I used to feel guilty when it came to asking people to serve in youth ministry. It was like I was inviting them to take on a huge burden. I would see their responses when I would ask and they would mull over it and then respond with a hesitant, “Sure, I guess.” It was painful; however, I realized that it was because my strategy was weak.
In youth ministry you need to ask people for a lot of precious things:
- Time
- Commitment
- Money
- Trust
It can be an overwhelming experience because of guilt. You might hesitate to ask because you don’t want to hear the word, “NO” And while you cannot avoid rejection, there are ways where you can make the process more fruitful. When it comes to asking others to give and sacrifice you need to:
- Change Your Mindset: Stop looking at your ask as a favor to you and start looking at it as a part of your calling. If you want people to grow in their faith then you need to ask them to serve and give. It’s a way of trusting God through you. You know that people grow in ministry so look at it as an invitation for people to grow in Christ.
- Live It Yourself: Don’t ask anyone to do something you aren’t willing to do. It can come off hypocritical. If you want them to trust, then show them how you trust. If you want them to give, then show them that you give too. It’s not just a lesson in integrity but providing for them a tangible example of what you are asking them to do.
- Teach Them: People are reluctant to say, “Yes” when they feel like they can’t or don’t know how to do what you are asking them to do. The reason people refuse to give is because they have a poor money relationship. The reason people never give their time to serve is because of poor money management. Provide opportunities where you can teach them how to be wise stewards of their resources and time. By empowering them you are giving them the margin and confidence.
- Connect It To God: Again, it’s about changing mindsets. You need to show them that serving and giving is about their relationship with God. It’s about them growing closer to God. To convey this make sure you are linking what they do and why to scripture. Make your asks a part of a spiritual journey. Show them that God is a part of it.
- Walk With Them: If someone says, “No” to your ask, don’t take it as “Never”. Look at rejection as a, “Not yet.” or “Not at this time.” Don’t be afraid to ask after a season (Or two); however, before you do get to know where they are in life. Understand why they might have said, “No” and see if there is an opportunity to serve them.
By developing a strategy on how to ask you take the burden and guilt off of yourself. With a strategy you allow people to see your ask as an invitation to something great. Make it an opportunity for others to grow deeper and watch them accept it.
What tips would you add to this strategy? Which ones would you remove? Please comment