Challenging Normal

In ministry we are always looking for formulas. We are looking for a format to plug programs and students into to get the best results in the end. We have to remember that we are dealing with individuals and not machines. Every student is different and will respond and react differently. There is no "cookie cutter" format for any ministry. If you ministry is going to be alive and growing then it has to be organic and nurtured.

One thing that I have found true through the years of Student Ministry, though it is not a formula, is that we focus on what we find important. In ministry we need to focus on the quality of ministry and not the quantity of ministry. The quality of ministry is most important. What we do with the time that we have. In Student Ministry we a limited to our time that we have with students. How do we redeem the time? How are we presenting the Gospel of Jesus and how are we teaching them to apply it to their life? How are we teaching students to show the love of Jesus to others? Quality of ministry is focusing on building big students not big ministry.

Quantity in ministry is focusing on how many events and programs you can pack in. Quantity is focusing on how many students walk through your doors on a weekly basis so you can feel better about yourself. It is counting people but not caring about them. When we focus on quantity we are missing what God has called us to. I know that Jesus did not die on the cross for just a few good kids in your city for you to pour into, but He did not die of the cross for you to do events and programs either.

There has to be balance. You need to understand that when you focus on quality that the quantity will come.