This post is part of the Foundations Of Youth Ministry series. Check out the rest of the series!
Defining a purpose and vision for youth ministry isn’t as difficult as it may seem.
In fact, the process is extremely easy; and it’s lamentable that so many ministries operate without one. Ministry is so much more effective when a clear purpose and vision is defined.
Before you begin the process, make sure you understand the difference between purpose, mission and vision.
Here are seven steps to help you define your ministry’s purpose and vision.
Pay attention to what God is doing
Nowhere in Scripture do we see any successful ministry that happens because man wants it to happen. Your purpose has been defined by God. Watch what he is doing and make sure that you follow his leading.
Pay attention to the direction your church is headed
Your purpose and vision should be aligned with the overall purpose and vision of your church. If your church is targeting lower income families, it will be really difficult to target more affluent students to your youth ministry. Youth ministry should never be a separate entity on a ministry smorgasbord offered by your church. In order to be effective, you need to be partnered with the overall purpose of your church.
Understand your gifts and personalities
Take a look at your team. Do they understand the difference between purpose, mission and vision? Do they see God’s leading in your ministry? If not, teach them. And take inventory of the gifts and talents present among your team members. In other words, know what tools are in your toolbox.
Have key leaders and volunteers write down their ideas
Share the burden of defining purpose and vision with your team. Have them jot down key thoughts and ideas. Brainstorm together. Pray over the process as a team and as individuals. Gather your ideas into one area.
Craft a concise vision statement
Use the ideas and thoughts generated to craft a short, memorable statement that defines your vision for ministry, while remaining true to your purpose. Keep in mind that this statement should be simple. You want your team, your students, and your parents to remember it. This statement should be meaningful. Don’t sacrifice clarity and meaning for cleverness. This statement should be action-oriented. Fill it with action verbs such as seek, grow, reach, discover. This will help you and your team take steps toward completion of your purpose.
Share your ideas with your church leadership
Before launching a huge campaign full of banners, posters, mailing, and lots of other expenses, take the time to sit down with your Senior Minister and elders. Cast your vision to them, and seek their input. Make sure that your effort falls in line with their vision for the church as a whole. With the leadership behind you, you’ve got a much better chance of being effective.
Back it up
Put yourself into this purpose and vision wholeheartedly. Memorize the statement you crafted. Apply it to as many areas of your own life and ministry as you can. And encourage your team to do so as well. When they see you living it, they will be much more likely to jump in as well.
Having an established purpose and vision for your ministry will multiply your effectiveness. You will be able to view every aspect of ministry through the lens of your new purpose and vision. If doing something will help you achieve your purpose and vision, then go for it. If a program or event won’t get you closer to fulfillment, then you know that you can scrap that idea and search for something better.
A defined purpose and vision will go a long way to helping your ministry be as successful as it can be.
Do you have defined purpose and vision statements? How do they help increase your effectiveness? You can share your thoughts in the comments section below.