How to Help Students Make Decisions That Stick

I love duct tape! My philosophy is “If you cannot fix it with duct tape…then throw it away.” Oh, and by the way, multi-colored duct tape is for sissies.

I’ve been told it was created for heating/air condition vents but it did not work. So duct tape works on just about everything except what it was invented to do. I am glad the inventors did not trash the idea.

Never discount decisions made by students because they do not fit predetermined expectations. I am not suggesting lowering the bar, as there are certain Biblical criteria for decisions that are non-negotiable (Matthew 16:24, Luke 9:62, Romans 12:1-2).

What I am saying is we should allow for the Spirit of God to use the Word of God in students’ lives, being willing to accept their personal expression of those decisions. Just for clarification, I am referring to discipleship (commitment) decisions not salvation.

Let me suggest eight concepts to Help Students Make Decisions That Stick:

1. Remind students, decisions don’t change their lives, they change their direction. With commitment, it is what they do after the decision that changes their lives.
   
   Remind students, decisions don’t change their lives, they change their direction.

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2. Do not discount decisions made by younger students as they are capable of making life changing, lifelong decisions.
3. Remember, this is not about emotions: it is about facts. Some students are wired to be more emotional than others.
4. Help the students answer the question…what’s next? Don’t overload them with long range details, just give them one step at a time.
5. Establish peer and adult accountability for the student as both can enhance personal growth.
6. Engage parents who are willing to be involved.
7. Encourage students to make their decision public with the entire church family.
8. Enlist church members outside the student ministry as prayer partners with the students. (Senior citizens are great for this vital ministry!)

What else have you done in your student ministry to Help Students Make Decisions That Stick?

BTW…if you are looking for a discipleship curriculum, check out my series “Where Do I Go From Here?”

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