Building it up

[looksgood]

Right now our church has about 15 members and no youth. The church is asking for someone to work in the area of youth ministry. I believe God has called upon me to do this and equiped me for it. So I will be letting the pastor know I am available.

Now here is the question. I would like to hear any advice or suggestions on building a youth ministry as well as building up the church ministry as a whole. What would you advice as to bringing people in?

I will be suggesting fliers, and going to christian clubs at schools. What I would love is to not just bring in christians, but to cause the lost to become christians. That is actualy one of the mission purposes for a possable youth ministry.

So what ideas do you have for growing a church? Not just a youth ministry but the whole church.

 

[KayD]

Hmmm, or church is relatively large but I've also been contemplating this question myself. After much thought and prayer, I came up with the following (maybe you'll find something applicable in the list):

1. What you have suggested so far sounds like a good place to start. Reaching out to the community this way, and basically introducing yourself/church is a good way to let them know who you are and where you're located.

2. Children are apt to be more responsive than adults. What one church within our community has begun to do is to plan activities that are children-friendly. They've seen an exponential church growth due to this unique ministry.

3. Make sure that the vision you have coincides with the vision(s) of the other church members, as there is more strength in unity and a house divided against itself cannot stand. This may require holding board/church meetings in order to hear the ideas of every member within the church; drafting up proposals to present to your pastor; electing individuals to represent a particular area of ministry. Whatever the decision, however, make your calling and election sure (2 Pet. 1:10) as the gifts and calling of God are without repentance (Rom. 11:29).

4. People generally tend to respond to those who can respond to their needs, thus it's important to be known for your service as well as for your teachings. I became especially convicted of this one evening when members within my church decided to pass out flyers, leaflets, and tracts. I came away thinking, 'how are we really helping these individuals by just giving them a piece of paper? Some of them don't even know who we are or where we're located, despite the fact that we are located merely 2 or so blocks from their homes'. Granted , there may be the 1 or 2 individuals who will come to know the Lord through the literature, but for the most part a church needs to connect with it's community in order to see effective ministry. Are there poor, needy individuals within your community? If so, how can the church help? (such assistance does not have to be done on a grand scale - starting out by finding that one needy individual or family and assisting them can also prove very effective). Can the church sponsor health seminars to assist individuals with little or no access to healthcare? Or, starting smaller, can the church do a mini food or clothing drive to help the destitute? Partnering with agencies that actually do these types of activities may even aide your minstry further. Such partnership should be done at the discretion of the Holy Spirit, however.

5. PRAY. And when you're finished, pray some more. And after that, pray even harder. Actually this is the first, middle, and last thing to do. Pray without ceasing. Pray emphatically. Pray fervently. Pray sincerely... The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man does indeed availeth much. Remember that though the plans of man are many, it is ultimately the Lord's will that prevails. Make sure that the desires of the heart are genuine, and that through it all the Lord receives all the glory - for His glory He shall not render to another. I provide this cautionary piece because I've seen too many times where individuals start out with an altruistic purpose, but eventually allow pride to get the best of them - thus jeopardizing their ministry. Always be mindful to watch your stance, as he who thinks he stands ought to take heed lest he falls, and pride certainly will go before that fall (without fail).

I will pray for you... God bless...

 

[wcwred]

In a way this is very similar to my calling. I am a minister of evangelism (licensed but not ordained, and not titled as I prefer it that way; as a result of course I have no Authority in the church.). (Also I am not a youth pastor I am 43 yrs old with a bum ticker and can't run with kids anymore) Anyway about a year and half ago God led me to a church in order to teach the people how to grow it (not grow it for them; as sheep are to propagate sheep) and assist the pastor in the preaching. When I came the average attendance on Wed. nite was 5-10 people. (I have since found out why, but will not divulge). Some were, needless to say, resistant to this. Others didn't seem to care one way or the other, and a small few seemed interested (not enough to sacrifice their time though). The members, not the Pastor. So to make a long story shorter than normal, be prepared for heartache and frustration. We just finished the 1st VBS they have had in 2 years. Our church is very close to a section of government low income apt's, so I thought what better area to focus on. A few came out to help go door to door inviting the young people and we rented a brand new C-2 school bus (if you have not seen a C-2 look them up they are strange looking) and averaged about 100 + kids each night. About 1/2 from the apts. Of course many of these kids had never been to church and (especially the teen boys) did not know how "behave properly". This upset several of the members even though I tried to explain that we cannot expect unchurched non-believers to respect Gods house if they have never been taught.
So, after it was over with, we had about 15-20 of these kids asking to come regular. I was ecstatic over this. I talked the Pastor into assigning 2 youth ministers. They accepted the position, but neither would show up on Sunday nights or Wed. nights to teach them. The 1st night I was not preaching so I took the kids back and taught them and such. But this pasr Wednesday night all of the hard work was destroyed. One of the deacons "went off" on the kids because they got a little loud and actually told them they were not needed hereif they couldnt act right. And then another lady got onto them because one boy wrote in a hymnal and she told them to leave. Which they did. Now the dilemna: the Pastor will not address the issue no matter what I say to him. He is apparently afraid to upset the people. (I know this is long, sorry) More important than the hard work and even making me a liar to these children is the thought that we have sent them out to join gangs.

Didn't intend to be so down but I had to vent and also get advice.

 

[looksgood]

Didn't intend to be so down but I had to vent and also get advice.

Oh my...thats quite a situation. Let me say I find myself in a same like calling. God called me long ago to be a pastor by a # of things. He let me know in dreams, prophecy, and in dealing with me through scripture. I ran but now that I finaly submited God has began to move me into the position of taking up the "mantle" of a pastor.

