Subscribe to the NetworkBirthing New Ideas for Successful Student Ministry
Every successful student ministry venture begins with a group of passionate people who are willing to work together to create an innovative concept in response to a problem or need. Consider these noted patterns that are evident when ideas turn into successful ventures
Every venture starts out with a need or a problem. Problems are often the sparks that set aflame innovation. Kingdom ventures are born out of yearning, need, and crisis. Before you can express a solution you need to eyeball the problem.
A successful venture almost always has the fingerprints of a number of people all over it. Innovation is about unselfishness. God calls the church to work as a body. There is holy interdependence in the creative process of ministry.
Don’t over-spiritualize the creative process. Many Christians do over-spiritualize. They wait in their proverbial hammock, waiting for the clouds to part and the ideas and solutions to fall from the heavens. Not so. True innovation is hard work.
A new idea should be dummied out. This usually happens in a small group. You lay out the idea using giant sticky pads and markers. It’s the time when the extraneous, odd, inappropriate, and obtuse features to your plans literally hit the cutting room floor.
The new concept or venture should experience and “alien invasion.” This alien invasion is the act of entrusting new eyeballs and opinions into the room for initial reactions and input. This invasion is a required step. You are wise to listen to others’ confusion and criticism. One tip: ask people who feel the freedom to challenge the team. Here are some super “C” questions to ask your group throughout the birthing process:
· Will this idea CONNECT with our students and our vision statement?
· Can we COORDINATE this even with the resources and people we have?
· How will we COMMUNICATE it?
Finally, if you need to present your newly crafted plan or idea, plan your presentation. Most people don’t read and listen at the same time. Make the presentation and oral, team presentation just like the rest of the process. Develop ownership through the ministry team or work groups. Use the “alien invasion” to help you foresee the questions that will be asked during your innovative presentation. And don’t just communicate your plan; communicate your enthusiasm.
These universal principles of birthing an innovative ministry concept can help you and your student ministry team approach a new year of ministry with great confidence and originality.
