Maximizing Curriculum Is The Key To Being Successful

There it sat on my desk, a brand new box filled with resources. I opened it up, got excited by all the available content and then immediately felt overwhelmed. Even as a veteran youth worker I remember looking at my new church’s curriculum wondering, “How do I use this?”

My panic wasn’t caused because of bad curriculum, it was due to a lack of familiarity with the content inside. So, I slowly closed the lid of the box, put it on my book shelf where it still sits today, unused.

There is a lot of great resources out there for youth ministers. Some of it is more comprehensive than others. Some of us want more, while others of us demand less. While there are many different options, one thing holds true:

If we don’t know how to use curriculum properly it can be a waste of money and time.

I’ve used a variety of resources over my tenure of youth ministry. While there are some that I prefer over others, there are a few basic rules every youth minister and DRE should follow if they are going to invest in curriculum for their youth ministry:

RULE #1: Never buy in a rush 

Do the research. While companies will throw sales, deals, and freebies at you make sure you do the homework before saying, “Yes.” A few steps you can take to make sure you are getting what works for you is by:

• Talking to other youth ministers who have successfully used the product
• Determining what you actually need (i.e. technology, number of volunteers) to make the content work
• Knowing if your church can afford it without leaving you broke

You’ll also want to look at their customer support and what the commitment (i.e. subscription) looks like. Do the research and make a prudent decision.

RULE #2: Maximize their tutorials, trainings and customer support

Even if the content is intuitive chances are you aren’t using everything available. After you make the purchase dedicate time to learn about all the materials.

If a resource offers training videos and articles use them. Share them with your leadership team and learn as much as you can about the resource you just spent hundreds of dollars purchasing.

Don’t be afraid to email or call their customer support with “dumb” questions. The more confident you are with the content the better you will use it.

RULE #3: You don’t have to use everything or follow directions verbatim

I have yet to meet a curriculum or resource company that believes their product is “One Size Fits All.” In fact many of them are excited to meet customers who have adapted or utilized their materials in different ways (Unless you are trying to resell it as your own…that’s a big no-no).

Don’t be afraid to adapt what you are using to fit your ministry’s paradigm. Work with a team to determine what works best and what doesn’t. Again, reach out to the company to get their insight and share with them what you are doing, it’ll only help them improve.

RULE #4: Content is great but it’s culture that’s key

If you purchase content expecting it to fix your problems you’ll only find disappointment. Even the best materials cannot save a ministry built on a dysfunctional culture.

If you struggle with your volunteers then focus first on leadership development. If parents do not seem engaged look at your communication strategy.

Make sure your budget and calendar is focused on the culture before the content. If you have healthy leaders and a collaborative team you can make almost any content work for your ministry.

RULE #5: Constantly evaluate its effectiveness

The content you use can have a shelf life. And even if the company is coming up with new resources you need to make sure it’s still effective for your ministry.

At the end of the year sit down with your team to determine whether it works. You should ask the questions:

• What impact has this had on the people (teens, parents, volunteers) using this content?
• Does this still align with our overall values?
• Is this relevant and engaging for our audience?
• How can we use this better?

Use what works for you. If you struggle with the content remember that it might not be the material.

Remember that your content is a tool and should be used wisely. Understand the parameters that surround it, communicate with the help desk, and maximize its ability to help you grow disciples.

What other best practices would you add when it comes to outsourcing content?

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