Strategy of a Different Number (1)

As I strive to build relationships and seek to discover the DNA in my new ministry setting, I've discovered two things: (a) building relationships is job one--duh!--followed closely by this joy of discovery in my first year. And (b) part of this discovery is being willing to embrace a shift in strategy.

Mark DeVries wrote a great article that challenges the paradigm he and so many of us youth workers have held dear for years. Check it out at http://archive.youthministry.com/details.asp?ID=7436. In short, his premise is that "it's getting harder and harder to provide programming that has a singular focus on a clearly defined group of students."  In other words, an outreach level teenager is just as likely to connect in a deep Bible study or a high-commitment mission experience.

I've noticed this shift even in the ten years or so I've worked with young people. I've also noticed a need for a shift in our thinking about numbers. (I'll admit I DO play the number game because I think young lives count!) Youth Group is no longer the be-all-end-all program we MUST get kids too in order to be seen as a "success." Honestly, I was a bit bummed out to see 15 or so at my first Youth Group, 10 or so the following week, and then around 5 the third week.

So a few things to share here. Remember that any time you follow a well-loved youth worker, and even if there's a structure in place toward sustainability in youth ministry, there is always going to be a level of rebuilding. Whether it's rebuilding a youth program or building new relationships and trust, it takes time, and there may even be a drop in attendance initially. One new friend shared with me how hard it is for her to open up when she feels like people keep coming in and out of her life. She graduates this year, and my hope is that we can build a relationship into her college years even as she is "out from under" my direct responsibility.

So then, I've discovered the importance of tracking an overall picture of attendance. The week we had just 5 at Youth Group, we had 30 total participating in some capacity that week whether it be Sunday morning worship, Sunday school, a Sr. High small group, Youth Hand Bells, a Youth Ensemble, etc. All in all, 30 kids participating in various ways multiplied out to about 70 points of contact with our church in just one week!

We're still working out how to track this, but in some capacity or another teens are connecting in some way and "Expanding the Light by seeking, serving, or sharing the message of Jesus Christ" in some way each week. (Lakewood UMC Mission Statement)

More in "Strategy of a Different Color (2)"