Do We Make Ministry Too Difficult For Parents?
You could sense the panic in the email. The parent wanted to know if their child could still receive their first communion even though they had not...
I could finally breathe. Mass had started for our students receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. The focus was now on them. I could just sit back and enjoy.
I wasn’t always a fan. In fact I used to resent Confirmation preparation. It was attracting too many demanding consumers. People just wanted to get in and out. It also brought along:
- tedious paperwork
- stale traditions
- a mix of unrealistic expectations
I (and everyone around me) just wanted to GET IT DONE.
Your teens need to grow deeper in their faith. To go and grow deeper they need to be focused on more than just requirements and information. There focus should be directed towards:
Tools That Will Help Teens Go Deeper On Their Own
You won’t be around forever. Teens need tools that are going to help them grow on their own. That means helping them focus on habits that will challenge, sharpen and enhance their faith. For example, teach them how to read the Bible instead of telling them what’s in it.
The Impact Of Relationships
To go and grow deeper teenagers need accountability, affirmation and encouragement. That rarely comes from a classroom. Match up your teens with men and women who will invest in them. Give them a model of what a true Christian man or woman looks like. Partner them up with someone who will help them focus on a personal relationship with Christ.
Bringing The Family Along
You have a limited time with each teenager. Families can erase or affirm everything you teach. Put your attention on the parents. Encourage them and get them rallying behind their teens. When they see you investing in them, they’ll invest in you. That will not only help their child, but your entire ministry. (For more on connecting with parents click here)
The Vision You Have For Their Life
What is the outcome you want for each teenager? Focus on casting vision for a teenager’s life. Help them see the importance to why they need to go deeper with Christ. This will create more of a commitment. When a teen’s committed to the process it will be easier to prepare them for the road ahead.
Do not lose focus on what can bring your ministry deeper. Information and requirements are helpful, but they are not enough. Change the focus and you’ll change a paradigm. Instead of consumers you’ll see your ministry grow disciples.
Share your thoughts. What else should a discipleship program focus on?