Law & Gospel in Youth Ministry
I think most youth pastors have come against the criticism that we primarily teach moralism rather than the gospel and theological meat. Sure, there are probably lots of youth ministries where that’s true. But I’d wager most of those youth ministries belong to churches who preach moralism.
This question drives us to reconsider the role of Law & Gospel in youth ministry.
What is Law & Gospel?
Very simply put: “Law” refers to the commands of Scripture: the “do this” and “don’t do that.” “Gospel” refers to the promises of God that apply the grace of God to sinners who trust in Christa righteousness farther than in their own ability to keep the Law. Salvation comes by the gospel, not by the law. But this doesn’t mean the law is bad or useless. The commandments of God are good, should be obeyed, and should be taught to students if we want them to grow in Christlikeness. And yet, we must be preachers of the gospel, not spiritual life coaches.
Briefly summarized there are three uses of the Law:
Curb: restrains sin in society and culture.
Mirror: shows us our sin and need for a savior.
Guide: instructs us in godliness.
Proclaiming the gospel without the law is antinomianism, an ancient heresy that proclaims God’s grace while making God’s commands unnecessary to the Christian life. On the other hand, legalism emphasizes the role of the Law and commandments without recognizing the priority of the gospel of grace. Read this article for a more thorough explanation of Law & Gospel.
Applying Law & Gospel to Youth Ministry
Gospel-centered youth workers should not be so Bible-teaching-oriented that we neglect teaching students about timely issues they face. We are not teaching moralism when we teach about God’s will on sexuality or music or friendship. As these topics are addressed, the central drive is proclaim and apply the gospel, not to hammer the Law into their heart.
Remember, Timothy 1:8 says, “the Law is good if one uses it properly.” The proper use of the Law is for it to show us our sinfulness and our need for the gospel, and then to guide us as we walk in step with the Holy Spirit. God’s commandments have never been intended to be used as a hammer, or as mere life-advice. Let’s not be so gospel-centered we neglect teaching God’s Law.
If youth group is built in order to help kids be good friends and responsible adults, then we have fallen into a moralistic trap. Youth ministry is real ministry. Youth workers stand before students and cry out, “Behold, your God! Come to him with repentance, discover his grace, and carry your cross.” The Law is not opposed to that central message. It is a buttress to it, leading us to realize another’s righteousness is necessary for our salvation.
Honestly, there are a lot of youth ministries who prioritize moralism over gospel-proclamation. They consider their moralism to be a form of discipleship that helps students grow in godliness. Although their intentions are well-placed, their view of the gospel is so narrow it’s functionally become a message that’s only for nonChristians.
Youth workers who rightly understand Law & Gospel proclaim the gospel at all times, and use the Law to call students to repentance and faithfulness while keeping the gospel front-and-center at all times. We give advice about real life situations. That’s not moralism or Law-driven ministry. It’s pastoral counsel, and that’s a core component of discipleship. In the midst of our pastoral care about these specific situations, we hold the distinction between Law & Gospel in our mind as we help students recognize their need for Christ in the midst of whatever they’re facing.
