A Comparison of Youth Ministry in the Three Divisions of Christianity: Orthodoxy, Catholicism, and Protestantism

Abstract

This study seeks to expand the definition of success in Christian youth ministry by comparing youth ministry programs in Murfreesboro, Tennessee with one church representative of each of the three divisions of Christianity: Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant. By analyzing the goals of each youth ministry program and the methods utilized in an attempt to reach these goals through surveys, informal interviews with youth ministry leaders, and field observations, this study is able to compare Christian youth ministry across denominational lines. By including the Orthodox Christian branch of Christianity this study reveals that the definition of success in Christian youth ministry is much more broad and differentiated across denominational lines than would be argued by previous studies. I argue that the expanded definition of success in youth ministry must include both the possible successful result of the youth forming personal relationships with Jesus Christ and the possible successful result of the youth developing a personal connection to their denomination’s unique traditions, practices, and community.