Youth ministry vision and purpose provide big-picture context to your program. Without knowing the why behind your plans, the details about what and how won’t matter.
I recently read “Start With Why” by Simone Sinek. The focus is in the title. People care more about why you do something than what you do or how you do it. So why don’t we ask why before we create another ineffective program?
I used to think if I told kids what we did (events, fun, concerts) and how we did it (energetically, giveaways, food, big crowds), they would be sold. They’d attend and then stick around for a while.
Had I stuck to that premise only, I would have left youth ministry long ago. The what and the how no longer excite me. But the why still keeps me going. That’s where youth ministry vision and purpose come in.
The Why: Youth Ministry Vision and Purpose
Most kids know I don’t do youth ministry for money, fame, and glory…because there isn’t any. Teens stick around because I care about them, hang out with them, share the truth with them, and sometimes discipline them.
Teens figured out that the why undercurrent of my life—my youth ministry vision and purpose—is to see them become dedicated followers of Christ. They know I’ll never give up on them.
This doesn’t mean my why was faultless. Sometimes I slip, focusing on what we do and how. Sometimes I don’t do relationships well, but kids hang around anyway, God bless ’em.
So how do you take the meaninglessness out of ministry’s what and how? Instead of an invitation tagline or bumper for the next video promo, what compelling story or mission can you share?
An Example of Youth Ministry Vision and Purpose
Recently I rethought our worship band. Below is my why, what, and how of it. I sent this information to our band leader.
Why do we have a band?
Why do we have a band?
- Young people can use their talents to glorify God rather than be spectators.
- Young people need peers to model what worship is.
- When we create an atmosphere of worship, students step out in faith.
Simple right? This is what the band will do.
- Practice becoming worship leaders for their peers.
- Grow deeper in their walk with God because of their commitment to worship.
- Become the best they can be at their instrument and vocals.
Simpler, right? This is how we’ll do it. We will…
- Expect kids to be at practice and on time. If you don’t practice, you don’t play the following Sunday.
- Create an environment of innovation. No idea is too crazy, no song too stupid, no combination of instruments too ludicrous. If kids have an idea, let them share it. Then if it’s doable, run with it.
- Mentor and challenge kids to step up. Don’t let talented kids hide!
- Start each practice with a devotion about worship. Include open-ended questions. Let kids struggle to answer ”What does this mean for me?” “What does this mean for us as a band and ministry?”
- Recruit musicians to mentor kids in instruments and vocals.
- Bang the drum to keep your why at the forefront.
Feel free to use this or rework it. Just ensure that youth ministry vision and purpose permeate your program.
