, relational authority figures who will speak truth to them, even if it's challenging or uncomfortable. They want to know what's true, and they will flock to those who are willing to share it with love and integrity. These five myths have perhaps been unknowingly shaping our approaches to youth ministry. By shifting our perspective and embracing these truths, we can better equip and empower our students for genuine spiritual growth and impactful lives for Christ, today. What myths have you believed that have been busted in your ministry journey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!