Practice #2 – Think Steps Not Programs

Why Steps and Not Programs
When it comes to creating programs you can either have a tremendous hit or a huge flop. Regardless of whether or not the program or event is successful you will find questions like, “Was it enough?”, “Did I make a difference?”, “Is this really what God has called me to do?” emerging in your mind.
All these questions appear because as great as a program might seem, it can only fulfill a temporary need. While programs can be fun and exciting, most of the time they lead no where.
STEPS vs. PROGRAMS
Programs – “A system of services, opportunities, or projects, usually designed to meet a social need.” *
When you “Think Programs” you tend to created something to meet a specific need that has surfaced in your attendee base or target group.
Systems – “One of a series of actions, processes, or measures taken to achieve a goal.” *
When you “Think Steps” the primary goal is not to meet some ones needs but rather help them with where they need to go.
In our first Practice we talked about where we want to take our teens, now we want to figure out how to get there and where everyone is starting.
* Definitions are from the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language: Fourth Edition, 2000, s.v. “program”, “step”

The Potential Audience
Our win as a youth ministry is life change, our purpose is to create irresistible environments that raise up Godly youth. Some youth are there, while others are quite distant. The farthest away are in the community, they probably have never stepped inside a church more than once or twice. The closest to this goal are the core teens, even though we can never stop growing they are on the right path. So who are the teens in your ministry and where are they starting their journey?

COMMUNITY
All the students in the
Lutherville/Timonium Area . . . , probably no faith or religious background, have not met Christ and probably have never been invited to have a relationship with him. These are the teens we can potentially reach.
CROWD
These are the students who regularly attend our WEEKEND EXPERIENCE such as Sunday Nights at the Uprising, Sunday Afternoon at the Resurrection or Mass. They are coming because they feel obligated, parents are forcing them or they haven’t discovered yet how to go deeper.
CONGREGATION
These are believers who consistently attend our SMALL GROUPS. While they may enjoy the fellowship at our weekend experiences, they find true and authentic fellowship by connecting in a small group. Their faith has become more relational.
COMMITTED
These are believers who are committed to spiritual growth through CONFIRMATION and other growth-oriented opportunities. They are ready to take that next step to deepening their faith, learning how to become a true follower of Christ.
CORE
Believers involved in MINISTRY TEAMS, MISSIONS, E-TEAMS and other service opportunities. They get it, they are bringing others along. They not only invite others to come to Nativity but to have a relationship with Christ.

Who We Work With
Seeker
You will probably run into these teens at Community, Crowd and Congregation events. They came because a friend invited them or they are looking for a place to feel connected, welcomed and love. They might know Christ, but most likely have no religious or faith affiliation. All we know is that they are here because something or someone has brought them here.
Stumbler
You know them because they are the teens who tell you that they enjoy being there or have a relationship with Christ but don’t come consistently or make decisions that lead them away from God. You can find them in all areas of ministry whether it is Crowd, Congregation, Committed or Core. Why do they stumble? They could have made a mistake and are too ashamed or embarrassed to show face. They could be overcommitted leaving no margin for Christ. The stumbler might feel like living a life for God and living a life that the world wants is too difficult. Whatever might be happening they are hurting and looking for stability.
Sold-Out
They stick out like a sore thumb. They are seen in all areas of ministry especially the core. They are inviting friends; they are leading programs and ministries. When you ask them to do something, there is no second thought, they simply say yes. You ask them why and they say it’s because of their love for God.