Simplifying Youth Ministry

By Doug Franklin February 22, 2010

I want to simplify the approach to youth ministry. Really boil it down to what is important. When I do that this is what I come up with…

Leadership Relationship
The three main leadership relationships are church leadership, ministry volunteers, and parents. Have you invested enough time and resources into your three core leadership relationships? Create a plan to strengthen these core relationships and you will see your ministry grow.

Program Planning
Does your program match up with your mission statement? If your mission is to Reach, Build and Equip does every program event on your schedule match-up to one of these purposes? Planning this way will clearly communicate the mission to every member of your team.

Ministry Management
Do you have a handle of budgets, parent release forms, and legal issues? More youth pastors lose credibility over these issues. Make sure you don’t overlook this just because you don’t like it.

Staff Skills
Does all of your staff know how to build a relationship with a student, or run a small group? Does your staff know the difference between asking an open ended question and an application question? Train your staff and see the difference it makes when adults are intentional about building relationships with students.

Partnership Development
Are you trying to be an expert at everything? Do you understand small groups, staff development, church management, evangelism, how students learn, culture trends, missions and parents? Admit it, you need help. Knowing who to partner with can take your ministry to the next level. Look for partnership with organizations that share your values and vision.