Build the Kingdom not the Family/Ministry

Today, I officially posting my first article on m website. I hope this area of my website becomes a great resource for parents and student ministry volunteers and leaders. That is not to say, that I think I have a great mind, and I naturally generate great resources for parents and leaders. However, I do have a heart to acquire great resources for my own growth. Additionally, God seems to have given me more of a platform to share what I learn.

I want to begin my articles with one on making sure that you build the Kingdom of God before you try to build your ministry. I would further assert that you insert your family for ministry. If you are a parent reading this, then our lives are consumed with the development, growth, safety, and education of our family. If you are like me, then you feel more like every day is a challenge to make sure we all survive.

Many student workers and leaders can empathize with this sentiment. Every week youth group comes up, and you are trying to figure out the next game and the next sermon. Many youth leaders say they want to grow their ministry, but many struggle to know where to start. The idea of adding more students to their ministry is both exciting and terrifying.

Here is my heartbeat and what God has taught me in response to these experiences.

1. Pursue the name of Jesus! Before you try to build your name, your family, your ministry, attempt to focus clearly on your life being centered upon Jesus. He is the one who has the power to save, and through the Holy Spirit empower you to live with significance and purpose. In the end our children and our students should remember more about how Jesus loved them through us then how “cool” our ministry, family memories, and programs were.
2. Pursue the students! Jesus began his ministry by actively chasing after what he called “lost sheep.” Jesus went to the places lost people go, and he would love them. If you are a parent, then go to your children and their interests. Participate in their world, and you will convey your love! If you are a pastor, leader, or volunteer, then you need to do the same thing. You can speak volumes by attending a student’s softball game!
3. Pursue a kingdom strategy! Jesus constantly exalted the name of the Father, even though the Father gave Jesus the name above all other names. Furthermore, Jesus’ disciples never once tried to build up their own name, because they knew that Jesus’ name and renown were more important. As a youth worker, do not seek to build a ministry without exalting Christ. Do the opposite! Jesus taught this: “Exalt the name of Jesus, and he would draw the people. Let Jesus grow your ministry. He is better at it than you! If you are a parent, then you should exalt the name as well. Your children will be drawn to Jesus. If you are actively pursuing Jesus, and Jesus is actively drawing your children, then everyone gets closer to Christ and closer to each other. This is actually a prayer I say over my family, that Jesus would draw us closer to him and to each other.

This has been my first installment. Look to social media and YouTube for more resources. May God bless you, your families, and your ministries!