Let's be real - preaching? It's my jam. Crafting a curriculum, strategizing every move, infusing creativity into teaching methods - that's where the magic happens for me. And I'd wager most student ministry leaders vibe with that too.
But admit it, there's that niggling doubt: Is our teaching sparking real change in our students' lives?
The student ministry realm's subjectivity is a heavy load to bear. Yet, we're not powerless when it comes to assessing the impact of our curriculum. So here's the deal - one pitfall to dodge, and one goal to grab hold of.
The Pitfall: Seductive Topics
Now, you might think I've lost the plot here, but bear with me.
Picture this: a group of leaders armed with a whiteboard and a calendar spanning September to May. It's brainstorm central. And boy, does that board fill up fast. From the profound to the downright quirky (R.I.P. "too many Cheetos"), every idea gets its moment.
But here's the kicker: Are these topics really shaping our students? Or are we just creating a lineup of flash-in-the-pan banalities?
The Goal: Embrace Long-Term Vision
Ask yourself: Does your teaching plan propel your group toward the precise vision God has guided you to cultivate within your unique student community?
Crafting compelling series after series doesn't guarantee lasting impact. So, let's flip the script. Think long-term. What skills and passions do we want our students to carry post-middle school? Post-high school? Build your roadmap from there.
Think of it like building a wall - you wouldn't start with the snazziest bricks without a blueprint. Curriculum planning demands the same approach.
Let's ditch the dazzle for a moment and focus on building a clear path for our students, not just a bag of tricks. Picture the end and work backwards.
The Path to Success: Strategic Simplicity
We all have different versions of the endgame, but maybe we've overcomplicated it. Jesus didn't. His message was crystal clear: Love God with everything you've got, and love your neighbor as yourself. Let's echo that sentiment in our students.
Here's the litmus test: Are we guiding our students to:
Love God with their hearts: Are we teaching them to surrender their emotions to God? Fostering self-sufficiency in their faith? Cultivating genuine worship?
Love God with their minds: Are we deepening their understanding of God? Encouraging them to treasure His Word? Exalting Jesus as the ultimate Truth?
Love God with their actions: Are we shaping how they spend their time? Influencing the decisions they make (or don't make)? Steering them to center their future plans on Jesus?
Love their neighbor as themselves: Are we inspiring them to serve others? Instilling a passion for the lost? Cultivating a lifestyle of simplicity and generosity?
Let these questions kickstart your self-evaluation journey.
Above all, let's lean into Christ for wisdom as we navigate the sacred task of nurturing His students through the power of His Word.
Adapted from original post published by Youth Specialties
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Jonny Radcliff is a Youth Minister, Speaker, and National Coordinator of Resource Development at NNYM. He lives in Pennsylvania (Go Birds) with his amazing wife Sarah and their four incredible kids.