Check out the books on the youth ministry shelves at your local Christian bookstore. Most of the models of youth ministry described in those books are from “successful” churches. By “successful” I mean that they have a whole bunch of students involved in their ministry. I think having lots of kids involved in ministry is great . . . but I don’t think that should be the only way we measure success. And unfortunately, those models often only fit a big church that already is reaching lots of students. So, where do we find a model for what youth ministry should look like in the small church. I think the best model of ministry is found in what Jesus did with his disciples.

First, Jesus’ ministry with the disciples was relational. He spent a lot of time with them. He used teachable moments to guide them to maturity. He showed them the power of God in the circumstances of life. He lived his relationship with the Father out in front of them.

Second, Jesus’ ministry with the disciples involved intentional teaching. Jesus set aside time to take his disciples apart and instruct them in how to follow God. Some of my friends in LifeWay’s student ministry are talking about six issues Jesus taught the disciples: the lordship of Christ, Christian disciplines like prayer and giving, developing godly character, discerning right from wrong, building healthy relationships with other people, and influencing people around them with the Gospel. Not a bad plan.

Third, Jesus’ ministry with the disciples was purposeful. When he called Simon and his brother Andrew, he told them, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19). His disciples were doing a lot more than hanging out together. They were learning to be on mission with God in their world.

I suppose there is a lot more we could say about Jesus-Style Youth Ministry, but those are some pretty significant truths for those of us who are leading our little band of 12 . . . or 8 . . . or 2.