Do You Really Know Why Your Ministry Exists?

Why does your youth ministry exist? What purpose does it serve in your community? If it ceased to exist would anyone care?

The WHY question is a big one and it’s a little scary to answer. But, it’s probably the most important question a youth minister can ask because it’s going to help you answer:

HOW DO I BUILD A HEALTHY, GROWING AND ENGAGING YOUTH MINISTRY?

You want to start with Building Your Team because answering that question on your own will only lead to frustration. And the people on that team need to be people who:

• Think Outside The Box 
• Commit To A Process
• Take On Responsibility And Ownership

When you get that team together (For more on building your core team check out Building a Core Leadership Team):

SET A TIME TO DREAM AND THINK BIG

A mistake I used to make was planning only one meeting and trying to fix the program right there and then. But, it was too much and too overwhelming and that’s why it’s important to set multiple meetings.

• The First Meeting should be about brainstorming over what a disciple of Jesus Christ looks like. You should discuss habits, characteristics and behaviors. Define the ultimate outcome.
• The Second Meeting needs to address the pressures, and obstacles that hold people back from engaging in Christ. Discuss  systems, structures, cultures but not people. It’s easy to blame people but most of our obstacles are something deeper.
• The Third Meeting should be about creating opportunities that lead the next generation closer to your ultimate outcome. Use this opportunity to set goals and methods to measure them.

Each meeting you plan needs to end with a tangible action plan, complete clarity on what’s happening and a way to follow up.

OBSERVE WHAT’S ALREADY SUCCESSFUL

You are not the first one to build a successful ministry. In fact you don’t even have to find another youth ministry to see what success looks like. Look at businesses and organizations that:

• Have great customer service
• Know how to market to their audience
• Communicate clearly with their customers

But, of course visit other churches and ministries that are growing disciples. Meet with their leaders and ask about best practices.

MEET WITH RECENT GRADS

Every summer invite teens that graduated high school a year ago and ask them about their youth ministry experience. If you feel like they’ll hold back have one of your volunteers hold the meeting.

People who have gone through your ministry will tell you what made an impact and what did not. It’s feedback that can help you embrace what’s worked and what you should avoid.

COMMIT TO PRAYER

In the end no one will guide you as faithfully as God. You and your team should be praying together and for the ministry.

Organize regular prayer meetings. The temptation will be to stay busy and accomplish tasks. But, if you don’t slow down to allow God to speak into your life you’ll quickly find yourself back at ground zero.

Why does your ministry exist? It’s exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ. How you will accomplish that goal depends on your willingness to slow things down, work with your team and follow God’s lead.

What’s your biggest challenge to answering the WHY question?