If you’re not growing, you’re dead

By Doug Franklin December 3, 2009

Your ministry is growing only if the number of students coming is continually increasing. This statement is NOT true. The size of your youth ministry has nothing to do with the transformational impact on students. This big lie is commonly driven by churches with misguided values. Don’t get me wrong; big is not bad if it’s God’s plan. By today’s standards Jesus had a lousy ministry; his numbers were small and only got smaller. If you want to get out of the numbers game redefine what success is. Clearly communicate what success is for your ministry and match your activities to your new definition. For example: if you say success is actually students who are growing in their faith, then you better have a dynamic discipleship or small groups program. You also should be spending time and resources on developing your adult small group leaders. When we let standard church culture define success we are going to be like mice on fly wheels and quickly burn out.

If you are thinking to yourself, “Great ideas Doug. I truly agree but my church does not share your viewpoint; they only want growth,” the you have to consider whether or not you can work at a church that does not share your values.