The defining characteristic of "traditional youth ministry" is the isolation of teenagers from the adult world and particularly from their own parents. In a culture that caters to adolescents, youth ministry has typically bought into our culture's ideas that the only way we can hope to have our youth involved in church is to bribe them with fun, exciting, and over-the-top events and activities designed solely for their enjoyment.  Unfortunately, statistics do not support this perception.  A recent Barna Group study revealed that teens who were actively involved in youth groups but did not attend church regularly were more apt to leave the church in adulthood than teens who participated in church (and may or may not have attended youth groups).

The Church is a community of believers (of all ages) who are to share in the spiritual journey and support one another in faith. Youth ministry is the responsibility of everyone in the church -- not just theat of the identified "youth minister" or "youth volunteer."  Each one of us commits ourselves to the spiritual development of our young people during the Sacrament of Baptsim.  During Baptism, the priest asks, "Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ?" and we all answer, "We will." We then "join those who are committing themselves to Christ and renew our own baptismal covenant." –The Book of Common Prayer, page 303

The focus of youth ministry at Christ Church is to engage our youth and help them to become active and mature members of the Body of Christ -- recognizing and cultivating their talents and ministries.  This means that we invite them into the "adult" world and are willing to mentor them.  This can only happen when there is interaction between adults and teens -- in other words, it can only happen within the context of relationship.  Without the involvement and commitment of everyone in the church, youth ministry will be little more yet one more activity to try to cram into the already over extended schedules of families and youth. 

As the old adage so wisely declares, "It takes a village (community) to raise a child."