If there is one word that I am trying to define our student ministry, it is the word, intentional. I looked the word up in the dictionary, and the definition is extremely simple. It means, “Done on purpose.” I want what we do in student ministry to be done on purpose. Have you ever heard of the idea, “if you do not set a goal, you will hit it every time?” I want goals, and I want to do student ministry in an intentional way so that we can better try to complete the goals that God lies on our hearts. So, how are we doing student ministry in an intentional way?
- Plan events/trips with purpose and a desired result– Every trip and event should have a purpose. They should reflect your mission. Our events are divided up into Evangelism, Service, and relationship building. We try to make sure that each event is focused on one of these three things. Some events, we incorporate 2 out of the 3, or 3 out of the 3 purposes. Be intentional with your event planning. Do not just throw an event together without a desired purpose.
- Use your lunch time to build relationships and disciple others– Try and schedule lunch appointments to minister and disciple others.
- Go to school functions, events, plays, and sporting events– This is so that you can support your students, your local schools, and to meet new students in the community.
- Volunteer at your local school– Get in the door however you can! You can slowly get your student ministry name out there.
- Speak on subjects that are relevant and applicable to your students– This is obvious, but we are more effective at this thought when we are pouring into the lives of our students. We will then know them better, and be able to speak to them practical applicable principles that they need and can apply to their personal lives.
Question: What are you doing to be intentional in your student ministry?