Have you ever questioned your effectiveness? Have you wondered if your ministry is hitting the mark? Have you wanted to knock your ministry down to the foundations and start over?
We recently caught up with Jordan Francis, an urban ministry director with RLTLK, for a discussion on how to engage today's young people. With a unique perspective as a licensed counselor and former college athlete, Jordan develops youth ministry curriculum that integrates psychology and theology.
Here are Jordan's thoughts on creating ministries that meet the needs of today's students and the top three things you can do in your ministry each day.
#1 Give Your Presence
Students do not need another program they need you! What you can give them is a relationship that brings them closer to Jesus. Make ministry centered on building relationships rather than just attraction. The need to create a safe environment for students to share.
#2 Expand Your Footprint
Look for ways to be where students are. The school campus is an excellent place to connect with students. You can volunteer or connect through a Christian club. There may be parachurch organizations who have already created access points on local campuses. You can also help encourage others to be present with students. Imagine if your entire church were mobilized to encourage and care for teenagers. The harvest would be great.
#3 Engage Their Culture
Find ways to engage students in conversation. On social media platforms students have all the power to control their feed and their content. Look for avenues where you can listen to students and they can feel heard. There may be ways you can set up the allow students to redirect the content for the gathering with experiences or other styles of communication rather than just up front. Students want to interact with each other and the content.
FREE Youth Ministry Resource
Jordan has content to share with you: The Gospel According to Mental Health. TGMH is a 4-week series designed to show students that the Gospel has something to say about their mental health. Get your free copy now!
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NNYM's monthly Network Conversations connect youth leaders and networkers to discuss effective ways to unite and equip leaders in our communities. Join us for our next conversation!
