How To Take On The Competition

The days are longer and Spring is trying to bust through.  This can only mean one thing…lacrosse season is here.  While there is competition to our youth ministry year round, things really don’t heat up until lacrosse season.  That means tournaments on the weekends, practices and games after school.  Our participation dwindles and it can be frustrating.

Courtesy of Paolo Camera/Creative Commons License

Every youth ministry is going to have competition.  It could be professional football on Sundays, after school activities or just plain busyness.  No matter what your ministry faces it can build frustration, and jealousy.  To be relevant and take on what the competition is throwing out, it’s important that you:

• Do Not Take It Personally: It’s easy to feel like everyone conspiring against you; however, the reality is a misalignment of priorities.  Instead of building a grudge towards good things (i.e. recreational sports), take the time to understand the culture.  Realize people are busy and overcommitted.  To ask them to commit to something else might seem overwhelming.  

• Communicate It’s Value: People want to know why your ministry is important.  That means crafting a vision and repeating the invitation over and over again.  Find opportunities to inform people what is happening.  Get the pastor and anyone else in leadership to help you advocate.  If you are clear on why it’s important and create a buzz, word will eventually get out.

• Deliver Quality: To deliver quality you need to be consistent, and authentic in your ministry.  Make sure when people arrive you are prepared and ready to receive them.  While you might not be able to get to know everyone personally invest in volunteers to expand your capacity.  The reason people will choose other activities over your ministry is because of the quality experience.  Learn from your competition and raise the bar on your ministry by investing in an excellent experience.

• Pray On The Situation: You need to trust God when it comes to planning out your ministry.  Seek his insight and trust His lead.  Take risks and remember you are not alone.  Pray for your competition, especially if they are offering something quality.  Pray for guidance on how to engage the community and trust that God is working with you.  

Youth ministry is always going to have competition.  It’s a part of the spiritual battle that you and I face.  Instead of getting frustrated with the culture, look at ways of working in it.  Above all else, trust that God wants you to succeed.

What is competing for the attention of teenagers in your community?