That's quite a long introduction, but this is the first issue, so some admin issues had to be dealt with. The youth minister is not primarily a problem solver, although in the course of caring he or she may help young people deal with particular problems. Similarly, the youth minister is not primarily an evangelist, although as a result of his or her care young people may very well start to respond to the love of Christ. The youth minister, in the first instance, is called to give him or herself in relationship to young people. This self-giving is itself the primary means by which young people are enabled to grow and develop.
Relational care recognises that young people are searching for a sense of self-worth and identity.
The youth minister's main function in building relationships with young people is the recognition of the worth that is inherently there in each young person. At root, this worth comes from the youth minister's belief that this is the way that the young person is regarded by God. God loves every young person profoundly and passionately, and values them highly .