I have moved to another state because of hard times which I am taking as God positioning me where He wants me. I let God know that if He wanted me in a pastor position He would create the opertunity.

Well, my wife and I joined a small church because we felt God urging us to join not only to grow from the church, but to help it grow. Now the church is looking for a youth pastor BEFORE there is any youth. God had already been working on me to extrasize my calling there even before I knew of this position. So that is my story.

As for yours...I feel bad for the church you are in. I fear two things are happening there.
1: There is lack of good strong leadership. God did not call us to not offend the people we watch over. He called us to speak the truth in love. This unloving attitude in the church must be addressed even if it drives the unloving people away. Jesus had no problem with it when people left because they were offended. At times it can be a good thing because a church known for its hate is worse than a church known for it's 2 members. It would be a good idea for the pastor to address these things and grow the love of the church even if it means the old members leaving so new ones WITH love can come in.

2:Like I said, the church has no love.

The best advice in such a position I could suggest would be to take the matter strongly to the pastor (not without respect) and ask him to address the church on this issue.

If nothing is accomplished in private with the pastor then bring the youth to the church as a wittness. Let them tell of the lack of love. If the church refuses still...then know they have refused God.

If so it may be good to begin a church yourself with these youth, or to join another church with love.

Just my thoughts. I can give scripture as to how the process should go if you like.

 

[KayD]

Hi Wcwred ,

We had a similar experience within our church. A few years ago a handful of members within our church decided to expand our VBS ministry from a 3 hour/day for two weeks, to a summer program. Well, needless to say that many individuals within our church were not happy. Most of the complaints we received were from 'established' members - members that were there when the church was first formed/built. Anyway, they would complain about the fact that there were too many children; that some of the children were not dressed appropriately to be in church; that the kids were too loud; that some of the kids were just too dirty (granted, we had a few children who were staying in a homeless shelter at the time, but even so... ). The list of complaints could go on and on. After that year, we never pursued the program again for various reasons, the most prominent being funding - most of the foods and supplies needed were being purchased at the expense of the handful of people that were directly involved in the program.

Well, a few years went by and our church obtained a new pastor (as is the custom). The new pastor wanted to have an active children's ministry (as an aside, I have to admit that I've not really seen any great demonstration of kid-friendliness on the part of our new pastor, but that's another story for another time...). He approached me about the issue, and I told him of the previously mentioned incident. He said nothing when I told him.

Most of the children that were involved in the program did not return to the church. What some of us committed to doing, however, was to keep in touch with the few that we could. We would contact the children or parents via phone to see how they were doing. If there were special events, we would extend invitations, but there was never a time when we were like "you have to start attending church again, or else" or at least I wasn't privy to this. Since I've been involved in youth ministry for a number of years, I've had many opportunities to go before the church and state my concerns. I've even presented some of my concerns to the church. One of the things I strived to do with the help of the Holy Spirit, however, was to create an environment where the church could actually see that the way we treat the children actually does make a difference in the way they behave. I've seen a few changes so far. Sadly though, instead of amending their own behavior, some of the church members will actually seek out those of us who are already working with the children to deal with them, or to present programs, etc.

I still remember some of the kids that were directly under my care, and I still pray for them. I cling to God's promise that His word will not return unto Him void, and pray that the little that we were able to instill in such a short time took root, and will be an experience that the children will be able to draw upon in their moment(s) of need.

While I agree that the church should be made privy to their behavior, I'm not sure that I would want to directly involve the children in achieving resolution as this may create further separation within their minds, and establish what many already believe about the church. I do recognize that everyone is blessed with free will and we all have to make our own choices concerning what we observe and how we act on that which is observable.

I would suggest seeking a feasible resolution with your pastor, or bringing the matter before the board - and please, please, please make sure that you are prayed up before airing your concerns - a prayerful mind and attitude does wonders in lessening the admonishment. Perhaps there is a protocol that your church follows in dealing with altercations...? If there is, then consider subscribing to this protocol (and hopefully the protocol is as laid out within the Bible). I know some churches have regional offices, and may subscribe to bringing in a mediator, etc. Whatever your decision, however, I pray that the Lord will direct you as you go forward.

I pray that the Lord will continue to lead you and bless you in your calling. All the best.

 

[wcwred]

I'm curious- is your church growing or does it seem to stay around the same year after year?

 

[KayD]

I'm curious- is your church growing or does it seem to stay around the same year after year?

If you mean growing numerically - yeah, it seems to be. We've had several baptisms so far.

If you mean growing spiritually - well, God is the true discerner of the hearts and intents of His children, so He knows best (despite my desire to want to project my thoughts/'judgements' on people - ).

I've come to point where I'm realizing that church growth is not only about numbers, however. We have to nurture those we bring into the fold - minister to them as the Lord instructs us, and shepherd them until they are able to stand with God on their own. This does not mean becoming an enabler of sorts; it only means allowing the Holy Spirit to work with and through us so that we can assist our weaker brothers and sisters in Christ .

 

[looksgood]

I'm curious- is your church growing or does it seem to stay around the same year after year?

Just joined this church.

Ya know...I have this dream. I know it is hard to bring about in a world going down fast but I would love to see this.

I would love to see this church of 10-15 people expload into a revival of the community that would be remembered for years and effect generations to come. But doesnt everyone want that?

 

[wcwred]

Just joined this church.

Ya know...I have this dream. I know it is hard to bring about in a world going down fast but I would love to see this.

I would love to see this church of 10-15 people expload into a revival of the community that would be remembered for years and effect generations to come. But doesnt everyone want that?

I would say Good Luck but it's not luc you need, its Grace. So God bless you, I will pray for you and your church.
One thing that helps me when situations occur like what I mentioned is to always remember: "God did not call us to be successful, just obedient"