2. Flow of Today
Assumptions
Reality check-points
More and less of in our ministries
Mistakes
Structure and Practical Steps
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3.
4. A Few Assumptions
“Faithfulness” in ministry must include holding people to the standards of scripture
• In discipleship of other people
• In individual Christ-like character
…as we approach our conversation today
Faith convictions are cultivated in, with and by relational connections
• The power of relational influence is huge
• Content has impact, but not as much as personal connection
An understanding of the gospel leads us to focusing on other people
•The example and teachings of Jesus
•The example and teachings of Paul
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5. Reality Check Points
Assimilation from ministry-to-ministry tends to be weak in church contexts
•We lose some kids at every transition point
•Contributor: leaders viewing their ministry as an end
•Contributor: lack of communication/trust/relationship between leaders
•Contributor: lack of cohesive team strategy
•Contributor: lack of qualitative evaluation/focus and follow through
…and matters of the heart
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6. Reality Check Points
…and matters of the heart
Attrition doesn’t only happen in transitions
•We can most accurately see The Slow Fade in high school ministries
•Contributor: when only quantitative evaluations occur
•Contributor: program and calendar event ministries vs. people driven
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7. We Need To See More Of…
Strategic discussion about specific students and who they can connect with
•That can help develop their individual Christ-like character
•That can step up and disciple them, personally
Qualitative measurements
•Consistency and frequency of conversation with a leader
•Kids pursuit of that leader – questions, invitations, etc.
Accountability in and after times of transitions
•For youth/small group leaders to follow through and hand-off
•Identify students that do not have ongoing connection and pursue them
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8. We Need To See Less…
Focus on spiritual routines and disciplines
• Sensitive to distinguishing between behavior management and genuine faith
• We must recognize spiritual discipline as a byproduct of faith
Focus on gaining more information
• Spiritual maturity is not defined by how much knowledge we possess
• Relationships should lead to content, not vice versa
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9. Common Mistakes When Starting…
Leaders
try
to
operate
outside
of
their
gift
mix
Focus
more
on
the
program
than
the
people
Dump a bunch of resources into it
Start moving with no direction in mind
Try
to
start
where
other
ministries
have
grown
to
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10. The
New
In-‐Betweeners
18-‐25
year
olds
are
in-‐between
at
least
4
areas:
•Themselves
•Life
Direction
•Convictions
•Church
Structures
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12. 0-18 Parents18-30
!
Create service geared
toward this entire
age-range
Solution
That
Isn’t
A
“Solution”
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13. 4 Concerns With This Approach…
Can be a façade of connection
Can actually separate generational gaps
Can inherently preach disunity
Has teaching difficulties
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14. Role
of
a
College-‐age
Ministry
Adult life18-25
College-‐age
stage
Student
life
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17. Clearly Defining Success
Quality
of
relationships
cultivated
with
older
believers
How
we
help
them
in/through
unique
age-‐stage
issues
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23. Non-Mentor Mentor:
A maturing adult who allows a younger person to
see and experience their life
!
Cf. Matthew 28:18-20
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24. Role of Relationships
Mid- Adolescence
…for cultivating inter-generational relationships
Late Adolescence
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25. Adjusts
for
Generational
Value
Differences:
Non-mentor Mentorship
From
Information
to
Imparting
Wisdom
From
Fixing
to
Mutual
Fascination
From
Teaching
to
Mutual
Transformation
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26. Provides
a
sense
of
belonging,
not
just
acceptance
Non-mentor Mentorship
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27. Key Point:
If we don’t have a sense of belonging in the
Church, we lose our identity in the world.
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28.
Relaxed
and
Older
Ask
good
questions
/
are
learners,
encouragers
Heart
for
people,
not
accomplishments
Connected
to
the
life
of
the
church
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29. Biblically
sound
Have
a
solid
marriage
Are
who
they
are
and
are
vulnerable
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30. Clearly Defining “Success”:
Frequency
and
consistency
of
time
together
Younger
person
looks
to
them
for
spiritual
direction
Younger person knows where the dishes are in their kitchen
Younger person seeks advice in every day life circumstances
4
things
that
show
a
quality
of
relationship:
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31. Overcoming Obstacles
Distance
between
generations
•
be
the
bridge
relationally
versus
programmatically
Intimidation
of
older
believers
•
be
a
model
to
a
relationship
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32. Overcoming Obstacles
Younger
not
seeing
the
value
•
be
in
tune
with
everyday
circumstances
Older
separating
due
to
not
approving
of
certain
behavior
•
view
as
a
missionary
–
and
be
flexible/humble
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33. Sustaining A College Ministry
Focus
on
Goal:
Maturity
In
Christ
You
can’t
get
here
without
connection
to
the
body
Ephesians
4:11-‐16
Romans
12:3-‐8
1
Corinthians
12:4-‐31
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34. Sustaining A College Ministry
Focus on Means: Assimilation
Constantly communicate role of ministry
With senior pastor - will help for your evaluation
With older believers
With college-age people
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35. Sustaining A College Ministry
Focus on Means: Assimilation
Explore avenues for life connection
Home gatherings
Justice/service projects
Retreats
Mentorship
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36. Defining Our Job Description
Personally
disciple
2-‐4
people
Cultivate
a
heart
in
older
believers
for
discipleship
Create bridges for inter-generational connection
Constantly
learn
about
this
age-‐stage
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37. Defining Our Job Description
Provide direction and training for mentors
Create and lead a gathering point
Join in with what God is already doing on campus
Communicate the role of college ministry
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38. First 90 Days Starting…
Clearly
articulate
the
role
of
the
ministry
Address
any
hesitations
leadership
has
Meet with as many people as possible
Immediately
become
a
student
of
the
people
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39. First 90 Days Starting…
Find 1-3 students and 1-3 older adults to invest in
Look for a window of involvement
Plan a gathering time Due to Copyright issues,
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