As I was leaving the gym, a young woman approached me and asked, “Are you Chris Wesley, the youth minister?” She looked familiar, and then suddenly, her name came back to me. We chatted for a minute; she caught me up with what was happening in her life, and then we wished each other well. It was a small exchange but a powerful reminder of the impact you can make on a young person’s life when you consistently show up.
Consistency is so crucial to your ministry’s success, but the challenge many of us face is not knowing how to create it. We’re overwhelmed by the work and frustrated by the lack of enthusiasm. While there are no quick fixes, it all starts with a new mindset. To create a sustainable ministry, you need to think strategically.
GET OUT OF DOING AND GET INTO DREAMING
If you react to your ministry, you’ll find yourself constantly frustrated and feeling trapped. To break that cycle of continually moving can be tough; however, it’s so important. We have to remind ourselves that letting a few things go so that we can dream big and listen to God’s plan is essential.
To break out of the rut, we need to revisit our prayer life and practice handing things over to God. We have to take advantage of retreats and time off that allows our mind to wander. If you are tired of doing, you need to start picking one day a week to breathe. It’ll be hard at first, but when boredom sets in, you’ll begin to see the Spirit working.
ADJUST THE WAY YOU TRAIN YOUR TEAM
What does the formation process for your volunteers look like? Do you even have one? It’s hard to expect your team to accompany youth if you haven’t shown them. While you could hold meetings, the most effective way is to show them by modeling it for them.
When you interact with your volunteers, make sure it isn’t just about serving or showing up. Spend time getting to know them and their families. Pray with them and for them. Don’t be afraid to allow them to get to know you. Then when you get to formally training them to talk about how a vital part of the ministry is passing on what they already know. While there is Truth to teach, we can’t overlook the importance of witnessing it for others. Show your volunteers what that looks like when you train them and when you see them outside of the ministry. Your example will give them the experience to pass on the investment to the younger generations.
CURATE IRRESISTIBLE ENVIRONMENTS
When a teenager walks into your space, are they at ease? If a teenager walks into an old classroom, they’re going to be less likely to open up. Your ministry space matters. But, let’s say that’s not possible. Let’s say there is only so much you can do to your church or building to make it welcoming. My suggestion is to go beyond the church walls.
That doesn’t necessarily meet in homes or coffee houses. Connecting with teens in an irresistible environment might mean attending a soccer game or helping out with an after school club. Curating a compelling environment means discovering someplace where a teen is at ease because if they feel comfortable, you can build trust.
Reach out to the local school, connect with coaches and teachers, and see how you can get involved with them. While this strategy won’t grow your program numbers, it can give you access to so many of the teens that might never show up to your ministry unless you are there to ask them.
If you want a lasting impact on teens, you have to allow yourself to think, train, and work differently. It’ll involve going outside of your comfort zones. It might seem like hard work at first, but the results you will yield are worth it.
What is preventing you from thinking strategically?
Looking for support in building a strategic ministry? Become an MYM U Member today.
Become A Member Today