Ground shaking events are a certainty in life… they will happen! It’s not a matter of if, but more a matter of when. They happen in ministry too… and, when they do occur, we almost always question what’s going on and what are we doing. We have a vision for student ministry in place to remind us what we are about, and where we want our students to be going in their faith. It is not the answer to HOW, but only WHAT.
What do we want to see in this student ministry? Here is our answer…
We envision a student ministry where youth are discovering what it means to prize Jesus as their greatest treasure and love Him passionately with all of their lives.
We see teenagers excited about coming to church more so than any other extra-curricular activity they may have and even seek to arrange their school and / or work schedule(s) around the possibility of being with “family” at church.
We see youth eager to tell their friends about this “really awesome place”, regardless of where they are in their relationship with Christ. Some are inviting their friends in the hopes of having fun, while others are bent on seeing their friends overwhelmed by the love of God in Christ Jesus.
We see students excited to open their Bibles (at church, at home, and at school) in the hopes of hearing from God and being transformed by His great mercy and love. We see these youth exemplifying for other church members the biblical definition of service.
We long for a student ministry characterized by “goose bumps” – where the awe of God is everywhere, and people are constantly relaying their testimonies of the God-stuff that is happening in their lives. We see a place where the rhythm of prayer and praise is as natural as breathing; where people share both the joys and pains they are going through in life.
We see motivated leaders (students and adults) who are anxious to sacrifice and serve for their Savior. These leaders arrive early, stay late, and are ready to meet whatever needs may arise. They are motivated and passionate about reaching (other) students. These leaders are utilizing their giftedness to teach, serve and / or shepherd, and they do so in the hopes of making such deep and genuine friendships that they legitimately want to be there with / for them in the really hard times of life.
We see youth who are warmly greeted with smiles and hugs from other youth who have been trained and organized by other adults. Guests who visit are made to feel like they are important and wanted because youth have taken the initiative to introduce themselves, ask them what school they attend, and invite them to sit with them. To encourage them, we see a friendly adult team offering them a guest packet (CD, gum, and brochures, etc.) to make them feel as if they are wanted back, and offer to answer any questions they may have. Our hope is that guests will be made to laugh and meaningful contact will be made.
We envision youth that are excited to hang with their church-friends and arrive early to do so. To encourage this and foster more of a sense of “home”, we see sofas, ping-pong tables, foosball tables, cappuccino machines, along with other draws, etc. so that youth can have a great time while learning biblical truths.
We see a facility which is “teen-focused” that will facilitate learning and having fun for tons of youth. We see a clean, safe and attractive environment where excellence and creativity are immediately noticed.
Thoughts…
It’s not about baby-sitting or entertaining. We don’t want “consumers”!!