First things First
March 22nd, 2010 § 5 Comments
In a couple weeks my family and I will make our move down to Austin, Texas to help my brother, Ross, plant a new church called ONEchapel. We could not be more excited knowing Jesus has called us into this new, cool season of service.
I now have this unique opportunity to re-look at everything we have done in _tag Student Ministries at New Life Church for the past decade and consider what we might do differently in a new culture with new friends and new opportunities. I have this somewhat unique perspective of being the guy from the mega church student ministry who gets to start from scratch.
Of course, the message remains the same, but the methods do not. Austin isn’t Colorado Springs and 2010 isn’t 2000.
So my question is, if this was you, what would you do first? I certainly have my own vision, ideas, and direction but wonder what some of my youth pastor friends and colleagues would say if they were in my position. Would love to hear from you.
Would you?
1. Start planning for intimate small group connection.
2. Plan on the big, attractional event to kick things off.
3. Go after and train leaders.
4. Start visiting schools.
5. Focus on a core of church kids.
6. Plan some justice / service events.
This is simply a very brief list to get your mind moving. What would you do?
Essentially, it’s a reminder to all of us that we should always be mindful of what Jesus is saying TODAY so we don’t get trapped in the successes or the failures of YESTERDAY. Both can be traps and should never be taken too seriously. Maybe this is a good exercise to remind us what the most important things are that Jesus has called us to do today. Perhaps there are a few remnants of old ideas that you are hanging on to (or they are hanging on to you). Maybe it’s time to return to some of the first and most important things.
First things First. Matthew 6:33.
Hi Brent,
I will make a reference to an old Doobie Brothers song
“Takin It to the Street” going for the lost. The core kids should know what to do to assist. Maybe it could start with connections in the high school.Blessings on the new journey with OneChapel. Keep us posted.
Rob (leader from Ignite winter camp with JD in Feb.)
hi brent – i’m not a youth pastor but we have three teens. one of which will be a new freshman at UT next year as one of their jazz guitarists. i would think that planning for small group connection would be a strong strategy. if you can get kids in a small group who catch the vision and have a heart to lead others in, then it’s very powerful for reaching peers. teen’s first responses always seem to be to other teens first…at least in my observation.
God bless you as you prepare. we have already begun prayerfully supporting ONEchapel and it’s outreach into the community. we’re members of gateway in southlake. we’re very excited to see what God does through your church in austin!
Hey Brent,
Great post! I love that you are rethinking everything. Every culture is a bit different, and the older I get, the more I realize how little I actually know. But I can tell you what NOT to do from my own mistakes…
whatever you do, don’t do #2. Unless you want to burn out in a year and wade endlessly thru the crowds to determine who you might actually invest in. IMHO, it’s better to start by building the core and treat the youth ministry like a mini-church plant. Once you’ve got a solid core, then start going after the masses thru legit (oh yeah, i love to go old-school with words) friendships within the Core. I dunno, maybe, sorta, like Jesus did it…3, 12, 72, crowds, the world!
Praying for you my friend!
Brent
Well apparently Thomas didn’t throw up in front of the multitudes:) Praying for you and the entire Thorn cast.
Great post. I would suggest that small youth connection groups and training leaders (teen and adult) is a good start. As you said Austin is not Colorado Springs, so you also need to “Take it to the streets” (thanks Rob) and get a sense of Austin youth. Service projects are probably a great way to get into the community. Perhaps a separate youth kick-off just after 12 Sep ONEChapel kick-off. Of course I don’t need to (but I will) remind you to pray for spiritual guidance and wisdom.
Are you going to bring a group of youth up to Desperation?
Brent,
Congrats on the move for you and your family. Excited for you and Ross and the whole ONEChapel crew that are planting in TX. Is there a way that we can view the team meetings that you guys are having. I would love to hear Ross’s heart for what you all are about to do/doing in Austin.
My wife and I will be praying for you guys. We know that is a huge step of faith. To walk away from the known into the faith walk of the unknown.