We had a night when we got parents and small group leaders together to get to know each other better. The leaders were asked this question: "What is your favorite student ministry event of the year?" Two of our ten leaders replied "iServe," to which other leaders nodded in agreement. iServe is an annual retreat we take each spring. We spend four nights away, enjoy evening chapel services, games and other fun. The focus of the trip is that we spend the majority of time serving at the Christian camp where we are staying. But here is the big difference that made iServe stand out for our leaders: we do it with other youth groups from our area. The churches are of different denominations and sizes, but are united in Christ and their heart for the kingdom. While we often have multiple groups that join us, one specific partner for this event year after year is Crossway Christian Church.
Last week I had a planning meeting for our ministry with a number of student leaders. I gave these teens a chance to share what kind of events they would want to do this coming school year. They unanimously agreed, "We want to do more events with Crossway." They wanted to do more with another church in our area, a church from a different denomination, with a different worship style - but that didn't matter. Our relationship together as brothers and sisters in Christ is what had meaning to them.
As we have made a choice to put the kingdom over our church, and above my own ministry within my church, we have seen the reward for it. Students have learned that Christian community goes beyond the walls of one building. We have had students who felt alone at their school, who now have Christian friends there who they feel support from - friends they met at iServe. We have been able to tangibly teach our students how to "major on the majors and minor on the minors." Students and leaders have grown in their faith through the encouragement of students and leaders who attend a different church. A popular idea in youth ministry is to teach our students to become part of God's story, a story bigger than themselves. A very practical and effective way to do that is to serve, learn, worship, and have fun with other churches. Open your doors to other youth groups, and partner with other youth workers who will care for your students as well as their own.
Making this choice will also help you grow as you lead your student ministry. It will provide you with the community and encouragement of other youth workers, and will make great differences in your life and your ministry. What are some ways you can you put God's kingdom above your own church ministry?
Shawn Allen is the Director of Student Ministries at Trinity Baptist Church in Nashua, NH - connect with him HERE