We’re not always ready for it, but it’s inevitable. People whether invited to or not will share with you their feedback. For a long time I was defensive because I took it personally. The truth is that people were really just trying to help.
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Feedback is necessary to help your ministry stay on track. It will remind you what is important and what you need to do to grow. But, not all feedback is helpful. And that’s why you need to seek it out before it finds you.
I’m not saying you need to manipulate the advice and insight you receive. But, you do need to create a system where you can get the whole picture. Three areas where you can find the right feedback are from:
Constructive insight comes from experiential wisdom. To get that wisdom you need to tap into other youth workers who understand the ins and outs of your job. They will not only give you insightful criticism but give you advice from the experience they’ve had.
Hook up with a local network where you can be heard. Invite fellow youth workers to visit your program to see what it is you do. Then take the time to hear their thoughts and be sure to thank them.
Sometimes you need a fresh perspective. To get that you need to ask those men and women who have been serving in your ministry for only a few months. Ask them questions likes:
You might not want to be the one conducting the meeting, so ask a coworker or veteran volunteer. Their feedback will give you an idea of what you’ve been missing by being in the trenches for such a long time.
While it’s not easy to ask your pastor for feedback, it’s essential you do so. His feedback will help you stay focused on the vision and mission of your church. It also gives him insight onto what’s happening.
You can invite your pastor to attend the program; however, you can also ask him to keep an open ear. Parents and parishioners will come to him if something really good or really bad is occurring. Create an awareness so that youth ministry isn’t an afterthought.
Take control and create a system for feedback. Seek it out before it finds you. This will help you analyze how you are supposed to grow and how to take the youth ministry to a new level. It will knock down pride and allow you to stay focused on what’s important.
[reminder] Where else do you seek out feedback? [/reminder]