We're two weeks into the program year of Cross-Eyed and already i've been reminded about the real reason we do youth ministry. The key is relationships. Not that i had forgotten this but a few things have happened that reminded me how true that is.

The first thing is that i spent all of our last Friday night talking with young people. Having a laugh, making jokes, and just hanging out with them as friends. That's really the most powerful thing we can do.

The second thing is people are becoming open and honest, sharing with each other about what is going on in their lives, good and bad. Someone pointed out to me that an increase in sharing points to a youth ministry that is becoming more relational.

So no matter how you do youth ministry, remember it primarily needs to be about creating and facilitating relationships.