INTENTIONALITY - IN YOUR MINISTRY’S CONTENT, CONNECTION, AND COLLABORATION
It has been a year, hasn’t it? Actually, it has been a few years now, but who’s counting? Either way, here we are entering another year deeply entrenched in the thick of unprecedented times. These times have undoubtedly tested our faith (Jas. 1:2; 2 Cor. 4:13-18). Yet, as our steadfast faith fuels perseverance, we rejoice and have confidence in the truth that God’s sovereign hand is at work as He molds us in conformity to His Son (Jas. 1:2-3, Rom. 8:28-29; 2 Cor. 1:21 4:13-18; Phil. 2:1-30). A steadfast life of faith and the ministry that follows, however, is cultivated with intentionality. While there has always been a vital need to be intentional in student ministry, the times we find ourselves in today have most assuredly affirmed this need if we are to effectively reach the next generation with the truth of Jesus Christ.
When we speak of intentionality, it is likely a word you know well. In fact, it is quite possible this word has made its mark on your meticulously crafted list of resolutions for the New Year. Or perhaps it is simply a word you have heard all too often but struggle to implement. Regardless of where you land or in what role you serve, you can begin developing a plan to intentionally lead and love the next generation starting today. First, let’s establish a brief biblical basis for intentionality in ministry.
From the very beginning, God demonstrates an intentional purpose and plan for His creation in His Word. Here, we find that God is organized as He created orderly, intricately complex yet balanced systems that sustain the very life and breath He gives (Gen. 2:7; Isa. 42:5; Acts 17:25). God even signals to our Savior early on in Genesis 3, revealing that He has always had a proactive and deliberate plan to rescue and redeem fallen man through Jesus (Gen. 3:15). Certainly, the cross was not an afterthought. As we see God’s kingdom plan unfold across the metanarrative of Scripture, it is evident that He is a God of structure and order (1 Cor. 14:33). Within this structure and order, God’s glory and love is on full display (Psalm 19:1, 104:31-34, 148:3-5, 7; Isa. 40:26; John 3:16; 1 John 4:10, 19; Rom. 5:8). Therefore, we see that organization, structure, and order are good and ought to have a place in our lives and ministries. Though we as believers are reliant on and must remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit, let us embrace intentionality with flexibility as we seek to make disciples of the next generation in obedience to Christ (John 13:34, 16:13; 1 John 4:7-21; Matt. 28:19-20; 1 Cor. 4:2, 14:40; Col. 3:23-24).
As we pursue intentionality in student ministry, we are wise to remember that our window of influence is limited by time. While this is true, we can make the most of every opportunity during the critical years of a student’s spiritual formation (Eph. 5:16). Surely, this is an enormous responsibility that calls us to go beyond mere intentions to develop a plan. The development of an organized and purposeful plan not only casts vision for the ministry but also paves the way for effective spiritual leadership at a sustainable pace. So, let’s get started!
STUDENT MINISTRY DOES NOT FUNCTION IN A CALENDAR YEAR!
When the world rings in the New Year and thinks about new aspirations, goals, and resolutions, we are already halfway through our ministry year and thinking (or should be) about summer camp, mission trips and the fall retreat. Use this winter season to begin thinking about the soon coming ministry year. Be intentional!
To begin, let’s consider that although we just rang in the New Year, the student ministry year has only recently passed the half-way point. Since student ministry aligns with the school calendar from August to approximately May/June, the New Year serves as a premier time to begin calibrating for the upcoming school year. This time allows us to evaluate where the ministry has been, where it is at, and where it is headed in accordance with the ministry’s biblical philosophy. Then, we may begin prayerfully and strategically planning with purpose and direction. To do this, be encouraged to prayerfully consider and further develop the following three Cs of intentionality within your own student ministry context:
Intentionality in Content
Intentionality in Connection
Intentionality in Collaboration
INTENTIONALITY IN CONTENT
In our commitment to deliver sound, biblical content firmly rooted in the authoritative Word of God, there is much to consider. As Jesus commissions his disciples, he instructs them to make disciples by “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20, NIV). While this requires our diligence in properly handling God’s Word, we ought to develop a strategic teaching plan to faithfully impart the “whole counsel of God” to the next generation (2 Tim. 2:15; Acts 20:27, ESV). As you look ahead, contemplate the following in the development of your teaching plan:
Take inventory of the time entrusted to you based on the current structure of the ministry.
How much time do you really have to teach students the Word of God over the course of their time in student ministry?
Establish the specifics of biblical content to be delivered over the course of this time.
