This dog is running toward something. Via Flickr.

Why do we do what we do? Are our actions based in having a goal and racing toward it, or are we merely responding to a fear or anxiety that is propelling us in a direction that is basically running away from something? The answer to this question is vital for those of us in Catholic youth ministry. That’s why I love the Life Teen goal of Leading Teens Closer to Christ! It is easy for us to decide what we need to do because we are constantly evaluating our actions by holding them up to that goal. If it will help us lead teens to Christ – we try to do it.

Don’t start youth ministry at your parish to give teens a safe place to keep them from the temptations of the world around us. Start it to lead them closer to Christ, to help your teens become radical disciples who change the world – not run from it!

Today, take some time to reflect on this question – is the youth ministry at our parish leading teens toward something or are we merely focused on a model that has teens running away from something? In other words are we a faith based or fear based youth ministry?

It is not the actual physical exertion that counts toward a man’s progress, nor the nature of the task, but the spirit of faith with which it is undertaken. – St. Francis Xavier