I remember the call. Not the spiritual one—but an actual phone call. I was 13 years old. The phone rang in the kitchen (you know, the kind with the long coil cord attached to the wall). My mom picked it up and said, “It’s the pastor.” I was confused—what pastor would be calling me? When I answered, it was Pastor Patrick, our new youth pastor. He didn’t call to invite me to a youth group or to ask if I’d memorized a verse. He asked me how school was going and what video games I liked. It felt a little weird at the time—but also, no one from church had ever reached out to me like that before. Pastor Patrick was different. We had gone through several youth leaders that year. But he stuck around. He was fresh out of college—computer science degree from Hunter College—but he felt God calling him to youth ministry. And it showed.
Over the next seven years, he became one of the most consistent people in my life. He didn’t just create moments about ministry—he invited me into his ministry life. Whether it was grabbing a bite, setting up for a retreat, or riding up front during a youth trip, he was always making space for a real connection. And he prayed. Passionately. Consistently. I don’t remember every sermon he preached or every Bible study he led. But I remember the way he prayed. I remember how he showed up. I remember how he made me feel—seen, valued, loved.
Many years later, a former student (now a youth pastor) from our own youth ministry shared a message at a service. He mentioned that while he couldn’t remember many of the sermons or games, what stuck with him was how we made him feel—like family.
As youth ministers, we want students to encounter Jesus. And while we know it’s not all about emotions, we also know that God created feelings. Moments of deep connection, joy, hope, or conviction—those are often the doorways through which teens encounter Jesus.
So how do we create more of those moments? Here are three tips to help guide your youth ministry:
1. Be Present, Not Just Programmed
We can fill our calendars with events and still miss the mark. Students today are craving authenticity more than ever. In a world filled with filters and curated lives, they’re looking for leaders who are real and available. Presence doesn’t require a platform. It requires proximity. Sometimes the most powerful moment isn’t during your message—it’s during the car ride, the hallway chat, or the post-event Taco Bell run. Be the leader who’s there—not just physically but emotionally and spiritually.
2. Lead with Intentional Relationships
Jesus didn’t just preach to the crowds; he walked closely with 12 of his close companions. He taught, listened, rebuked, encouraged, and ate with them. That’s our model. Who are your “12” (don’t get stuck on the “magic number”)? Who are you investing in deeply? Teens aren’t looking for a perfect leader—they’re looking for someone who sees them, believes in them, and walks with them. Ask personal questions. Follow up. Celebrate their wins. Show up at their games, concerts, and tough moments. When teens feel known, they’re more open to experiencing Jesus through you.
3. Create Spaces That Point to Jesus, Not Just Church
A great youth service is awesome. But it’s not the only place teens can meet Jesus. In fact, many of their most profound encounters might happen off-stage.
Pray openly with your students. Invite them into times of quiet reflection. Encourage journaling. Lead them in worship that doesn’t depend on lights and sound but on genuine hearts seeking God. Also, don’t underestimate the power of a small group or one-on-one setting. Give space for questions, doubts, and spiritual curiosity. Create environments where it’s okay to not have all the answers—because Jesus meets us in our searching too.
Bringing people to Jesus starts with bringing Jesus to people—in every text, every meal, every walk through life. Teens won’t remember everything you say, but they’ll remember how you made them feel. They’ll remember if they felt loved, led, and useful in God’s kingdom.
So, here’s the question for you today: What do your students feel when they interact with you?
If it’s love, purpose, and belonging—you’re already creating moments that open hearts to Jesus. Keep going. Keep showing up. Because Jesus is in every moment—and so are you.
Quick note before you go:
A powerful chapter from Making Room by Michael Kipp has stuck with me since I first read it. Kipp warns us about putting the spotlight too heavily on ourselves— “The Pastor.” His message is clear: ministry isn’t a solo act. It’s not about building platforms for ourselves but about joining with others—the full Body of Christ—to lead students into life-changing encounters with Jesus. When we work together to create these sacred moments, we take the focus off one personality and point instead to the One who truly walks with us through every season. That kind of ministry doesn’t just grow youth groups—it grows the Kingdom.
- 3 Tips for Creating Moments for Teens to Encounter Jesus - May 13, 2025