Things that Matter…Things that Don’t

How would you define the irreducible minimums of your student ministry? Can you write them into a sentence, paragraph or a list? What would that look like? I suggest every youth leader do this exercise to establish a baseline for their ministry.

Recently my wife and I attended a Poetry Recital for our Granddaughter’s third grade class. Each student chose one of Shel Silverstein’s poems to recite and she chose “Hector the Collector.” Dressing in costume enhanced her presentation, but she also flawlessly quoted the poem explaining the dilemma created by collecting too much stuff. (Yes, I am a proud Grandfather.)

Her poem reminded me of how much clutter we often have in ministry. We “collect things” because others in student ministry are doing them. However, in reality they just encumber our work, schedule and life. Before long our schedules are busy but at the expense of quality ministry in the lives of our teens.

Defining the “Things that Matter” in our ministry will help us say no to the “Things that Don’t.” Determining our values should provide us with predetermined benchmarks when evaluating new ideas, curriculum or program for our students. There is great freedom that comes when we are willing to be intentional in ministry.

What are some of the irreducible minimums of your student ministry? I would like to hear from you.

Next week I will explore “Five Guidelines for Establishing Value-Centered Student Ministries.”