The Urgency of Now: Why Youth Ministry Can't Wait
Gospel Imperative
"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." - Matthew 9:37-38
In a world pulling our youth in countless directions, the time for action isn't tomorrow—it's today. As I witness the spiritual battles waged for the hearts and minds of the next generation, I'm reminded that every moment we hesitate is a moment lost.
The Battle Is Real
I see it in the schools I serve through FCA. Our youth are being drawn in different directions as influences compete for their attention, their loyalty, and ultimately, their souls. The struggles are real, immediate, and consequential.
When I reflect on my own journey, I recognize how easily I could have gone down a different path. But through God's grace, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit snatched me and saved me. This reality fuels my passion to ensure every young person has an opportunity to know Jesus Christ.
The ministry of presence—simply showing up consistently at practices, games, and school events—creates the foundation of trust that makes eternal impact possible. One coach I worked with at Warren High School exemplifies this truth. Through consistent relationship-building and a simple challenge to read the Bible for just 5-10 minutes daily, I witnessed his transformation from someone disconnected from his faith to a man whose social media now reflects his deep commitment to Christ. Even after moving to a different school, he continues to reach out for prayer and guidance.
This is what FCA does—we engage, equip, and empower coaches so they can reach everyone in their sphere of influence. When we invest in coaches, we multiply our impact exponentially because of the time these mentors spend with young athletes during their formative years.
The urgency comes from understanding what's at stake. There are a lot of kids who are being drawn in a different direction, and our responsibility is to ensure the people that I encounter have that opportunity to say yes to Jesus so we can reach every coach and athlete and help them grow a relationship with Jesus Christ.
The time is now. We can't afford to wait when souls hang in the balance. Isaiah's words echo in my heart: "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8). The news headlines only confirm what we already know—our presence in schools has never been more needed than it is today.
Heart Check
What would change if you approached your interactions with young people as eternal, not just temporal encounters?
How might your "ministry of presence" create opportunities for spiritual conversations that wouldn't happen otherwise?
What is one step you can take today to be more intentionally available to a young person in your sphere of influence?
Your Part in This Urgent Mission
The battle for our youth isn't waiting—and neither should we. Your support allows FCA to maintain a consistent presence in schools, building relationships that lead to life-changing encounters with Jesus Christ. Through prayer, financial partnership, and volunteer service, you become part of a movement raising up the next generation of Christ-centered leaders. Join us in answering the urgent call to reach youth today—because tomorrow may be too late.
Support my FCA Ministry and help us open more doors that only God can unlock!