Summary

This video discusses the importance of creating intentional environments for discipleship in youth ministry. The speakers emphasize that discipleship takes time, requires the right people, and must be the primary focus with intentionality. They suggest identifying what works in the ministry and infusing discipleship into those activities. They also highlight the need to be flexible and adapt approaches based on the specific context and culture. The key takeaways are: 1) Discipleship is a long-term process that requires dedicated time and effort, 2) Involving mature believers as leaders is crucial, 3) Programs should be tools for discipleship, not ends in themselves, and 4) Intentionality and laser focus on making disciples should be the driving force behind all ministry activities.

Main Points

The Importance of Time in Discipleship

The video emphasizes that discipleship takes time and that there are no shortcuts or quick fixes. It points out that even Jesus did not have a perfect success rate with his disciples, and some walked away. The video stresses that the rush to see results will be counterproductive and that intentional time must be dedicated to discipleship.

Involving the Right People

The video highlights the importance of involving the right people in discipleship. They give an example of having leaders from different age groups, such as a 21-year-old and a 78-year-old, co-leading a group. They suggest that sometimes leaders may need to be invited off the bus if they are not a good fit, but with the goal of finding the right fit for them elsewhere.

Intentionality and Focus on Discipleship

The video stresses that discipleship must be the primary focus of everything in youth ministry. It suggests infusing discipleship into activities that are already working and drawing students. It encourages intentionality and a laser focus on making disciples, even if it means saying no to activities that do not lead to discipleship.

Adapting to the Context

The video acknowledges that what works in one context may not work in another. It encourages being open to trying new approaches and not simply emulating successful models from other contexts. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific culture and environment and being willing to adapt and shift gears if an approach is impractical.

Action Items

• Identify what works in your youth ministry and infuse discipleship into those activities.

• Involve mature believers as leaders and co-leaders in discipleship efforts.

• Be intentional and laser-focused on making disciples in all ministry activities.

• Adapt approaches based on the specific context and culture, and be willing to try new methods if something needs to be more practical.

• Prioritizing discipleship is the primary focus, even if it means saying no to activities that do not lead to discipleship.

• Dedicate intentional time and effort to the long-term process of discipleship.