Celebrating Spiritual Growth in Youth Ministry

Usually when we hear the word “growth,” it’s easy to think in numerical terms. But growth for our students doesn’t only mean increasing how many people show up on a Wednesday or Sunday night. How can we identify spiritual growth in our students that is more difficult to quantify? And when we see this growth happening, what should we do to celebrate it?

Identifying Spiritual Growth

1. Students move from apprehension to excitement 

One way to identify spiritual growth in your youth ministry is to see when students show increased excitement for Jesus, church, and faith. This can be excitement for being together, learning something new, or serving others. Think about a student who started off nervous but now is pumped to be at youth group every week. We have all seen this happen, and it is a sign that they’re growing! It also means you have done a good job of making them feel comfortable and safe in your church.

2. Students move from observation to ownership

A second way to identify spiritual growth in your youth ministry is to notice how students move from being observers to owners of the group and their individual faith journeys. It’s natural to observe before identifying with a group, but we should celebrate when our students take ownership of their faith and their place in youth ministry. Do you see students who once stood on the outside but now fully own their place in church? In the kingdom of God? Students who felt encouraged and welcomed by your church want to buy into your mission. That’s good news!

3. Students move from consuming to participating 

A final way to identify spiritual growth in your youth ministry is through watching as students become more involved in the life of the youth group and the life of the church. When students truly feel like they belong in the Body of Christ, they mature in their faith and would desire to be fully involved; they desire to help behind the scenes, teach a lesson, and serve somewhere else in the church.

Celebrating Spiritual Growth

It is important that you acknowledge growth in your students or your groups. Students need to hear that you notice the changes and are excited for them. Tell them you’re proud of them and that you see how far they’ve come—perhaps even share your observation with the larger church body. Tell your students’ stories (with permission) to people in the church who may not be involved in youth ministry. Share about the wins that are happening and invite your congregation into this celebration.

And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.

2 Timothy 1:6-7

Also, find ways for your students to continue growing. How can you integrate your students into the life of the church if they aren’t already? How can you invite them into decisions you’re making for the group or sermons you’re preaching every week? Invite them in, feed their fire, and actually let your students lead. They will be encouraged that you value them and their faith journey. 

Finally, an important part of celebrating students’ growth is by incorporating rhythms and rituals that recognize students. This includes regular baptism services (to celebrate new life in Christ), reaffirmation of baptisms (in the cases of students coming back to Jesus and/or claiming their earlier baptisms), senior testimonies (as a time to look forward to), intentional times for older students to share with younger students (offering the chance to share and see peers practicing their faith), maybe even post-trip recaps (for the church to hear about what is happening in your students’ lives after big events). Establishing these rhythms can help students feel celebrated and offer them times to look forward to.

Celebrating our students’ growth should be exciting for them and for us! It’s important to recognize what’s happening in their lives and encourage them as they continue to walk with Jesus.

Hannah Jones-Nelson
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