who wants a new resource?
Last week I finished up a book (that I got for free at CELS) called Simple Student Ministry. It's by Eric Geiger (one of the guys who co-authored Simple Church) and Jeff Borton (Geiger's youth pastor).If you are in ministry, particularly student ministry,
I think this is a must read.
The premise is this:
...without a clear understanding of discipleship as a process, student ministry leaders have the tendency to offer programs and events with no understanding of how all they offer fits into a comprehensive plan or process for discipleship.
These guys are not trying to promote a new program. Not in the least. They are simply asking us to evaluate what we're doing, and to simplify. To not have programs for the sake of programs, but to only put time and energy into those programs that move students along the path of discipleship.
I think this is a great exercise to walk through. You may not agree with everything they say, you may not land with a ministry that is as 'stripped down' as they recommend -- but isn't it healthy to take a step back and ask 'What is the purpose behind these programs?' If you can't answer that for one (or more) of your programs, it's time to trim the fat.
The book walks you through the process of making the transition to simple:
1. Clarity design a simple process
(Draw the blueprint. Don't start demolition or building yet.)
2. Movement place key program along the process
(How does the programming you already have in place fit into your new process?)
3. Alignment unite all ministries around the process
(Everyone, in each aspect of your ministry, needs to be on the same page.)
4. Focus begin to eliminate
(Now it's time. Kill the unnecessary programs.)
I think Simple Student Ministry is well written and, well, simple (pun-y, huh). There are some good case studies and examples, and the process presented leaves plenty of room for creativity and freedom.
If you're a ministry leader who knows your ministry needs an overhaul, or, maybe even more importantly, a ministry leader who thinks your ministry is perfectly assembled, you should check out this book. Super insightful.
Labels: discipleship, resource
posted by sarah @ 2:40 PM
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