Establish when this content will be delivered.
Establish how this content will be delivered.
Once a teaching plan is fully developed, it may then be communicated to the student ministry team. This will allow leaders to focus on reinforcing specific biblical content as they engage students one on one or in small group settings.
INTENTIONALITY IN CONnection
Without question, relationships with students are vital to the health of the ministry. We have all heard of and even witnessed some of the countless lives that have been eternally impacted for Christ within the context of meaningful relationships. For some of us, we have experienced this firsthand and bear witness to the impact of a relationship in our own personal testimony of faith in Christ. Either way, relationships are essential. With this knowledge, let us prioritize reaching into our students’ world by developing a personal connection strategy. As you develop this strategy, consider the following:
What opportunities can I take hold of in an effort to meet lost students on their terms within the community?
How can the ministry create an inviting environment where lost students desire to be on a routine basis?
How can I cultivate a connection already formed with saved students?
How can I encourage saved students to form connections with lost peers?
How can I effectively utilize a digital platform or social media to establish and build a relevant connection with both lost and saved students?
After you have brainstormed creative yet practical ways to establish and build a connection with students, you may then construct a plan to implement your personal connection strategy.
INTENTIONALITY IN COllaboration
While the Lord has impressed on our hearts a burning desire to reach the next generation, we are not alone in this pursuit. Not only does Jesus assure us of his presence with us, but we have also been unified as members of one body of believers to advance the kingdom under his headship (Matt. 28:20; John 14:16-17, 16:13-14; John 17:21; Rom. 12:4-5; 1 Cor. 12:12-31; Eph. 4:11-16; Col. 1:18). Though students are designated as “the next generation,” they are of vital importance to the body of Christ today. Therefore, let us resist isolating the student ministry from the church body and develop a strategic plan for collaboration with the church. As you develop this plan, consider the following:
How can students be more visible, active participants within the church?
How can students serve and engage the church?
How can the entire body serve and support students within and outside of the church?
How can students be encouraged and embraced as vital members of the body of Christ?
How can intergenerational relationships be fostered within the church?
When generations of believers intentionally come together, the church may more effectively reach a diverse range of lost students for Christ while also building up saved students in the body. Students may then begin to see that the church is not a “place” they will one day attend by virtue of age. Instead, they will come to experience the church as a living body of believers to which they and all believers belong, unified in Christ for the purpose of advancing the gospel (Eph. 4:11-16).
Hopefully, each of these three Cs will serve as a starting point in the development of your plan for intentionality in ministry. As you consider each one, be encouraged to approach the three Cs from various angles. Although they have been specifically approached here with a focus on ministry to students, you may consider approaching the three Cs with the goal of developing a plan for intentionality in ministry to parents. Surely, the vital role of parents as the primary disciple makers of their children cannot be overemphasized. Ultimately, seek the Lord and his wisdom as you prayerfully consider and develop a plan to effectively minister for His glory (Prov. 16:3, 9; 19:21, 21:5; James 4:13-15).
“YOUTH LEADER, YOU ARE INVESTING INTO OTHERS…WHO IS INVESTING INTO YOU?”
Before you go and begin building upon the three Cs, please allow me to impart a few final words of encouragement. First, “thank you.” Though we find ourselves in uncertain times, thank you for fixing your eyes on Christ and persevering in your commitment to him for the sake of the gospel (1 Cor. 9:23). Secondly, while various elements of student ministry like strategic planning may energize some, it can be flat out overwhelming for others. In recognition of this, be encouraged to partner with other like-minded believers as you pursue obedience to the Lord’s call on your life. Finally, know that NextGen Matters (NGM) is here to pour into you as you faithfully pour into students. Whether you serve vocationally or as a volunteer in student ministry, NGM is committed to intentionality in content, connection, and collaboration with you in mind. With this understanding, I would like to encourage you to stay connected with us by clicking here, in this very moment, to sign up for NGM’s newsletter. Beyond signing up, please accept this invitation for you and your team to join us from wherever you are for various events. During these events, student leaders from all over the country come together virtually to build one another up in Christ and “earnestly contend” for the faith so graciously entrusted to us (1 Thess. 5:11; Jude 1:3, ESV). May you know that you have a place here among a family of believers committed to serving the Lord and the next generation alongside one another.
Wrapping it Up!
Now, as you enter this New Year with a renewed focus on intentionality, may you “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:12-14, ESV). In turn, may generations upon generations come to know the absolute truth of Christ and find their eternal hope in him alone (Psa. 78:4-7).
~ Sara
