I have been involved with our Church's Youth Ministry for the past five years and have traveled across North America, meeting hundreds of Orthodox youth and youth ministers. We have a teen class in our Church School. Youth Ministry must not only give young people facts about their faith, but must challenge them to use that knowledge. Youth Ministry must offer opportunities for young people to help others in the context of Christ's servanthood. Fellowship is an essential part of Youth Ministry, when youth gather as Christians in a Christian environment.
Many people equate youth ministry with church school.
They argue that our teenagers need to know the facts about our faith. This is true. Passing down Christ's commandments and the history of salvation is an essential part of all Christian ministry. But factual knowledge is only good if it is used in everyday life. Therefore, while giving teenagers basic information is an essential part of youth ministry, it must be augmented with opportunities for youth to put their knowledge into action.