Paradigm Shifts Within Your Ministry

I came across a great blog post by Jared Dees that talked about paradigm shifts that need to take place in a more traditional religious education program.  It made me think about the challenges that come any time you want to shift a culture, program, system or tradition.  

Courtesy of duck vs. chicken/Creative Commons License

To create paradigm shifts you will need:

• Patience
• Teamwork
• Consistent Communication
• Trust

However, before you even start changing things around, it’s essential that you IDENTIFY THE PARADIGM that needs shifting.  So what are the paradigm shifts that need to take place in your youth ministry?  Here are three that I think rise to the top:

• MINISTRY SHIFTS: Program Driven To Step Driven – It’s so easy to make your ministry about the programs. We give them names and t-shirts to promote some hype.  They’re successful for a season; however, after the newness dies down so does the attendance.  If you want a long lasting and healthy ministry you need to focus on creating steps that lead students to a vision.  To get started you need to answer, “What will a student in my ministry look like after they leave it?”  Steps includes programs, events and opportunities; however, they are all connected and have an overarching purpose.

• CONTENT SHIFTS: Informational To Relational – It can be overwhelming when you think of the rich, in depth history and theology of our faith.  Your tendency is teach students as much as possible; however, does it all stick?  If a student isn’t open to Christ it doesn’t matter what you share, it’s like speaking to a brick wall.  Change the focus to relationships, build trust, and watch your teens become more receptive to what you say and do.  Lead by example and create opportunities where the students are not just learning information but habits that will lead to future growth.

• LEADERSHIP SHIFTS: Pastoring To Managing – It’s great hanging out with students and knowing that they look up to you.  However, if you want to reach more teens than what you currently have, you need to know how to delegate and manage a team of volunteers. It might be upsetting to think that you cannot pastor every student; however, if you want to make an impact on larger number of teens, build your teams.  If you can train volunteers to be where you can’t, you’ll connect your ministry to students you could not have reached on your own.

Paradigm shifts mean big change to your ministry.  Not everyone is going to be receptive, in fact you might get quite a bit of push back.  Reflect on what you are currently doing and look to your vision and mission.  If you notice disconnects address them, make your adjustments and continue to move forward.

What other paradigm shifts need to take place in ministry?