More than "Good Citizens"

"You're such a good person for working with those kids, mentoring them, and teaching them how to be 'good citizens'". I hear this kind of thing all the time from people that don't understand why I'm in youth ministry. I get really frustrated that people see what I do like this. If all I'm doing is helping to produce good, moral, citizens, then I've missed the mark completely.

I was meeting with one of our girls small group leaders a few weeks ago and she asked me about my vision for our small group ministry. I thought about it for a minute, and responded. I want our students to be captivated by the heart of their creator. I want them to be more than just good citizens. I want them to be more than just moral people. I want tham to be more than the good kids at school. There is so much more that I pray for and desire for them. I see such great potential in our middle school students. I believe that God has more in mind for this next generation of Christ followers. I desire for them to be radically changed by God. I desire that their actions are determined by a heart that is passionately drawn to God's heart. I want to see them do things for the kingdom of God that I can't even imagine.

All of this makes me think about the song "Hosanna" by Hillsong United that say:
I see a generation,
rising up to take their place,
with selfless faith, with selfless faith

I see a near revival,
stirring as we pray and seek
We're on our knees, we're on our knees

When I hear these lyrics, it makes me want to pull everyone into our middle school room on a Sunday morning and tell them to look at the next generation. These are the next kingdom workers. These are the people that will carry on the faith of Christ to the generation after them. Our students will be the ones who could start great movement and revival in the world. Such great potential!

What our middle school ministry volunteers do is more than just producing "good citizens". Their job in our ministry is so much more than that. We are more than just mentors, we are examples of Christ followers. We have been given the task to equip our students so they do not believe everything the world trys to throw at them. The world very much tells us that if you make good grades, don't get caught, go to church, don't cuss too often, and do some charitable work here and there, you're a good person, and you'll go to heaven. Wow! I hope that's not the message we are teaching.