I have been posting several deep thinking tweets recently about how do and lead in ministry. One of my favorites went up this week: “Memories and relationships from a week in ministry is better than 100 sermons.” For some, this might seem like the most evil thing to say, but give me a second. Look back into your last hundred sermons. How many of those do you think students honestly remember? If you say more than five, then I need to hear how you write them. But if you ask for any good memories in ministry in the last hundred weeks, you might need to devote a week to hearing what all they have to say.

What Do Teenagers Want?

For teenagers are looking for an amazing experience, something that will last with them for many years to come. Something that will change them for the better and hopefully even those around them. They love to know the right answer, but it is even better when they feel that it is right. And isn’t that what we want? To create everlasting change for the glory of God into their lives?

These thoughts have come from weeks of struggling to know where God wants to lead this ministry. Youth ministry needs to be more than a place to teach them about Jesus. Do not get me wrong, some of the students who come have never heard of Him. But it needs to be more than just another classroom.

We Changed Things Up

Last night the game plan was to leave the sermon at home and just have fun together. We rocked the night with music and games. The evening was designed to build relationships, create memories, and provide a sense of community for all of the teens. In short, it was a success. Next week we will still go back to the normal program, but this break in the year was a good thing.

This is just step one in a journey towards creating an authentic and inviting for new students while still speaking truth and love into their lives. Now we need to get the whole church to buy into this new concept. It may take a bit of research, theology, and results to get everyone on-board, but with Christ, all things are possible.