Young People Can Do Amazing Things If They Are Given Amazing Things to Do

The mission of medical ministry is a collaborative effort that requires the involvement of pastors, physicians, and the entire church community. Together, these three groups form the legs of a sturdy stool. If any leg is missing, the mission falters. Within the church, one leg of this stool, a vibrant and dynamic component, is the youth. Their energy, zeal, and idealism position them as a critical force for advancing the gospel and health reform, both of which prepare people for Christ’s soon return.

The Unique Role of Youth in Gospel Ministry

The youth bring an array of characteristics that make them uniquely qualified to participate in and propel the church’s mission:

• Idealism: Young people often see the world not as it is, but as it could be. This perspective fuels hope and vision.
• Creativity: Their fresh ideas and innovative approaches can breathe new life into long-standing practices.
• Passion and Enthusiasm: Their fervor inspires others and generates momentum.
• Energy: They have the stamina to carry out demanding tasks.
• Zeal: Their commitment to causes they believe in is unmatched.
• Availability: Many young people have fewer obligations, allowing them to dedicate time and focus to ministry.

Often, youth who have recently embraced the gospel carry a newfound love for Jesus, untainted by the cynicism that can come with age. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and their faith, vibrant and pure, reminds the church of its first love.

Biblical and Historical Precedent for Youth in Ministry

The involvement of youth in ministry is not a new concept. Consider the disciples whom Jesus called. Cultural and textual clues strongly suggest that most of the disciples were in their teens, with Peter likely the oldest at around 20-25 years of age. Evidence from Jewish customs of the time supports this conclusion in several ways. First, in Matthew 17:24-27, Jesus instructed Peter to pay the temple tax for both of them but not for the other disciples, even though they were all present. According to Exodus 30:13-14, this tax was required only for men aged 20 and older, implying that the other disciples were under this age. Additionally, the customary marrying age was around 20, yet the Gospels only mention Peter as being married, further suggesting that the other disciples were likely unmarried teenagers. Finally, Jewish boys not chosen for rabbinical studies typically apprenticed in the family business between the ages of 15 and 20. This cultural context makes it more understandable that the disciples, as young apprentices, could leave their nets and occupations to follow Jesus without being the primary breadwinners for their households. Jesus entrusted these young men with the work of establishing His church, proving that age is not a barrier to responsibility and leadership in God’s mission.

Similarly, the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church were predominantly young. Ellen White was only 17 when she began receiving the visions that guided the formation of the church. James White was 23 when he met Ellen, and John Harvey Kellogg was in his late twenties when he began managing the Battle Creek Sanitarium, one of the largest health institutions of its time. John Nevins Andrews (J.N. Andrews), another key figure in the Adventist movement, was only 20 years old when he first began collaborating with Ellen and James White. These individuals accomplished extraordinary things because they were entrusted with extraordinary responsibilities.

A Prophetic Call to Engage the Youth

Ellen White’s writings emphasize the immense potential of youth:

“With such an army of workers as our youth, rightly trained, might furnish, how soon the message of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Saviour might be carried to the whole world! How soon might the end come—the end of suffering and sorrow and sin!” (Education, p. 271)

She also wrote:

“There is no class of persons capable of accomplishing more in the warfare against intemperance than are God-fearing youth.” (Messages to Young People, p. 146)

The Bible itself contains a prophecy about youth’s role in ministry before Christ’s return:

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.” (Malachi 4:5-6)

Besides what this prophecy means directly to the family unit, this turning of hearts may also portray a unified effort between generations—a partnership in which older members’ wisdom and experience combine with the youth’s energy and passion to fulfill the church’s mission.

Youth and the Health Message

Health reform, closely connected to the third angel’s message, is a critical component of preparing a people for the Lord’s return. Ellen White stated:

“I was again shown that the health reform is one branch of the great work which is to fit a people for the coming of the Lord. It is as closely connected with the third angel’s message as the hand is with the body.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 161)

The youth, with their energy and adaptability, can be powerful advocates for health reform. They are uniquely positioned to reach their peers and broader communities with messages of temperance, healthy living, and the connection between physical and spiritual well-being.

A Call to Action

The church must intentionally include and empower its youth. By entrusting them with meaningful responsibilities and providing the training and mentorship they need, the church can harness their potential for gospel ministry. Ellen White’s vision of an “army of youth” rightly trained is not just an aspiration but a blueprint for action.

To the youth: Stand up and be counted as gospel workers for the Savior. Join in spreading the gospel and advocating for health reform. Your energy, creativity, and passion are needed now more than ever.

To the church: Recognize the vital role of youth in the mission. Encourage, mentor, and work alongside them. Their involvement is not optional—it is essential to the completion of the gospel commission.

The author invites you to comment on this article. Whether you agree or have a different perspective, please enter your comments in the space below.