Some Keys for a New Work in Youth MinistryMonday, June 9, 2008  It is summer...and that means...well...lots of things. For us youth types it can mean stuff like camp, vacation, free time, job searches and...change. To that end, I want to offer the following keys to those of us who find ourselves instituting partial or whole sale change to our youth ministries (or starting a new one). 1) Get prayer support. Grab a group of intercessors that you know will hold you and the ministry up in prayer daily. 2) Spend time with kids! Meet them where they are at as much as possible. This is ESSENTIAL. 3) Sit back and think. What do you think the Spirit is saying with regards to the DNA you need to set? Involve those you respect or are highly invested in the ministry. 4) Honor the past. Whether your in a new job and there was a previous youth worker or whether it was you. Speak the the successes of the past and build forward rather than pointing out all the negatives. 5) Live the DNA yourself. This is a tough one but it is essential. If it is missions/evangelism then you need to try and model this in your own life. If it is prayer then you need to try to grow your prayer life now, regardless of the state of the youth ministry. Basically, you must be a living/walking/breathing icon of the DNA God wants you to establish. 6) Be risky! Just do it. Embrace a culture of failure. 8 out of 10 things are going to fail so let that be a part of your leadership (or team) ethos. 7) Read good stuff on this topic. You can grab the old reliable Doug Fields book "My First Two Years in Youth Ministry" but there is much more to read on this topic. If you need assistance or need someone to speak with just click the "Coaching Network" icon on our site and email or call Curt. He will be happy to speak with you. Labels: Church Planting +
Involved in Youth Ministry for over 10 years, Rev Chris Zoephel has worked with junior highers, senior highers and those who act like these folks both as a paid staff member and as a volunteer in churches and para church organizations. These days most of his time is spent chasing his son around, keeping his office somewhat organized and trying to point others toward Christ. Currently Chris is on staff at Immanuel Anglican Church in Destin, FL as the Pastor of Discipleship (which includes being a youth pastor). Chris also serves as Director of YAMIA for the Anglican Mission in the Americas. |
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