February Reading - Annette

I'm super excited to read this book together! The reason I chose it is because Doug Fields has had a looooong running successful youth ministry. He even admits in Chapter 1 that he's out of touch in many ways with youth culture. But that has not made his influence irrelevant. He knows that God has directed him to minister to youth, so he continues to be obedient!

Here are some of the statements that really stuck out to me...

• "A true dynasty is stronger than its one great player." Many churches look for one "great player" - the youth pastor is supposed to be this super Christian who can attract a massive crowd. I'm so glad that our leadership does not think like that. As I've said before - I don't think youth ministry can be done by one person unless your goal is to have a group of about 12 and never grow.
• "Where there is health, there is eventual growth." A HEALTHY youth ministry is my goal! We have to trust God for the growth, and sometimes it doesn't happen as quickly as we'd like. But I think that is because we aren't healthy enough to properly handle all the extra people that come with growth! As leaders, we need to be healthy and reproducing ourselves so that when the growth does come - we're ready and have the capacity to handle it!
• "I don't want to direct programs; I want to disciple students." This is just such a great statement! This is my heart 100% and it should be yours as well. When I get to heaven, I just don't think I'm going to hear "Hey - great lock-in in 2009! Good job!" :o)
• "...a healthy youth ministry doesn't begin with ideas, but with spiritual leaders." Wow - remember the empty cup?? Don't come with ideas - build spiritual leaders!
• "...I would rather have one godly volunteer than ten skilled volunteers who don't rely on God." This is exactly where I'm at! We can find talented people that will impress and attract students. But I want to work alongside someone who relies on the supernatural move of God to reach students! That is a limitless opportunity!

This last point is really where the power was at for me. He talked about being a living model - passionate about your faith. That seems so simple and common sense...but I don't think we can say that we're all maxing out in this area! What do you think about that? Do you agree? We're all believers, and I know you love Christ. But are we living the ARDENT example every day?
At the end of the chapter, he said "good leaders are avid learners". That's awesome! That's why we're doing this! So someone answer some or all of these questions from your perspective...

1. Do your students sense that the youth ministry leaders are men and women of God?
2. What role does prayer play in your ministry?
3. How can we encourage spirituality among the leadership?
4. Where is God's power evident in our youth ministry?