The Necessary Shift in Youth Ministry, Attractional vs. Missional Models, and Making Disciples That Last

Terry Parkman shares how youth ministry is fundamentally shifting from attractional to missional models, requiring leaders to focus on transforming students rather than merely entertaining them.

• Youth ministry is at a tipping point where effective ministries will focus on outcomes (life transformation) rather than outputs (attendance numbers)
• Today's young people aren't seeking entertainment but purpose—they want to find their people and their purpose
• Missional preaching equips students for real-world application, not just emotional altar moments
• Discipleship has been diluted to mere relationships, but true discipleship produces people who look more like Jesus
• Small groups remain valuable but must be led by deeply committed leaders who pay the price of ministry
• Raising the bar for volunteer leaders actually attracts more high-quality volunteers seeking meaningful involvement
• Leaders can maintain attractional elements (good hospitality, engaging environments) while adopting a missional model
• The primary question for youth pastors: are you building into what young people become or just getting people in the room?

Mark your calendars: Lead the Generation Conference returns April 25, 2026 featuring Terry Parkman as a main session speaker.

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Check out the FREE youth ministry resource Vitals for Youth Ministry by clicking below!

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Connect with the hosts!

Eran Holt - Director of Lead the Generation

📸 - @eranholt

Caleb Leake - Youth Pastor at Allison Park Church

📸 - @calebmleake