10 Apr 2026, 13:34Ps Ratko Risteski; edited by SM CommunicationsPaisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, United Kingdom
Paisley Church Prioritises Teen Ministry to Bridge Engagement Gap
A renewed focus on teen ministry in Paisley is helping young people find belonging, connection and spiritual growth through intentional, relationship-centred initiatives.
Across many churches, children’s ministries continue to thrive through the dedication of parents and teachers who nurture young hearts with care. Likewise, youth ministries frequently flourish through the energy and initiative of young adults who organise, lead and engage in meaningful activities. Yet, between these two vital stages lies a group that is too often unintentionally overlooked—teenagers.
For Ratko Risteski, pastor of the Irvine, Paisley and Faifley district, this gap became increasingly difficult to ignore.
Teenagers, he observed, stand at a critical crossroads of identity, faith and belonging. No longer children, but not yet fully integrated into youth leadership, they can easily find themselves in an in-between space. Without intentional engagement, many begin to drift—not from lack of interest, but from lack of connection.
“As a pastor, I began to notice this gap more clearly,” Risteski said. “While other ministries were structured and thriving, teen ministry seemed less defined, less prioritised and, at times, quietly neglected.”
Recognising this need, Risteski began to take intentional steps to engage teenagers more directly within his district. Since last year, a weekly Friday Bible study specifically for teens has been introduced, complementing their regular Sabbath School engagement.
The response, he said, has been striking.
“What quickly became evident was not just their willingness to attend, but their desire to belong,” he explained. “Teenagers are not disengaged—they are waiting to be engaged,” he added, noting that many stay longer after each session, whether online or in person, to talk, share and connect.
Out of this growing awareness, Risteski said he felt a clear pastoral responsibility to respond intentionally to this need. Following prayerful consideration and conversations with parents and church members, a decision was made to establish a dedicated monthly teen gathering on Sabbath afternoons at Paisley Church. The initiative reflects a clear recognition that consistent, meaningful engagement—even if not weekly—can make a significant difference in teenagers’ lives.
These afternoons are intentionally structured, beginning with Bible study, followed by games and then a practical, hands-on activity—often centred around preparing food together.
One recent gathering, themed around Italy, saw teens working collaboratively to make pizza from scratch. From preparing the dough to designing their own creations, the activity was filled with creativity, laughter and teamwork.
“These moments go far beyond simple activities,” Risteski said. “They are helping to build relationships, trust and a space where faith can grow naturally.”
The initiative has also received strong encouragement from parents, many of whom have shared positive feedback about the enthusiasm and joy their children bring home after each gathering. This response, Risteski noted, has reinforced the importance of intentional investment in this age group.
Research supports this approach. Christian researcher George Barna observes that while moral and spiritual foundations are often formed in childhood, it is during the teenage years that these beliefs are tested and ultimately embraced or set aside.
For Risteski, this underscores the importance of walking alongside young people as they navigate faith in personal and meaningful ways.
Too often, he said, churches assume teenagers will naturally transition into youth or adult participation. However, without intentional ministry, many can fall through the cracks.
“Teen ministry requires structure, creativity, patience and, above all, presence,” he said. “It’s not enough to hope they will come—we must create spaces where they feel seen, heard and valued.”
The experience in Paisley has demonstrated that when teenagers are given meaningful opportunities for connection and involvement, they respond with openness and enthusiasm.
“They are eager to learn, to serve and to belong,” Risteski said. “They are not just the future of the Church—they are a vital part of its present.”
Encouraged by these outcomes, Risteski is now looking to extend this model to other churches within the district, with the aim of fostering a renewed focus on teen ministry more widely.
As the Church continues its mission across Scotland and beyond, he believes there is a clear opportunity to strengthen and prioritise ministry to teenagers.
“Investing in teens is not optional—it is essential,” he said. “In nurturing them today, we are shaping the Church of tomorrow.”
A renewed focus on teen ministry in Paisley is helping young people find belonging, connection and spiritual growth through intentional, relationship-centred initiatives.
Across many churches, children’s ministries continue to thrive through the dedication of parents and teachers who nurture young hearts with care. Likewise, youth ministries frequently flourish through the energy and initiative of young adults who organise, lead and engage in meaningful activities. Yet, between these two vital stages lies a group that is too often unintentionally overlooked—teenagers.
For Ratko Risteski, pastor of the Irvine, Paisley and Faifley district, this gap became increasingly difficult to ignore.
Teenagers, he observed, stand at a critical crossroads of identity, faith and belonging. No longer children, but not yet fully integrated into youth leadership, they can easily find themselves in an in-between space. Without intentional engagement, many begin to drift—not from lack of interest, but from lack of connection.
“As a pastor, I began to notice this gap more clearly,” Risteski said. “While other ministries were structured and thriving, teen ministry seemed less defined, less prioritised and, at times, quietly neglected.”
Recognising this need, Risteski began to take intentional steps to engage teenagers more directly within his district. Since last year, a weekly Friday Bible study specifically for teens has been introduced, complementing their regular Sabbath School engagement.
The response, he said, has been striking.
“What quickly became evident was not just their willingness to attend, but their desire to belong,” he explained. “Teenagers are not disengaged—they are waiting to be engaged,” he added, noting that many stay longer after each session, whether online or in person, to talk, share and connect.
Out of this growing awareness, Risteski said he felt a clear pastoral responsibility to respond intentionally to this need. Following prayerful consideration and conversations with parents and church members, a decision was made to establish a dedicated monthly teen gathering on Sabbath afternoons at Paisley Church. The initiative reflects a clear recognition that consistent, meaningful engagement—even if not weekly—can make a significant difference in teenagers’ lives.
These afternoons are intentionally structured, beginning with Bible study, followed by games and then a practical, hands-on activity—often centred around preparing food together.
One recent gathering, themed around Italy, saw teens working collaboratively to make pizza from scratch. From preparing the dough to designing their own creations, the activity was filled with creativity, laughter and teamwork.
“These moments go far beyond simple activities,” Risteski said. “They are helping to build relationships, trust and a space where faith can grow naturally.”
The initiative has also received strong encouragement from parents, many of whom have shared positive feedback about the enthusiasm and joy their children bring home after each gathering. This response, Risteski noted, has reinforced the importance of intentional investment in this age group.
Research supports this approach. Christian researcher George Barna observes that while moral and spiritual foundations are often formed in childhood, it is during the teenage years that these beliefs are tested and ultimately embraced or set aside.
For Risteski, this underscores the importance of walking alongside young people as they navigate faith in personal and meaningful ways.
Too often, he said, churches assume teenagers will naturally transition into youth or adult participation. However, without intentional ministry, many can fall through the cracks.
“Teen ministry requires structure, creativity, patience and, above all, presence,” he said. “It’s not enough to hope they will come—we must create spaces where they feel seen, heard and valued.”
The experience in Paisley has demonstrated that when teenagers are given meaningful opportunities for connection and involvement, they respond with openness and enthusiasm.
“They are eager to learn, to serve and to belong,” Risteski said. “They are not just the future of the Church—they are a vital part of its present.”
Encouraged by these outcomes, Risteski is now looking to extend this model to other churches within the district, with the aim of fostering a renewed focus on teen ministry more widely.
As the Church continues its mission across Scotland and beyond, he believes there is a clear opportunity to strengthen and prioritise ministry to teenagers.
“Investing in teens is not optional—it is essential,” he said. “In nurturing them today, we are shaping the Church of tomorrow.”
