Begin with adults.
[Moving forward, I will use the term "students" in place of "youth". In my experience, using the term "youth" has a subtle minimizing effect which is easily abused by adults. This is certainly not universal or provable. However, referring to my "younger friends" and to "students" has always felt more honoring.]
There is no Biblical precedent for student ministry other than perhaps (1) Jesus' affinity for children, (2) God's affinity for the marginalized, and (3) Jesus Disciples who were likely all in their teens. Student ministry begins not with a Biblical mandate, but in the heart of an adult who cares about specific individuals. A student ministry begins with a group of adults who share a desire to meet the unique needs of students in a particular context as an expression of gratitude.
- What are the unique needs of students in your church, your neighborhood, your community?
- What needs might you be unique qualified of gifted to meet? What needs are you NOT in a position to address?
Make a point to go out into your community and ask people, especially students. No one person will give you the key, but you may be the only person asking many people. Also, ask people who know you well what they think you are good at and if they think it's a good idea for you to get involved with students. In general, if you are in a time of major transition, you are unlikely to have the emotional margin to build friendships with students. In fact, you are likely to hurt them by unconsciously seeking to get your own needs met through them.