For youth ministers Sunday is your biggest day. It’s the Sabbath. It’s the beginning of your work week. It’s the one time of week when people are coming to you. This means you have huge potential to make an impact. So, what are you going to do with that time?
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Believe it or not you do not have to do anything huge. In fact there are several small action steps you can partake on a Sunday in order to have a huge impact. 7 of those small actions that will lead to big impact are:
By greeting people at the door on a Sunday you are giving people the impression that you are excited to see them. You break down any barriers and you build relationships. Greeting people at the door sets the table for future relationships you will build at the church.
Check in with the children’s ministry to see what’s going on. Learn what it is they do to grow disciples. It will not only help you see the big picture discipleship in your church, but show the Children’s Director that you care. This will create a stronger core on your team.
If you see a student you know with their parents surprise them with compliments. It will boost their self-esteem and give them confidence. You’ll affirm the parents in their parenting. And it also opens the door for future conversations with parents when they most need you.
Your responsibilities might be minimal on a Sunday, but you probably have coworkers who go all out. Instead of watching them do their job, ask them the question, “How can I assist you today?” It might be as simple as making copies. It could be as deep as praying for them. Strengthen the staff core by being a servant leader to them.
Sunday is the biggest opportunity for face to face recruitment. Over time you should go around getting to know the men and women who attend your church. Invest in them relationally so that when the opportunity arises you can ask them to serve. You might get a NO from time to time; however, you’ll also get a YES.
If you have a teenager serving alongside of adults on a Sunday make them feel special. Write them a thank you note pointing out what they did to model Christ. Surprise them with a gift card and show them that you appreciate them serving the Kingdom. Small rewards will go a long way.
Your pastor is your leader and he needs your prayers. Does not matter his personality, Sundays can be draining. Find time to pray on the weekend that God speaks through him. Pray that he models Christ to the community and that he is filled with God’s grace. Your pastor is constantly pouring into the community and needs someone pouring into him.
Don’t let your weekends rush by. Instead plan them out with small action steps that can lead big. Make a check list, challenge your team. Make each Sunday one that adds to the movement of church.
What else would you add to the list? What actions have a large impact?