You MUST Have a Youth Ministry Game Plan -3

In our last two articles, I have been sharing the paramount importance of having a youth ministry game plan. Let’s review for a moment.

A youth ministry game plan is thinking through the process of what you want your teens to “look like” when they leave your ministry and how you are going to get them to that place. A youth ministry game plan details the big picture if what ministries and opportunities will be provided to students and the goals and objectives of each of those programs.

We learned in part one that a Youth Ministry Game Plan will attract and keep quality volunteers. In part two, we learned that a game plan will attract and keep teens. So, what is the second thing a youth ministry game plan will do for you?
3. An effective youth ministry game plan will keep the church supportive.

I mentioned earlier that one of the big complaints I hear from ministry professionals and volunteers alike is that the church is not supportive of the youth ministry. But, I have a question; why should the church be supportive? What reasons does the average youth ministry give that the church should be “supportive” (Whatever that means?)

I recommend that youth leaders should put themselves in the shoes of a retired senior citizen in the church who is on a fixed income but gives regularly. What do they see in the youth ministry? Do they see a group of kids sitting in the balcony every week texting their friends? Do they see an invitation to a car wash so the kids can raise money for a visit to the amusement park and Christian concert? Do they see kids start coming to church just in time to go to summer camp and then witness them return, give their camp testimony and disappear? What do the people in the church without kids see in the youth ministry?

Additionally, what do parents see in the youth ministry? Do parents see a ministry that is taking their kids to a place of knowing God more deeply and can testify to the growth in their son or daughter? Or do parents see the youth ministry as a weekly baby-sitting service to keep the kids out of the way during adult bible study; sort of a nursery without diapers. What do parents see in the youth ministry?

I realize that I sound very cynical, but that is just the point. Youth workers cry, “The church needs to support us!” I agree, but does the church even know what they are supporting and is what they are supporting worth it? Or, like the “swarm” soccer team, do they see a bunch of running around but no game plan. This is why a youth ministry game plan is so vital to the growth and life of a youth ministry. When you have a game plan that details what your teenagers are going to look like when they finish 12th grade and the programs and ministries you will use to get to that place and have objectives for your various ministries, then you can easily show where you are headed as a ministry. When someone complains about the youth ministry, teach them your game plan. If they still complain, then let them complain and move on but at least you know there is a legitimate plan.

If you want to keep the church, leaders, and parents supportive of your youth ministry, you must get serious about constructing a real game plan. Let me tell you about Justin. Justin is the youth pastor at a church one town away from where I serve here in Florida. Justin was one of my Bible college students and then was hired by this church. He was paid for six months to come and learn our system here at Faith church. When he started at his church he was initially met with some opposition. The church had some bad luck with their youth leaders in the past and Justin came in as a new guy and he was young. It did not take long before Justin had the support of his volunteers and church members. How did he do it? He did it with a game plan. Before he left the mentorship here, he constructed a written game plan for how to win kids to Christ, assimilate them, teach them to be givers, and took them on missions. Justin defined the overall goals for each of the ministry programs and learned to write objectives for his youth meetings and bible study. The kids feel a difference; the church and parents see a difference. The group has grown dramatically. Parts of Justin’s game plan are still being molded and improved, but he is doing well.

Let’s contrast Justin to Brad. I met Brad in Maryland while setting a mission trip. We went to breakfast one morning to talk youth ministry. He lamented to me about the church, no support, the kids were out of control and just spiritually dead and the elders were very discouraging to him. He complained that the kids would not participate in Bible study and did not care about the things of God. I listened to him for about an hour over bad pancakes and worse iced tea and then I asked him, “Brad, what is the game plan for your youth ministry. Tell me about the big picture.”

“Well, I started a new series called ‘My God is bigger than your God’” He said.

“Cool title.” I tried to encourage him. “But beyond that, what is the plan?” I urged.

Brad had no idea. This bible college trained guy had been there for six months, taking a full time salary and just had no idea what to do with the ministry. He did not even know where to start.

Seeing that Brad needed encouragement (and a Game Plan!) I hurried back to my hotel and printed a copy of Justin’s game plan he had developed. Fortunately it was still on my laptop and I thought it a God thing that I could share what someone else in a tough situation had accomplished. I met with Brad again the next morning before I caught my flight. I tried to gently explain to him that developing a game plan could greatly assist him in his ministry. I offered him a copy of Justin’s plan just as an example to look over. Brad rejected the papers I offered him and said that he had it under control. He appreciated the advice but felt that once the church got more supportive and the kids got more obedient, the ministry would grow. Three months later, Brad walked into the Senior Pastor’s office, left his keys, and resigned. He said that he could not overcome the frustration.

Be sure to read the final article in this series as we explore the fourth reason why a Youth Ministry Game Plan is so critical.

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