Creating a Missional Mindset with Students

So I need some help. I have to figure out to get teenagers to embrace a missional mindset.

So here’s the deal: I lead a mid-sized Student Ministry at a very fast growing church that is preparing to open our first campus in a multi-site strategy. Specifically the challenge is our high school group. We have a tight-knit group that is understandably concerned about not seeing their friends and losing what they have.

The plan is to do small groups at each campus but on different nights with combined big events happening somewhere between monthly and quarterly. If we can get into it I think we will be fine, just trying to get there. Talking to others who have done this the key is getting students to embrace a missional mindset. That’s the what, I need help with the how.

A few thoughts I have at this point:

  • Clearly casting the vision repeatedly
  • Allowing students to have a say by presenting options
  • Creating student leadership teams that have influence over programming
What would you add? Any experience with something like this?

March 28, 2012 in Practical with 7 Comments

About Josh: Josh is a Rookie Pastor who works for a local church that he loves. He coordinates local lunch meet-ups with other Rookie Pastors in the Indianapolis area and loves to connect with other Rookie Pastors on and off line. It is his hope that Rookie Pastor will contribute to the health, longevity, and effectiveness of church leaders.

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7 Responses to “Creating a Missional Mindset with Students”

  1. Justin Deweese March 28, 2012 at 9:03 am #

    I love the student leadership you are talking about. Something that we are in the process of doing is allowing students to lead small groups every other week and plan the events. Leaders are learning to come along side the students as they lead and not necessarily “over” them. They are owning it. We are at the beginning of this, but 40 or so of our students are planning a big black light dodgeball event and hope to see 150 students attend. They are also calling the visitors back and encourage then to come back and get in a small group.

    Reply
    • Josh March 28, 2012 at 10:18 am #

      that sounds awesome Justin, how long have you had this leadership program?

      Reply
  2. Justin Deweese March 28, 2012 at 9:05 am #

    Great stuff.

    Reply
  3. gregg peter farah March 28, 2012 at 9:20 am #

    One key is 1 on 1 conversations with KEY students. Who are your influencers? Take them out and cast vision. Ask who they’d like to partner with to make this happen and then get them together and dream and pray. If you can get a handful of influencers behind the idea, then when you pitch it to larger group, it will get better reception.

    Reply
    • Josh March 28, 2012 at 10:17 am #

      thats a good thought gregg, thanks

      Reply
  4. Matt Steen March 28, 2012 at 10:14 am #

    Two years ago (I think) Bill Hybels talked about moving people from Here to There at the Leadership Summit.

    I think that was a pretty amazing talk, and a great way to process through some of this. You may want to check this out:

    http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/tEwGRxlhagQ/

    Whether or not the video is helpful, it is fun to watch just for the Chinese subtitles.

    Reply
    • Josh March 28, 2012 at 10:17 am #

      Yes, the “We can’t stay here” talk

      I had forgotten about that but that is perfect. Who knew there was a Chinese subtitled Summit talks, got to love the internet.

      Reply

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