Sometimes, it's the seemingly subtle shifts that create incredible transformation.
Recently, my friend and colleague Bob Jones invited me to join one of his cohorts to interact with a podcast that each member was listening to. Kara Powell, Executive Director of the Fuller Youth Institute, was discussing the need for students to be participants in ministry rather than consumers of ministry.
What's the difference??
Good question. I'm glad you asked.
Often, we lean toward creating a service/activity/event for our congregations rather than including them in the process of creating the ministry. We do this for a variety of reasons, including speed, quality, and sometimes because we think that's our job.
But if our responsibility is to make disciples (see Matthew 29:16-20 & Ephesians 4:12), this subtle shift might be transformative.
Leading with our people is much more effective than doing ministry for our people.
3 REASONS WHY WITH > FOR
1. Boredom. Our churches and youth ministries are full of bored people who need to get off the bench and into the game. There's a time for learning and watching, but it's time to be immersed in the action of ministry. Discipleship expediates when faith and action are activated together.
2. Wisdom. You may have heard it said, "Two heads are better than one," while I say. "Multiple heads are better than yours alone."
3. Gifting. The body of Christ needs to be activated if we want to make the impact God has called us to. The part you play by yourself is insufficient.
HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN
Over and above volunteer teams, boards and the myriad of ways this can infiltrate, my hope is that every youth ministry would have a team of student leaders. Call them to high standards, empower them with challenging opportunities and give them the training, support and care to succeed. Then watch them flourish!
Challenge them to be disciplined and above reproach.
Let them participate in the discipleship pathway of your ministry.
Let them help plan weekly gatherings.
Let them dream up ways to engage their communities and schools.
Let them give you advice on creating strong relationships within the group and beyond.
Let them serve at weekly gatherings.
Walk with them and make sure they know they're not alone.
Pray for and with them.
There are so many more ways to make this happen, but hopefully, you get the idea.
With is Greater than For
Kevin is the husband to Kristin, dad to Livia, Lincoln, and Lennon, and serves as NextGen Coach for ABNWT. Kevin has a passion to see women and men discover and grow in their unique, God-given purpose.