by Mario Barahona
What comes to mind when you think of "effective inner-city youth ministry"? Many of us have our own ideas of what we think it should look like. I believe a more definite picture emerges, however, if we compare our ministry labors with what the Word of God says about them.
Jesus told us: "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you" (John 15:16, NKJV).
From this verse we can safely assume that God's will is for us to bear fruit and that our fruit would remain. Based on His Word, therefore, we can determine that effective youth ministry means at least two things: 1) bringing souls into the kingdom; 2) discipling them to be equipped to go and bear fruit that remains.
I have pastored for the last 11 years in Los Angeles, where I grew up. My pastor, Ray Diaz of Angelus Temple Hispanic Foursquare Church, modeled many of the ministry principles the Lord has instilled in my life. Here are some that I try to use in my ministry to inner-city youth.
1. Accept people the way they are. Not every person looks like me or talks like me--or is like me at all. But as long as they keep coming to church there is a chance they will be touched by Jesus.
Not long ago a young man approached me after church. I didn't recognize him at first. While we talked, the Lord reminded me of his story.
He had been a very rebellious kid. He had been involved in gangs--dressed like them, talked like them, behaved like them--but amazingly he never missed church. In fact, I could almost set my watch by him because he would walk into the building at the same time every week.
He was now well-groomed and was informing me that he was an usher at one of our church plants. We all are different in the inner city, but the Lord works wonders in each of us.
2. Place an A+ on each individual. Think highly of each young person--spiritually and intellectually. They are our future pastors and professionals. Many times the only person who will believe in them is their pastor. Show them you believe they have the potential to conquer the world for Jesus.
Always welcome them with an uplifting comment. How we think about people is revealed in how we treat them.
Don't assume everybody in the inner city is a drug dealer or a gangster. When I was growing up I had about 20 friends on my block, but only two had gang relationships. Concentrate on the kid who is trying to be normal. There are a lot more of them than drug dealers and gangsters.
3. Have a big heart for the process. Yes, in the inner city, kids fail often, but never stop believing in the Lord's power to change them. Remember, He changed us. Everything we are and do is because of God's grace toward us. In turn, we should give of ourselves to inner-city kids. To do this you can:
Grant them opportunities
Inner-city young people can become media directors, musicians, sound engineers, program directors, Sunday school teachers and pastors.
Discuss God's plans for them
Show interest not only in their spiritual growth but also in their education and future. Always try to be there to rejoice with them in their victories.
Never withhold correction
But always be aware that it must be applied properly. Remember, you are a pastor not a parent, and your influence is spiritual. Love them but not their sin.
Listen, listen, listen
First hear God's voice so you may know His plans. Then listen to them so you may know their challenges, fears and hurts.
Model unconditional love
They need to know that no matter what they do--or don't do--the Lord will always love them.
These principles will help us go and bear fruit that remains because they are rooted in the love of God, who accepts us as we are, believes highly in us because He sees what His Son can do in us, and willingly walks with us for eternity.
Mario Barahona is assisting pastor at Angelus Temple Hispanic Congregation in Los Angeles, and leads the English-speaking ministries. He also serves at Angelus Bible Institute as academic dean and a teacher.
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