Ever wonder about the secret ingredients of a successful youth ministry? Then you will want to listen to a free audio training resource by Dr Frank Hamrick.
Dr Hamrick discusses thirteen principles of a biblical philosophy of ministry in the audio recording, Bolts & Nuts: A Unique Look at the Basics of Youth Ministry. I believe the "Bolts & Nuts" CD should be required listening for anyone involved in youth ministry and youth Sunday School. It presents powerful Bible-based teaching seldom heard in Apostolic/Pentecostal youth leader or Sunday School teacher training sessions. Whether you're a veteran or someone just starting out, the information Dr Hamrick presents will challenge you and help you focus your ministry on what is most important.
Check out this free offer from Positive Action for Christ, a publishing house specializing in youth curriculum for fundamental churches. Click on the "Free Stuff" link on Positive Action's homepage to find the free CD offer, the accompanying listening guide, and free samples of their curriculum offerings.
Please be advised that the materials offered by Positive Action for Christ does not necessarily embrace certain Apostolic/Pentecostal/Oneness beliefs; however, they do offer some excellent basic Bible lessons that are ready to use with little or no tweaking. I believe you will find many useful resources at Positive Action for Christ.
Showing posts with label Philosophy of Ministry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Philosophy of Ministry. Show all posts
Monday, October 1, 2007
Saturday, September 8, 2007
What Are You Building? A Program or People?
I have long forgotten the name of the youth ministry newsletter. It was published quarterly by some christian publishing company, and a simple comparison chart in one issue forever changed the way I approached youth ministry. What I read moved me from a "doing something for the youth" mentality to an intentional effort of "equipping saints for the work of the ministry" (Ephesians 4:12 NKJV).
The small unassuming chart compared a "Program Oriented Youth Program" with a "Person Oriented Youth Ministry." It was just a simple comparison chart; however, as I read the comparison chart, it was like someone turned a light on inside my brain . . . it was one of those "wow" moments that impacted the future of my ministry to youth and young adults.
Today, I share an adapted version of this comparison with fellow youth ministers. I pray that you find it "illuminating" and allow it to impact the future of your ministry with today's youth.
Program Oriented Youth Program --
GOAL is a good program; high visibility, functions smoothly, easy to promote; “doing something for the youth” mentality.
STARTS with ideas: Youth or volunteer receives mailing or hears of “wild, new idea”; decides to try it with group and see what happens.
SUCCESS judged by attendance; the more kids in the program, the better; lots of counting!
PRODUCES large numbers initially (if it's done well) and involves lots of people. Well-liked by kids; tends to play to “wants” rather than needs. Impresses congregation.
PREDICTABLE: Once a “working” system is established that seems to please everybody, no need to make changes.
Person Oriented Youth Ministry --
GOAL is building and nurturing youth and young adults into disciples, “saints equipped for the work of the ministry” (Ephesians 4:12 NKJV).
STARTS with needs of the youth and young adults involved; all planning strategies and ideas are filtered through the question: “How will it help us get our youth and young adults from where they are to a deeper commitment?”
SUCCESS judged by individuals who have been involved with the ministry: Where are they now? How solid is their commitment? Are they “equipped saints?”
PRODUCES long-term results. May start small and be less impressive in the short run. Usually builds in more “staying power.”
FLEXIBLE: A ministry based on needs will change as needs change; may even necessitate changing a popular "programing component" to better meet objectives.
----------------------------
(The original version of this chart appears on page 20 of Duffy Robbins' book, Programing to Build Disciples. Unfortunately, this quality book is out of print.)
The small unassuming chart compared a "Program Oriented Youth Program" with a "Person Oriented Youth Ministry." It was just a simple comparison chart; however, as I read the comparison chart, it was like someone turned a light on inside my brain . . . it was one of those "wow" moments that impacted the future of my ministry to youth and young adults.
Today, I share an adapted version of this comparison with fellow youth ministers. I pray that you find it "illuminating" and allow it to impact the future of your ministry with today's youth.
Program Oriented Youth Program --
GOAL is a good program; high visibility, functions smoothly, easy to promote; “doing something for the youth” mentality.
STARTS with ideas: Youth or volunteer receives mailing or hears of “wild, new idea”; decides to try it with group and see what happens.
SUCCESS judged by attendance; the more kids in the program, the better; lots of counting!
PRODUCES large numbers initially (if it's done well) and involves lots of people. Well-liked by kids; tends to play to “wants” rather than needs. Impresses congregation.
PREDICTABLE: Once a “working” system is established that seems to please everybody, no need to make changes.
Person Oriented Youth Ministry --
GOAL is building and nurturing youth and young adults into disciples, “saints equipped for the work of the ministry” (Ephesians 4:12 NKJV).
STARTS with needs of the youth and young adults involved; all planning strategies and ideas are filtered through the question: “How will it help us get our youth and young adults from where they are to a deeper commitment?”
SUCCESS judged by individuals who have been involved with the ministry: Where are they now? How solid is their commitment? Are they “equipped saints?”
PRODUCES long-term results. May start small and be less impressive in the short run. Usually builds in more “staying power.”
FLEXIBLE: A ministry based on needs will change as needs change; may even necessitate changing a popular "programing component" to better meet objectives.
----------------------------
(The original version of this chart appears on page 20 of Duffy Robbins' book, Programing to Build Disciples. Unfortunately, this quality book is out of print.)
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