Young Theologians: A Case for Biblically Grounded Student Ministry

When you picture a thriving student ministry, what comes to mind? Likely, it's a room full of students—laughing, energetic, engaged. Maybe there's passionate worship and a charismatic youth pastor delivering a message with creative illustrations. None of those are bad. In fact, many churches would love to see their student ministry marked by that kind of enthusiasm.  But here’s the question: would we be content with a student ministry that checks all those boxes but lacks theological depth?  

“They’re just Middle and High Schoolers…”  

One of the core problems in youth ministry today is low expectations. Academically, students are learning calculus, interpreting classic literature, leading sports teams, managing jobs, and giving formal presentations. They’re more capable than we often acknowledge. So why do we expect so little of them spiritually?  If we keep our theology at a surface level, we’re not just stunting their spiritual growth—we’re teaching them that theology doesn’t matter. That it’s less important than school, sports, or even social media. We are, in effect, discipling them to believe that the Bible is too big for them and theology is reserved for “real adults.”  

From Catechesis to Catapults: How Did We Get Here?  

In the early history of the church—and even as recently as a few generations ago—students in the church were catechized. That is, they were intentionally taught the core doctrines of the faith, often through memorization, repetition, and structured discipleship. Churches believed that students were capable of learning theology, and more importantly, that they needed it to be rooted in Christ and equipped for life.  But somewhere along the way, many churches reacted against this structured model. In an effort to become more welcoming, less formal, or more “real,” the pendulum swung the other way. Catechism was replaced by conversation. Doctrine gave way to life tips. Theological training was seen as rigid, even legalistic—and so, in many cases, it was removed altogether.  

What replaced it?  

Games, giveaways, and catapults—literal and metaphorical ones. In the 1980s and 1990s, many churches adopted “attractional models”—seeking to grow through appealing environments, relevant messaging, and engaging experiences. Youth ministry followed suit, emphasizing fun events, music, games, and charismatic speakers to draw in students.  

This trend was amplified by our culture’s shift to center everything around entertainment. Churches often felt pressure to “compete” with the constant stimulation students were getting from social media, TV, and video games. In trying to “keep kids from being bored,” youth ministries often defaulted to high-energy programming over depth.  

The data about students walking away from church after high school only heightened the urgency. Many leaders prioritized keeping kids involved—sometimes at the expense of deep spiritual formation. The logic became: If we can just keep them coming, maybe they’ll stick around long enough to grow spiritually.  

But ultimately, this is rooted in a misunderstanding of discipleship. Sometimes well-meaning youth ministries traded long-term spiritual formation for short-term attendance. Discipleship was reduced to moral encouragement or life advice rather than grounded teaching in Scripture and the gospel.  

How Do We Refocus?  

The data is clear: the students who stay in church post-graduation aren’t the ones most entertained. They’re the ones most connected—especially to godly adults who modeled faithfulness, taught the Bible, and showed them how to follow Jesus.  

This is what the church has to offer that no concert, video game, or YouTube channel ever can: real people with real faith living out real theology in community.  

If students come to church only to experience more of the world, they’ll eventually stop coming. But if they come and hear from God—through His Word, His people, and His Spirit—that's something they can't get anywhere else.  

 If you’re a parent, youth leader, or pastor, ask yourself: Are we forming disciples or just hosting events? Let’s raise the bar together—because our students are ready.