I love teens, I love students, I love young people…I love building relationships with them, mentoring them, ministering to and with them.

I just have one quick question…Is it possible to be a youth minister and have a “successful” ministry without providing all of the bells and whistles; all of the frills and thrills?

It seems there is always the pressure to produce a bigger and better show than the guy down the street. We have to have this or that or the students may not want to come back. Where does this leave us and what does it do for the students themselves?

Is it possible to have a ministry that would be considered “successful” by just preaching the truth, mentoring students, teaching them God’s word and life principles? By building relationships with them and guiding them in the right direction. By incorporating them into ministry and giving them opportunities to serve others and showing them what it means to love God and love people?

I know the answer lies in balance but what I see more than not is a compromise to the end of the “best show in town”.

Share your thoughts if you are willing?