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Four Erroneous Youth Ministry Philosophies
January 11, 2010 ~ 6 comments

“I’ve tried everything!” I frequently hear these frustrated words from well meaning people who want to make an eternal impact on the lives of students.    They work hard trying various approaches but are unable to grasp the illusive key to successful ministry.

 

Over the last thirty years, I have observed some of these valiant efforts which I call “erroneous youth ministry philosophies.” I have divided the ministry approaches into four sections determined by their predominant thrust. I have not fabricated these for the sake of this blog; unfortunately, they all exist in the world of youth ministry.

 

The four sections manifest themselves in a variety of ministry styles but for the sake of clarity, I will only address the general features of each section. This blog will be divided into two additional posts on Tuesday of the next two weeks.

 

Section One:

“IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME” - Activity and Entertainment Centered Ministry Style

Section Two:

“DON’T FENCE ME IN” - Freestyle Ministry Style

 Section Three:

 “ALL DRESSED UP AND NOWHERE TO GO” - Buttoned Up and Tied Down Ministry Style

 Section Four:

“THE WORLD ACCORDING TO ME” - Personality Centered Ministry Style

 

I hope you will evaluate these approaches to youth ministry with me and I welcome your comments.

Student Ministry, Leadership, intergenerational
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6 comments
Author: Allen Bacon - January 12, 2010
Great post Mike. This is why I love Word of Life Clubs. The approach is biblical and well thought out.

Al little help would be appreciated for the twitter challenged. How do I get the QT verses sent to me online?
Author: John Collins - January 12, 2010
looking forward to this Mike!
Author: Roy Petitfils - January 12, 2010
Nice distillation of four prominent, yet erring approaches, Mike. The only "style" I've seen work, or be effective in the long term is relational ministry. Earning the right to be heard in the trenches of healthy relationships with young people. Thanks for your ministry brother. Keep up the great work!
Author: Nathan - January 13, 2010
Looking forward to this one.
Author: Mike Calhoun - January 13, 2010
Allen, thanks for the good word about Word of Life. Here is the QT link, go to it and look at \"free tools\" and then twitter. http://quiettimediary.com/
Author: Mike Calhoun - January 13, 2010
Roy, you are right on target. When we build relationships, we are able to communicate truth verbally and life on life.
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