College Ministries Evolution
During one of the afternoon sessions, I was reflecting on what was shared by the speaker and youth workers. We have come so far from the early days of youth ministries and the many men and women who guided those ministries. A lot has changed from those days and youth ministries will continue to change. One place I think about is how the adolescent years are now including sixth grade or as it's called today "Middle School." Just as adolescent years seem to be coming earlier, it also seems to be lasting longer. Many believe that late adolescence is moving into the college years (ages 18 to 23). I truly believe that youth ministry as we know it today will evolve to include college-age.
If this is true, and I believe it is, we'll need to rethink student ministries. What will be the challenges for churches in hiring and developing workers for this age group? Training for youth workers will be a key component in developing a strong discipling ministry. Are we ready to face a challenge for the future of the Church? I think so. Good to know that ministries like CE National are around to help come along local churches in support of the Great Commission...going and making disciples.