I. FOUNDATION of an Effective Student Ministry

Biblical Philosophy

•  The Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37-40 CSB)
• The Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20 CSB)

Ministry Philosophy

• Vision & Mission Statement…as well as the Core Values
  • Should answer the questions, “Who we are. What we believe. Why do we exist?”
  • Should be concise, clear, and easily repeatable.

II. PILLARS of an Effective Student Ministry

Equipping (Eph. 4:12) – Critical Question: How are we equipping the saints for the work of the ministry, so we can build up the body of Christ?

• Ministry Team(s)
  • Adult Volunteers
  • Student Leaders
•  Parents Engagement and Involvement
  • You should be the best resource for your parents.
  • 5 Cs (By Dr. Allen Jackson – Former Youth Ministry Professor at NOTBS)
    • Communicate everything.
    • Calendar with families in mind
    • Counsel by mostly listening.
    • Connect families with resources.
    • Call parents to become disciple-makers. (Deut. 6 says so)

Programming

• Shape your programs, events, gathers, and activities around your vision, mission, and core values.
• If it doesn’t fit those statements and values, then you shouldn’t do it. That’s called FOCUS.
• The tension in programming – Attractiveness vs. Authenticity
• It’s not “either” or, it’s “both” “and”
• Strategic Planning
  • Short-Term (3 months out)
  • Long-Term (6-12 months out)
  • Future Outlook (2-3 years)
  • Use the calendar to your advantage.
    • Seasons
    • Holidays
    • Established Events (Community-wide, School, City-wide)
• Budgeting
  • ·Your budget should reflect your strategic plan, not a wish list.
  • Start conversations on your budget 4-6 months prior to the church’s new calendar year.
  • Use wise financial people to help craft the budget.

III. PROCESS OF DISCIPLESHIP within an effective student ministry

• There must be a scope and sequence of students growing into fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ.
• Peter Drucker said, “You can’t manage what you can’t measure.”
• Your process of Discipleship should influence your programs and activities.
• Student Ministry cannot be a holding pattern; there must be movement.

IV. PARTNERSHIPS necessary for an effective student ministry

• Internal
  • Senior Pastor
  • Other Ministry Leaders
  • Parents
• External
  • Other student ministries in your city
  • Local Non-Profits & para-church organizations that can serve your ministry.
  • Local Non-Profits & para-church organizations that that can be served by your ministry

V. PERSONAL GROWTH as the leader of an effective student ministry

Personal Devotional Life

• Conferences/Seminars/Events
• Mentorship with an elder in student ministry
• Fellowship with other youth ministers
• Reading/Subscribing to great ministry books and resources.