In today’s episode, we’re tackling one of the most pressing issues in youth ministry: keeping young people connected to their faith. We’ll dive into TenX10’s transformative approach, exploring how relational discipleship can replace program-heavy models to build lasting, meaningful connections with the next generation.

Show Notes:

• The youth ministry crisis: TenX10 was launched to address an alarming trend—over a million young people leave the Christian faith each year. By 2050, up to 42 million may disaffiliate if current trends continue.
• Mission and goals of TenX10: TenX10 aims to reach 10 million young people in 10 years by shifting the focus in youth ministry to relational discipleship, a strategy that centers on meaningful connections rather than numbers or programming.
• Relational discipleship defined: It’s about prioritizing deep, authentic relationships between youth and adult mentors, following Jesus’ example of discipleship through personal connection, not through formal programs.
• Challenges with traditional models: Many churches lean heavily on programming and content, which doesn’t effectively engage youth. TenX10 advocates for less focus on event-based ministry and more on personal, one-on-one engagement.
• The drop-off after high school: Many young adults leave the church when they graduate, in part because they haven’t built lasting connections within the faith community. TenX10 encourages a discipleship model that extends into young adulthood, making faith relevant beyond youth group.
• Why churches miss the mark: Churches often think they’re discipling youth but over-rely on programming and content delivery. Real relational discipleship is about shared life and genuine care.
• Key discipleship elements: TenX10 emphasizes that for discipleship to “stick,” youth need to feel a sense of belonging, identity, and purpose that aligns with their faith.
• The critical role of senior leaders: Church buy-in, especially from senior leadership, is essential for effective discipleship. Without support from lead pastors and elders, relational discipleship can’t gain momentum.
• 7 Discipleship Emphases: TenX10 highlights seven core emphases, including spiritual growth for leaders, family involvement, belonging, and identity, which together support a sustainable discipleship model.
• Reframing youth ministry culture: Churches are encouraged to re-evaluate their culture and structure to create a welcoming environment where young people feel integrated into the church community, not sidelined.
• The importance of fun with purpose: TenX10 recognizes the value of fun in ministry, but it should “prepare the soil of the heart” rather than replace the deeper work of building relationships and nurturing faith.
• Engaging families in faith formation: Since family is the primary influence on youth, TenX10 emphasizes equipping families to support and model faith, fostering a faith community within the home as well as at church.
• The relational discipleship inventory: A tool available on the TenX10 website, this inventory helps leaders assess where they and their ministries stand in terms of relational discipleship practices and priorities.
• Collaboration across denominations: TenX10 unites over 130 partner organizations, spanning various denominations and theological backgrounds, to tackle youth disaffiliation together.
• Insights from Fuller Youth Institute: Research by the Fuller Youth Institute underscores the importance of belonging, identity, and purpose, all of which are central to TenX10’s discipleship model.
• Empowering youth leaders: Many youth leaders experience burnout and work on “borrowed energy.” TenX10 highlights the need for leaders to prioritize their own spiritual growth for a sustainable ministry impact.
• Challenges for smaller ministries: Small churches may feel pressured to compete with larger churches or entertainment outlets, but TenX10 encourages them to focus on personal connection rather than flashy programming.
• Action items for leaders: Leaders are encouraged to prioritize regular, intentional time with young people (like coffee chats or mentorship meetings) over excessive programming.
• Starting steps: TenX10 suggests taking the relational discipleship inventory, exploring resources like the Relational Discipleship Kickstart, and diving into deeper discipleship materials available on their website.
• Support for those struggling in ministry: TenX10 emphasizes the importance of finding mentors and connecting with leaders who are thriving to avoid burnout and to stay engaged in meaningful, sustainable ministry.
• Learn more about TenX10: https://www.tenx10.org/
• Contact Keri-Ann Hayes: kerri-ann.hayes@ministryarchitects.com
• Connect with Brandon Collins: brandoncollins.org – brandon.collins@ministryarchitects.com
• Connect with Renee Wilson: renee.wilson@ministryarchitects.com