The last 12 years I have had the privilege to be a part of Youth Ministry. I am grateful that God has given me passion for this generation. I do not claim to know all things Youth Ministry, not even close. I love to study trends and learn, if we stop learning we start dying. I believe over the last 10 years we have seen some shifts in Youth Ministry. I just want to share some thoughts over the next couple of days.

#1 - Students are looking for community and not an event: With all my heart I believe students are looking for somewhere to belong more than they are looking for a show. It is not about the lights, the smoke machines, game rooms, or cafes. If there is not an environment that is inviting for the Holy Spirit to move and welcoming to students from all walk, then it is just an event. There are way that as the ministry grow you can still keep your sense of community. You have to be strategic and very intentional.

#2 - Discipleship is a mission and not a method: Our ten step discipleship process does not work effectively. We have disconnect the message of Christ from the mission of Christ. As we reconnect those things and give students the opportunity to put application with knowledge, I believe that we will see true discipleship. This is a cause driven generation and the mission of Jesus is more than a cause. They are looking for something bigger than themselves to join with. If the church does not give it to them, someone else will.

#3 - Create a dialog instead of giving a monolog: We have teach students how to think for themselves. We can not do that unless we know what they think and hear what they think. We have to find ways to engage them in conversation where they are at. Standing up and preaching a 20 minute sermon and then dismissing is not teaching them how to flesh out their faith. You may be surprised at what they think and the questions they have.

Friday, January 14, 2011 Posted in | | 0 Comments »

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