Most Revd Justin Welby made the comments ahead of this month's Youthwork the Conference, where he will be the special Sunday guest.
He said: "I believe that there is no better decision anyone, of any age, can make than to become a follower of Jesus Christ. Many choose to become followers of Jesus in their formative years, meaning the importance of youth ministry cannot be overstated.
"Furthermore, the Church must not ignore the ministry and witness of young people in the Church of Jesus Christ, who calls us to serve a generation of those who come behind us, in such a way that they can take their place in the purposes of God.
"We know the need to address the witness of the Church to young people cannot be overestimated. We must do so with honesty, faith and vision."
Archbishop Justin said he was also looking forward to "meeting and learning from the hundreds of youth workers who serve thousands upon thousands of young people so faithfully."
Youthwork the Conference is the annual gathering of Christian youth workers from across the UK and beyond which this year is held at the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne, from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th November.
It's an opportunity for teams and individual youth workers to meet, make new friends and connections and pick up new ideas and inspiration for their work.
There are special seminars, this year dealing with issues as diverse as helping young people through trauma, including bullying and even potential suicide, to working in a digital age with all its challenges.
There are also 'surgeries' for one-to-one advice on questions which youth workers may have to face from the young people they work with, including a special 'advice clinic' on self-harm. Organisers say the Youthwork Conference will also offer networking opportunities, prayer spaces, exhibitions and entertainment.
But the main events are expected to happen in the 'Big Room' where delegates meet several times a day to worship, celebrate and hear from some great speakers.