There is a statement that may seem cliche, but is true nonetheless. “When you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Student ministry workers often have a bad reputation when it comes to planning, but the truth is that without planning, we would have very short ministries. We must look to the future if we hope to have meaningful interactions with students. Our culture is so crammed with “stuff” that we need to be looking ahead, thoroughly and thoughtfully, if we hope to get parents and students on board.
While we are just entering June, it is time to think and prepare ourselves for the fall. The fall semester can be one of the most intense times of the year for our student ministries. We have retreats, ball games, concerts, messages, and other activities to prepare for. We are just plain busy. There are some core attitudes that we need to apply to our planning if we hope to be faithful.
• Be intentional. We need to think through the events and activities we want to be involved in. We don’t want to just let things happen. The families and students connected to our ministries need to see a plan as you move forward through the school year. They receive calendars from every other organization with which they are involved. It would be ideal to think out the whole year, but giving your families a semester at a time is the least you can do. Spend the time thinking in advance.
• Be biblical. This doesn’t mean that everything you do has to be a lesson or sermon from Scripture, but it does mean you need to stay true to God’s Word in all that you do. Fun activities and games are a great part of student ministry, but they never tear our students down. Our communication should be truthful. Our ministry should be full of integrity. We should reflect God’s Word in all that we do.
• Be collaborative. One of the great things about serving in ministry is serving alongside others. Hopefully, you have a team of volunteers with whom you are serving. These men and women have chosen to spend their “free” time ministering to teenagers. Don’t just rely on your knowledge and experience. Meet with your team and gather their input. They know your students in ways that may differ from yours. Additionally, speak with your other staff members. Your pastor and other staff have observed what has been accomplished in the past. There is significant value in collaborating with others. We were made for community.
• Be prayerful. This should really be at the top of our list. Regardless of the calendar item we are creating, God needs to be the one directing. We pray for ministry opportunities. We pray for gospel transformations. We pray for our students as they seek to navigate one of the more complicated times of their lives. We pray for ourselves that we will be a positive influence in our students’ lives. The list of prayer items is extensive when thinking about student ministry.
Planning is important, but having the right approach is just as important. As we approach the fall, we need to take the time to prepare. Set aside the time to look ahead. Be intentional. Be biblical. Be collaborative. Be prayerful. Plan for all the good and glorious things God wants to do in your student ministry.
Join the conversation at Facebook.com/groups/StudentMinistryMattersCommunity. Share with others how you plan for the fall semester and even the whole year.
