Upgrading Youth Ministry - Means of Grace

Introducing Changes to Youth Ministry

The last time we were together, we concluded chapter 8 of 1 Corinthians. Since we reached a chapter break, I thought it was a good opportunity to focus on a new series. We're taking a break from 1 Corinthians to discuss changes possibly coming to the youth group.

The goal of any ministry is to be ever-changing in a more biblical direction. We're not perfect, nor as sanctified as we should be. We want to make changes that improve the spiritual quality of our lives individually and together as a group.

This series will instruct you in key concepts we'll be teaching and using in youth ministry, providing a biblical understanding for the changes and the terminology we're using. The ultimate goal is a youth ministry that is worthwhile—not just done out of expectation, but with eternal worth.

Recall our study in 1 Corinthians 3: we looked at doing things with eternal weight and value, not building with wood, hay, and straw that will burn. Even gold and silver are not lasting. Ministry has eternal worth only if closely aligned with Scripture, which teaches the eternal value of the work of Jesus Christ.

To upgrade youth ministry, we need to understand key biblical concepts. Without them, we diverge from the biblical understanding of why we do what we do.

Defining "Means of Grace"

The first concept we're incorporating is means of grace. We want youth ministry to be a means of grace to those who attend, where people come specifically to receive grace.

The phrase "means of grace" might sound archaic. Think of "a means to an end"—the means is the instrument or method to achieve a goal. Grace from God is given in specific contexts or environments.

Scripture presents this concretely, not subjectively like a personal testimony in isolation. Means of grace are definable environments where we can definitively receive grace from God.

Important clarification: God alone gives grace. No ritual or act magically confers it. As Ephesians 2 reminds us, we were dead in trespasses and sins, unable to receive grace apart from God giving it.

But God... made us alive... For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.
Ephesians 2:4-8 (paraphrased)

God distributes grace by His free will, purpose, and good pleasure for His glory. He is not bound by any circumstance.

Means of Grace in Salvation: Romans 10

For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved... Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent?... Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Romans 10:10-17

Paul outlines a logical chain: belief requires hearing the Word preached by a sent preacher. God saves, but restricts salvation to the environment of gospel preaching. The preacher and the gospel message (Word of Christ) are means of grace for salvation.

No preacher saves—only God does. Yet God uses preachers proclaiming His gospel. Salvation does not occur apart from this means.

Regarding those who've never heard: Romans 1 says creation reveals God enough to leave them without excuse. The response is to go preach, not change theology.

Every believer must preach: How will your family, friends, classmates be saved unless you go? Embrace the mission field in your sphere of influence.

Means of Grace for Growth: 2 Timothy 3:16-4:2

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus... Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
2 Timothy 3:16-17; 4:1-2

Scripture—God's exhaled breath—equips us for maturity and every good work. Preaching the Word delivers it, charged in God's presence.

Church exists for this: gathering under preaching. Private study is vital, but public preaching is prescribed. Find churches with faithful preaching, not just fun programs.

Youth group must prioritize preaching the Word consistently, not just fellowships or entertainment. This grows us in sanctification.

Other Means of Grace for Believers

Baptism

In him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands... having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God...
Colossians 2:11-14

Baptism symbolizes burial and resurrection with Christ—a visible demonstration of spiritual reality. It testifies publicly, holds us accountable, and communicates grace to the church. It's commanded in disciple-making (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38).

Change: We'll baptize on Friday nights in youth group.

Lord's Supper (Communion)

The Lord Jesus... took bread... and said, "This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me"... "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26

Symbolic, not literal transubstantiation. It proclaims the gospel visibly, reminding us of Christ's broken body and blood. Jesus is spiritually present through the Spirit.

Change: We'll incorporate communion on Friday nights.

A Youth Ministry Worth Doing

These means—gospel preaching, Scripture, baptism, Lord's Supper—center youth group on Christ crucified. They remind us of forgiveness and growth toward completeness.

This upgrades our ministry to eternal worth, a safe place to grow as equipped workers for Christ.