A season of Discipleship

2 Timothy 2:22 holds a special place in my life. It was through a discipleship engagement that this verse was brought to life for me. That season of discipleship directed by this verse has had such an impact on me that I’ve decided to make it a “ministry verse.” It is basically a “life verse” but chosen specifically for how I operate in ministry.  

 I want to encourage you to take time to reflect on what your “ministry verse” should be. Similar to a mission statement – the ministry verse is what guides how you engage in discipleship moments, what events you host, or what missions agency you should partner with. 

The Bible presents the church as a community of faith. One where we discuss the Scriptures together, bear one another’s burdens together, and rejoice with those who are rejoicing together. We find this idea explicitly stated in 2 Timothy 2:22 – So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart (emphasis added, ESV). 

Let me encourage you to use this verse if you are unsure because in it we find all the elements of what we should be doing in the church and thus in youth ministry.

This verse tells us to flee sin and pursue what is good along with others. Our churches and ministries should be a place where we can be vocal about our concerns, struggles, and temptations while also being a place where we are encouraged by being reminded of the promises of the Scriptures. Reflect on how your youth ministry is set up. Is it one where students and leaders can authentically flee sin and pursue righteousness together? If it is, how are you incorporating the students into the rest of the church body to help them feel connected to something greater than just a youth service?

In fleeing sin, we are called to pursue several things: righteousness, faith, love, and peace. In thinking about your discipleship and teaching ministry – are you helping your students & leaders pursue these things specifically? We know and understand that the culture of the USA is rapidly changing where it might be tempting to muddy the waters of what is righteous and what isn’t.  A leaders, we have to teach students how to take a stand for what is right. However, we have to do more than tell them to do this or that because you said it was right. Connect what is righteous with the faith. Explain to the students that the reason we pursue what is righteous is because of our faith. We trust a loving a good God to tell us what is best in regards to life, sexuality, and even in the things we consume. And lastly, show them what is genuine love and peace. Help them to understand that to be genuinely loving doesn’t mean that they accept and encourage whatever it is their friends want to do, but that sometimes being loving means saying and doing the hard things for the benefit of their friends.

So what is your ministry verse? What are you using to guide your intentional discipleship time with your students?