What does it take to train up multiple generations of leaders and ministers? Merrie Johnson shares her calling, today’s biggest need in student ministry, the story behind ‘Go God’ and how you can specifically pray for students.
North Carolina Baptists serve on mission together with women across the state who are faithfully leading and making disciples. In this four-part Q&A series, we’re highlighting women in ministry who are making an impact for the kingdom as they reach, train, send and serve.
This first installment features a Q&A with Merrie Johnson, student ministries strategist for N.C. Baptists. Johnson has been on staff at the state convention since 2001. She oversees Caswell youth camps, fall retreats and training events for youth ministers and leaders across North Carolina.
Stay tuned for the next three parts to get to know Anna Hopper, SendNC’s spouse care advocate; Janet Packard, global missions coordinator for N.C. Baptists; and Meredith Snoddy, missions and communications director at Green Street Baptist Church.
Q: You’ve been in youth ministry for more than 40 years. What keeps you passionate about it?
A: I still am challenged to help students see that a relationship with Jesus brings peace, joy, as well as challenges. I have peace knowing that the Creator of the universe loves me, has a plan for me now and for all of eternity. I have this because I have placed my faith in Jesus, and His plan has provided me a life of hope — that there is so much more to life than the routine of living day-to-day.
Each day, I have a new “God Hunt,” where I search daily to discover where God is working and join Him in His adventure. This means that no day is ordinary. Everyday encounters allow me to learn about the people around me, learn where they are in life and share how God has a purpose and plan for them. There have been conversations at ball games or practice for my boys, and it added a whole new reason for me being there. Taking the love of Jesus wherever I go and discovering where people are in their spiritual walk has given me a new challenge every day.
Q: One of the sayings you are known for is “Go God!” What’s the story behind that?
A: Life is tough, but God was bigger than anything I was facing. I decided a few years ago that I needed to be His biggest cheerleader and look for where He was working to join him. I discovered that praying daily revealed to me a depth of understanding that my normal life could be used to share my faith in Jesus if I was just looking for Him. This new way of approaching each day brought me more joy, realizing wherever the day took me, there was a place God was working. I began to see more and more how God was working and to celebrate the “Go God” moments.
I probably miss more moments than I even realize because the daily grind weighs heavily at times. When these times come, I make an attitude adjustment and remember that God is working all around us. We just have to focus on Him and look for the potential the day holds to bring Jesus into each moment.
Q: How have you seen Summer Youth Weeks, fall retreats and other training events make an impact in shaping and calling students into ministry?
A: When I arrived in 2001, I had already had 18 years of experience as a local youth minister, so God had already built in the foundation of needing Him daily. Many hard times in life, as well as the sweet moments, had given me the understanding that nothing is too big for God. When I came, I wanted to make sure the summer camp program had a focused approach to making sure Jesus is lifted high, and opportunities for students to discover God’s love for them.
In these 40 plus years, the same questions arise with each generation. Teenagers want to know if God is real, does He care for them and if they have a purpose. The answer is yes — God loves you and has a plan for your life. This is what we want all students to know as they come to our youth events. These events provide a space where they can hear God’s word and His call for their life. They help students understand you are called to know God and make Him known. We want students to see that they have giftings that the Lord can use, whether that is your hobbies, job or even vocational ministry.
Q: What are the most significant changes you’ve seen in student ministry, and what would you say the biggest need is today?
A: The biggest change in the students’ ministry has been watching churches take responsibility to make sure their students know that Jesus loves them and has a plan for them. Students are continually asking, “Why am I here? What can I be doing? And what was I created to do?” When students understand the answers to these questions, they begin to understand the greater purpose of being alive.
The greatest need is for students to know they are created for a purpose, to know God and to make Him known. Having this focus changes the trajectory of your life. Students learn that they no longer have to wonder about their purpose but take advantage of the time they have to learn about God and let God use their giftings to serve Him.
Q: If you could share one piece of advice or wisdom to student ministry leaders about training up the next generation, what would it be?
A: Make sure you are not only providing them a fun and safe space, but spend time addressing the questions they have about life and the Lord. Students need to have a space where they can share their struggles and not feel judged. Students need to have trusted adults in their lives who can pour in truth, reminding them that God cares for them and provides them a way out of their struggles.
Students need to understand that what they are feeling is normal, but more importantly, to know God loves them despite their struggles. They struggle with all kinds of things, such as mental health challenges, academics, future decisions, peer pressure and so much more. It is important to take time to listen to your students, encourage them and point them to God’s Word.
We must teach students that prayer must be their first line of defense, so prayer must be an integral part of your youth ministry. Relying on God needs to be as simple as breathing, and we do this through prayer.
You can pray for student ministry in these specific ways:
- Pray that churches take seriously the mission of sharing the gospel to students and training up adult leaders to minister to them. Churches need to provide a safe place for students to feel connected and heard, and opportunities to reach out to their communities. Mission experiences will allow them to see firsthand the love of God and give them the opportunity to share who God is and what He is doing.
- Pray that students see the need for a personal relationship with Jesus and that nothing is too big or small for God.
Women in N.C. Baptist churches can take the next step of engaging in N.C. Baptist ministry and serving on mission together at this year’s Women’s Evangelism & Discipleship Conference. On Sept. 13, be inspired and challenged to grow deeper in your faith, strengthen your commitment to discipleship and live out evangelism every day.
Sign up at ncbaptist.org/womensconf.
