Taking Youth Ministry from Good to GREATER! D. Kennebrew June 13, 2015

We must invest in Memorable Ministry Improving our ministries (especially to young people), is enveloped in experience. People remember good experiences and seek them out through memory and seek to relive them (this is key)! When we invest in memorable ministry, people will remember the church in good terms. WORD OF WARNING – Barna research says 67% of children who grow up in Holiness churches leave when they get the opportunity. Why? …because of their memories. All they remember is “don’t do…,” “you better not…,” and “you going to hell if…” There are 2 components of memorable ministry – ministry that leads to good memories of church…

The Components of Memorable Ministry It is always Relational, and at times Evangelical Ministry is always relational. People are God’s most important creation and we should always give people #1 priority. This means meeting needs of people, even if it means changing plans from time to time. ALWAYS show people they are important. This does not mean we should be people-pleasers. We do not let “people” control ministry, but relationship building is always the #1 priority. And at times, it is evangelical. Spotty ministry is better than pushy ministry. Jesus used this model with his miracles. John 2:11 is clear Jesus performed miracles to get the attention of people – to get an audience of the people. It worked with Nicodemus. It worked with the disciples. It worked with the woman at the well. If it worked well for Jesus and Jesus is our example – it WILL work for us! “Spotty” means wait for God to open doors of conversation about God, Christianity and living for God. EXAMPLE – take the young people out to eat and ask the young people about their relationships AFTER you have built your relationships with them. If we show we care, they will open up slowly but surely!

What does relational ministry look like? Going to a game together Going out to eat Celebrating someone’s birthday Supporting each other Game night/friendly contests A shopping trip In general, spending time together!!!! These are all events most people love to do and do not make unbelievers feel uncomfortable (this is key). These events mostly don’t cost much money, but they do cost money. Not much planning is required, but some planning is required. WARNING – Some events at the beginning MAY be low in attendance – this is the testing time. Some will stay away to see if you will be consistent. Stay with the program…

When to Evangelize? As GOD provides opportunities! And He will provide! …don’t miss a GOD moment by giving your advice Evangelism, growing the Kingdom of God, is always the end goal, but we must do wise fishing. As we spend time with young people (or older people alike), God will superimpose conversations and give us opportunities to witness and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with them. We must remain keen to see when this situations present themselves and be ready to open the door for the Holy Spirit.

EXAMPLE #1 --GOD MOMENT-- YOU: How you doing in school? HIM: I hate math YOU: Have you asked God to help you? HIM: No, He don’t care about school --GOD MOMENT--

EXAMPLE #2 --GOD MOMENT-- HER: I don’t know what to do YOU: What’s wrong? HER: I just don’t know what job to take YOU: How you feel God is leading you? HER: I really don’t hear from God like that --GOD MOMENT--

EXAMPLE #3 --GOD MOMENT-- YOU: How the girls treating you? HIM: These girls crazy these days YOU: Why you say that? HIM: They just weird YOU: Make sure you find a Godly woman HIM: Where you find that? They gone… --GOD MOMENT--

Questions? Comments?