As youth ministry continues to progress it’s obvious that styles will change.  I mean if you’re still rocking campfires and singing Kum-By-Ya as the best event ever then you might want to upgrade your idea folder. With so many ideas in circulation it’s never been more fun to serve in the role of a youth pastor/leader. However we must be very careful not to run our groups on great ideas rather than vision.

Every leader is responsible for where they are taking those who follow them.

The word vision isn’t to be just a catchy buzz word.  Vision is a word used to define where you’re going. Vision is the precursor to get you where you want to be. Vision along with planning and action equals dreams fulfilled. Having a vision of what kind of young person you’re looking to produce has to be intentional.  Every youth pastor will have to give account for what they produced in their kids.

Jesus was very intentional about developing his disciples. He trained them and then sent them out fully confident they would train and develop others. Jesus’ vision wasn’t to be the coolest, have the biggest crowds, raise super spiritual people or just entertain. Jesus was building something that would last even after he went away. His goal in ministry was redemption. His mold of ministry was reproduction.

It’s awesome to know that we’re the ones entrusted with communicating his vision. Who are the young people you are training up to take your position?  What is your vision for your youth ministry? Remember a God-ordained vision that has been birthed in prayer and backed up by scripture will always live longer than you.  Yes, part of our ministry is to bring fun, excitement, with a little bit of crazy, but that has to fit inside the overall vision.  When you do an event…what is the vision or goal behind it?  When you prepare your message, does it motivate them to obtain the vision you have set for them.

Changes are inevitable so you might want to put away your DC talk and Switchfoot cd’s but remember this…some things don’t change and VISION is one of them. In the next few days I’ll share three ways to keep your vision out in front of your group. Until next time!

There are several youth leadership conferences that I’ve gone to as a youth pastor.  While many have been good, and very refreshing, most focus the majority of their time on how to stay relevant in a ever changing youth culture. There are new perspectives to gain, ways to communicate, hairstyles (lol), methods to try, and countless “how to’s” that one MUST do to be labeled as an effective youth minister. Does all of this make one a good youth pastor?  Well, I don’t know about that, but I can tell you that there are a few concepts in youth ministry that don’t change.  Today let’s take a minute to look at some core elements of a youth minister.

Youth ministry is about relationship!  Mentoring and inspiring young people to become Christ-followers are the goals of a youth pastor. It’s important that all the details don’t steal  our attention away from the young people we are called to develop. While it is a fact that organization in ministry is very helpful, young people are looking for access to their leader or leadership team – not just a well thought out service. You can have a technically great service (set up, ice-breaker, lights, awesome worship, hilarious video, small groups, and an interactive sermon) and still miss a life becoming transformed. Youth pastor/leader, who are you making time for?  What young person has access to you? Don’t forfeit relationships for effectiveness. Remember true effectiveness is measured by the influence you hold.  The greatest thing you can do in this youth culture is producing a strong believer who commits to be the one and model your example.

Many times this happens in our walk with Christ.  We just don’t think about it.  However, if you’ve made the profession of faith it’s your responsibility to grow.   You need to “add the water” of the word to grow your spiritual seed.  Cultivating your relationship with the Lord should be the most important event, task, and desire you have, only then will you have something worth giving.  All of God’s gifts, characteristics, and attributes are to insure a life of victory.  This victory is for you to share with others.   In Matt 19, Jesus gives us a huge assignment to teach and train others to follow Him!  In other words: cultivate, add the water and watch it grow!    This culture is thirsty for something real and it’s time for the Holy Ghosts filled believers to produce!

Focus point:  Where do I need to “add the water” and help cultivate something great for God?