I remember asking my grandmother to teach me how to cook. She asked me why and I told her, “I wanted to woo girls.” I truly believed that if I mastered the art of cooking I would win over the woman of my dreams.
Courtesy of Dusty J/Creative Commons License
IT WORKED. Ask my wife and she’ll tell you one of the reasons she married me (and is still married to me) is because I know how to cook well.
Mastering the art of cooking might help you in marriage (and life). But, it’s not going to get you far in youth ministry. If you want to take your ministry to the next level you need to make sure you master the:
It’s hard to get the attention of your audience because of all the noise. To rise above it you need to know:
In other words:
You will just add to the noise if you cannot answer those questions. A great leader can mobilize people towards the goals, mission and vision they have set. And that’s done by effectively communicating.
You are limited because you are human. Every youth minister (and leader) is tempted to do it all on their own. The art of delegation means:
It will give you more margin and focus as a leader. Delegation allows your ministry to tackle more tasks without the responsibility falling just on you.
A great leader also knows how to lead a team. When you master the art of collaboration you expand your creativity. New ideas will emerge and problems will be solved.
When you collaborate you also give others ownership of the ministry. This will create buy in and commitment to a project or program. The more you collaborate the more you can tap into your ministry’s potential.
Your ministry has a purpose. While it is a challenge to discover that purpose it can also be difficult to communicate it. Vision leaks if not presented clearly and consistently. That’s why you need to put it:
And you need to make it available to:
When vision sticks it will bring a new energy to your ministry. To make it stick incorporate it in emails, meetings, messages and conversations. Build advocates by challenging your volunteers to own it.
When you master these art forms you’ll increase your influence. More leaders will emerge from your volunteers. People will be clear on what it is you want them to do. Your ministry will have a greater impact.
Which one have you mastered? Which one do you need to improve upon? Would you add a fifth? Share your thoughts.