Really liked this new article on YouthMinistry.com today talking about Starting Out Right. Here’s a clip – good stuff for whatever stage you are in ministry!

Get to know your PURPOSE
While you are assessing the culture and people, begin to process your findings to determine a purpose for your ministry. What does God want you to accomplish in this ministry? Will you be a service ministry to the existing church kids, an outreach ministry, or both? As I got to know our people, I began to see what they needed in order to continue on in their journey. I also determined how to reach new people as well.

Get to know your LIMITATIONS
Limitations are inevitable and they will show up in the form of resources (money, space, and leaders), policy (procedures, church polity), tradition (sacred cows), and relational equity (how much clout you have to overhaul and change things). I had to learn quickly what our limitations were to keep myself from becoming frustrated. Okay, it still happens sometimes. But I have learned how to work within those limitations or find a way to work through them. Notice I did not say work “around” them. I have to remember that I’m a part of the overall church mission and need to be supportive in that as well.

Get to know your PACE
It is so important to build your ministry over a long period of time. Don’t try to do it all your first year. Keep a pace that is sustainable for a marathon of ministry, not a two-year sprint. Frequently evaluate the pace in which you are working and make adjustments for family, continuing education, personal recreation and fun.

JG