Once a youth accepts Christ and has shown fruit in his/her life we need to start disciplining them beyond youth group. We cannot go as deep into the scriptures with them in the youth group because the majority of our youth are radically lost. I know how hard it is to find extra time but it is imperative that we do. The Great Commission is not about making converts but about making disciples! We have seen a “closed by invitation only” bible study work very well at Raleigh North and Cedar Point if you have over three youth who are ready for discipleship. At Terrace Park we did a lot of one on one that also worked well; however, if you have more than 3 that will get time consuming. We have some great materials by Campus Crusade to help you with the discipleship process. Below are the Godly habits we need to impart to our saved youth.

Hang time with God (Quiet Time)
Accountability with another believer
Bible memorization and study
Involved with youth group
Telling others about Jesus
Serving others

Let’s take a quick look at this acrostic.

Hang Time:
Having a constant quiet time with God is hands down the most important habit to living a victorious life in Christ. We need to check with our saved youth and make sure they are developing this discipline; I am working on the assumption that we have this habit ourselves. I am not afraid to spend money by providing devotionals and journals that will help them in this pursuit.
Accountability
I hold that accountability is an under-taught principle in Christianity. But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:13 (esv). At first we will have to be the accountability lead but quickly teach the youth to hold each other accountable. They are much more involved in each other lives and know each other’s temptations much better than we do.
Bible memorization and study:
Beyond their quiet time they need to learn how to study the bible; not just read it. Teach them how to cross reference, how to use a concordance, how to listen for God. Instill in them the importance of “hiding God’s word in their heart so that they will not sin (Psalms 119:11). Let me give you a gentle warning, you can’t teach what you don’t do. I trust you have a set time for study above your quiet time. If you need tools or training on how to use tools then let me know that is why I am here.
Involved with the Youth Group
Beyond involved; being the leaders of the youth group is the goal. If you do not teach your saved youth how to be leaders and constantly challenge them to be the leaders you are missing the greatest resource God has given you for reaching other urban youth. Teach them how to lead quietly, by example at first, and then as they are faithful assign them more responsibilities.

Telling others about Jesus
The greatest principle that I learned from EE is “Evangelism is more caught than taught. Take them with you as you go on visitation around your Mission Point. You are going on visitation around your Mission Point right? Let them see your heart for sharing Jesus with those who do not come. If they don’t see you doing it why should they think it is important? Yeah some teaching is needed. I like having them mark their bibles and teach the Roman Road. You can have them teach lessons and give a testimony in Kids Club.
Serving others
Mathew 23:11 clearly states the importance of being a servant. “The greatest among you shall be your servant.” Being a servant is easy to say but hard to do. So once again if they don’t see you being a servant in the community they will not understand it. Be patient but consistent in teaching this to the saved youth. Give them servant responsibilities in Kids Club and in Youth Nite. Have them passing out snacks, taking out trash, sweeping the floor.

What a privilege we have to be a part of the lives of urban youth. Let us remember James’s warning: “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” James 3:1. Let us be faithful in our walk to be effective teachers of the Gospel. Let us take this privilege responsibly and not half hearted. Eternal consequences are at stake!