What for Who
August 11, 2008
Young people make me laugh.
I run a bible study group for boys in year’s 10-12 and I love it… BUT … it’s not the easiest thing I’ve ever had to do! Over the years, there has been joy, confusion, angst, excitement, pain, elation and grief and that’s just what’s been running through MY head, let alone the thoughts and actions of my young people.
Bottom line… running a youth ministry is hard work!
However, there are a few tips that can help put our best foot forward and provide the greatest care and encouragement for our community of young people. Whether you’re working with a group of two or 200, there is a basic principle that crosses over all numerical boundaries and it is simply that, no two groups are the same! They will go through stages and you need to be prepared to cast vision, empower and celebrate moments of transition.
Barnes in his book, Leadership with Young People (2002), discusses the movement of a group through four different stages of development. Firstly, the forming stage identifies the initial stages of a group that lacks productivity and requires considerable directive leadership. Secondly, the storming stage refers to a challenging time in the groups growth in which boundaries are tested, leadership is criticized and “team members jostle for superiority and clear roles” (pg. 43). Thirdly, the team journey’s to a norming stage where consistency is achieved and plans and standards are regularly agreed upon. Lastly, the performing stage is attributed to a team that is functioning effectively and motivated by its own sense of pride, vision and eagerness.
My life as a leader got so much easier when I finally understood that not all groups are at the same stage! Soon after I received this great revelation, my effectiveness increased as I began to tailor our programs, events, bible studies and conversations to move through this essential process.
Why not spend 1hr this week focused on identifying where your group may be in this timeline and how we can better fulfil our privilege of serving the young people in our care!
Much love,
Carl.
