In youth ministry, be it events, youth ministry resources, or just the community of people we are ministering to, we must always be looking forward to make sure we are leading our people in the right direction and preparing them for what lies ahead. But in the process of doing that we often leave people behind because we forget to enjoy the present moment and we often lose people because we forget to appreciate and remember where we have come from. That is why as you evaluate your ministry there are a few things that I suggest you always consider as you make your plans for the road that lies ahead.
The Past- You must look towards the past. Partially so that you can remember your mistakes and learn from them and partially because it is always good to remember where God has brought you from. But another very important reason to look at the past is because there are people who have gotten your ministry to where it is and they are often still a valuable part of their ministry. And even though we should not do things just because we have always done them, it is important to consider why we have always done something and how making a change will effect important people in your ministry.
The Present- We cannot get so excited about the future that we forget what is going on in the moment. Plus, what is happening now, from our students spiritual health to the changes occurring in our community, our a big part of what will guide us as we head forward.
The Future- As you look to the future, you should first of all seek God's wisdom for what He wants for you. Then out of that I believe He will guide you as to where you should go. But please know that in this process I believe He will use the leaders and students around you in your ministry to give you wisdom and insights in to what the best plans may be.
It is important that we be visionary as student pastors and always look ahead. But as I believe you can see, at the same time it is important to remember where we have come from and where our youth ministry is today.
The Past- You must look towards the past. Partially so that you can remember your mistakes and learn from them and partially because it is always good to remember where God has brought you from. But another very important reason to look at the past is because there are people who have gotten your ministry to where it is and they are often still a valuable part of their ministry. And even though we should not do things just because we have always done them, it is important to consider why we have always done something and how making a change will effect important people in your ministry.
The Present- We cannot get so excited about the future that we forget what is going on in the moment. Plus, what is happening now, from our students spiritual health to the changes occurring in our community, our a big part of what will guide us as we head forward.
The Future- As you look to the future, you should first of all seek God's wisdom for what He wants for you. Then out of that I believe He will guide you as to where you should go. But please know that in this process I believe He will use the leaders and students around you in your ministry to give you wisdom and insights in to what the best plans may be.
It is important that we be visionary as student pastors and always look ahead. But as I believe you can see, at the same time it is important to remember where we have come from and where our youth ministry is today.
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