Maybe You’ve Been Doing Ministry All Wrong

Have you ever wondered, “Do I really know what I’m doing?” It’s a thought we all have but are afraid to answer. Even if the answer is NO that’s okay because sometimes we have to re-think youth ministry.

Last week I attended the DYM 100, a mini conference hosted by Download Youth Ministry. Reggie Joiner, founder of Orange opened up the conference sharing 7 ways he was re-thinking youth ministry:

• Re-discover the potentional of middle school to change the future
• Re-arrange youth ministry to transition beyond 12th grade
• Re-engage parents of teens, weekly, monthly and yearly
• Re-evaluate how success is measure for 11th & 12th grade groups
• Re-cycle content around what really matters most
• Re-establish service as a priority for discipleship
• Re-build a leadership base that reflects diversity

Here is what I took away from each one:

RE-DISCOVER THE POTENTIAL OF MIDDLE SCHOOL TO CHANGE THE FUTURE

We tend to ignore middle school ministry because we rarely see the fruit of our labor. But, middle school is when teens are being formed and molded.

Take advantage by being intentional with what you teach and how you teach it. Make the ministry fun and a place where they can be vulnerable. It’ll only strengthen your high school ministry further.

RE-ARRANGE YOUTH MINISTRY TO TRANSITION BEYOND 12th GRADE

Going to college can be a harsh reality for many of our students. Instead of sending them off we need to continue to walk with them.

If a youth ministe or small group leader continues with a teen they’ll have someone to lean on when their belief is being challenged. Instead of walking away we have the opportunity to build their confidence.

RE-ENGAGE PARENTS OF TEENS, WEEKLY, MONTH, AND YEARLY

We all know that parents are busy and that’s why constant communication is essential. To keep parents in the loop and feeling supported connect with them:

• Weekly: Through newsletters and social media. Share articles and send reminders. If you have small groups make sure leaders are reaching out.
• Monthly: Don’t be afraid to hold parent workshops. Bring in a speaker or host a date night. Remind parents they are not alone.
• Yearly: Make this big and celebrate parents. Make it an opportunity where they feel loved.

If we can re-engage parents we can earn their trust and support.

RE-EVALUATE HOW SUCCESS IS MEASURE FOR 11th & 12th GRADE GROUPS

How do you know you’ve succeeded with upperclassmen? The answer needs to be more than, “They come back each week.”

It’ll look different from ministry to ministry but success needs to be based on the vision you have for the next generation. Ask yourself (And your team the question):

WHAT DO WE WANT FOR OUR SENIORS?

RE-CYCLE CONTENT AROUND WHAT REALLY MATTERS MOST

While there is a lot that we want teenagers to know before they graduate high school we also need to know:

• What we want them to say
• What we want them to do
• How we want them to behave

In other words create a vision for a graduating senior and create content that works towards that vision. Be intentional with what you teach.

RE-ESTABLISH SERVICE AS A PRIORITY FOR DISCIPLESHI

Most of our programs are designed as spectator sports. Teens need to be given opportunities to serve. We need to challenge and encourage them to serve inside and outside of the church.

RE-BUILD A LEADERSHIP BASE THAT REFLECTS DIVERSITY

Does your core team reflect the diversity in your community? And if so are they visible to your teens?

The next generation needs to know that there are men and women like them who are leading and growing in faith. If they don’t have that they will struggle to conceptualize what it can look like to be a mature Christian.

In addition a diverse leadership team will challenge you to think outside the box. In the end you’ll be a stronger leader.