In Matthew 28:16\u201320, the disciples gather on the mountain where Jesus had called them to go. The mountain becomes a place of encounter, worship, commissioning, and even doubt. This passage speaks deeply into the heart of youth ministry today. As youth leaders, we too are constantly leading young people towards moments of encounter with Christ, inviting them to climb the mountain and experience the presence of God. Whether through a local retreat, youth rally, camp, ACYF, or World Youth Day, our ministry is often centred around guiding young people toward these \u201cpeak experiences\u201d where faith can come alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is something powerful about young people gathering together in faith. The energy, joy, music, prayer, and community witnessed at these events can renew not only the hearts of the young people attending, but also the faith of the leaders who accompany them. In those moments we catch a glimpse of the universal Church alive and moving. Like the disciples on the mountain, we worship Christ together and are reminded that He is truly present among us. These encounters can inspire young people to open their hearts to God in ways they may never have experienced before. For many, events like World Youth Day become defining moments of discipleship and conversion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet the Gospel also honestly acknowledges that \u201csome doubted.\u201d This reality resonates strongly with the challenges of youth ministry today. As leaders, we can become overwhelmed by the long hours, planning, fundraising, safeguarding, administration, and emotional investment required to take a small group of young people to these events. At times it can feel discouraging when so many resources are poured into reaching only a few. We may question whether the effort is worth it or whether we are truly making a difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, Jesus\u2019 words remind us that this ministry is not ultimately our work, but God\u2019s. \u201cGo and make disciples of all nations.\u201d As youth leaders, we are entrusted with the mission of accompanying young people towards Christ. We are not called to save them ourselves, but to walk beside them, witness to the Gospel through our lives, and trust that God is already at work in their hearts. Our authority comes not from our own abilities, but from Christ who sends us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Importantly, the encounter with God is not limited to the peak event itself. Often, God works most powerfully through the journey toward the mountain. The countless meetings, conversations, shared meals, fundraising events, bus rides, and moments of vulnerability create opportunities for authentic relationships and discipleship. It is in walking side by side with young people that trust is formed and faith is nurtured. The climb can feel daunting, but through surrender and faith we learn to trust that God has a plan greater than our own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More than ever, young people today need to hear the Good News. In a world marked by anxiety, loneliness, and uncertainty, they need hope. Jesus\u2019 promise, \u201cI am with you always, to the very end of the age,\u201d assures us that we do not minister alone. God continues to call us to lead young people to the mountain, to encounter His love, and then to go forth as disciples who share that love with the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
by Adam Phillips<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" In Matthew 28:16\u201320, the disciples gather on the mountain where Jesus had called them to go. The mountain becomes a place of encounter, worship, commissioning, and even doubt. This passage speaks deeply into the heart of youth ministry today. As youth leaders, we too are constantly leading young people towards moments of encounter with Christ, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":28918,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-28916","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-newsletter"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t