I love watching my neighbors improve their home and property. Before they bought the house, it was pretty much an eyesore. We looked at it ourselves, but decided it needed too much work. We’re not very handy with tools. However, my neighbors are different. They saw something in the house that we didn’t, and it wasn’t long before I started noticing some changes—a new paint job, landscaping, etc. Now it doesn’t look anything like it did when they moved in, but it didn’t happen overnight. It’s taken a few years to get to where it is today. Watching all that got me thinking about youth ministry, and a light bulb came on in my head. How my neighbors treat their new home is a lot like how we should treat a new youth ministry.
Here’s what I mean. Everything starts with vision. You have to be able to see what’s not there, which is the problem—we focus on what’s in front of our noses. To build from scratch, we have to be able to see what’s not right in front of you. You have to ask simple questions: Why am I here? Why did God put me where I am today? What do I want to see happen to these kids when they leave my youth group? The same is true even if you’re stepping into an established ministry. Your vision may be different from those who came before you, and it never hurts to evaluate why your ministry does what it does!
You’re also going to need the right tools: the right staff—the right people in the right places. Take the time to get to know the people who you might see as future staff. Don’t be in a hurry! Without the right tools, you could do more damage that good. You need to think about sustainable growth. What does it matter if I build a new addition to my home if I can’t afford to heat the new space? The same is true when it comes to growing your group. What good will it do to have big numbers early if you don’t have the people in place to disciple them for the long haul? You can have amazing technology and great facilities, but your most valuable asset always will be the people who make up your staff!
Finally, you’ve got to have patience—a whole lot of patience. If you’re going to have a lasting impact on your kids, you’re going to need to invest the time. Too many youth workers leave before any payoff. It can take several years to build a solid foundation.
I’m into my second year at a new youth group. A bunch of good stuff has happened, and I really feel good about where we are; but to be honest, I know there’s a lot more to do. I know I’ve got to be patient and build on the successes we’ve already had.
Bottom line, starting something new can be scary! Going into a new ministry can be intimidating and discouraging at times. There are some days I want to find a hole and climb in it. I guess I probably shouldn’t say that, but instead should focus on all the positives. When you’re building from scratch, you’re going to have some bad days, but don’t give up! Remember the vision; wait on the payoff; and find strength in His promise: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (
