Why I Buy My Jeans @ Gap
I buy my jeans at Gap because they fit me. Fit is so important when you talk about comfort. So when Gap has a sale or sends me an email, I pay attention. This started me thinking about why students come to a youth group and how important fit is to students. If the students sense a good fit they are more inclined to get involved and listen to what is being shared. So how do we make sure our ministry is a good fit for students?
1. Create atmosphere of acceptance
If you are into everyone and treat everyone as unique and awesome, then the students in your youth ministry will reflect your acceptance.
2. Have a diverse adult volunteer staff
Mix it all up; age, race, education, background and interests. Diversity says open to all. I know this might not be easy but it’s something to work towards.
3. Don’t play favorites
I grew up in a youth ministry where the youth pastor played favorites. The guy had his “in-students” and even though I felt like I was somewhat on the inside, the detestation it caused others was huge. Don’t do it!
Fit and comfort go hand in hand. Make your ministry a place of acceptance and watch how students begin to listen, care and serve.
About the Author
Doug Franklin
Doug Franklin is the president of LeaderTreks, an innovative leadership development organization focusing on students and youth workers. Doug and his wife, Angie, live in West Chicago, Illinois. They don’t have any kids, but they have 2 dogs that think they are children. Diesel and Penelope are Weimaraners who never leave their side. Doug grew up in… Read More
