Summary

This video discusses the importance of planning and teaching biblical truth in youth ministry. The speakers, Micah Marshall and Jay Heiss share practical strategies for developing an annual teaching plan. They emphasize seeking God's direction, establishing themes or focus words for the year, and creating a three-year rotation to cover core spiritual disciplines. They also discuss the flexibility needed to address unexpected events or cultural issues, involving other speakers and aligning the youth ministry's vision with the church's overall direction. The key takeaways include prayerfully planning a biblically grounded curriculum, being open to God's leading, and fostering spiritual growth in students.

Main Points

Seeking God's Direction

The speakers stressed the importance of seeking God's guidance for the youth ministry's direction and teaching plan. Jay Heiss shares his practice of working through a three-year rotation, focusing on themes like 'deeper' and 'multiply' to guide sermon series and small group discussions. They emphasize committing plans to the Lord and allowing His purpose to prevail, as stated in Proverbs 19:21.

Establishing Themes and Vision

Jay Heiss discusses establishing annual themes or focus words for the youth ministry, which help shape sermon series and discussions. He also highlights the importance of casting vision for new students, explaining the ministry's goals and core values. The speakers emphasize aligning the youth ministry's vision with the church's direction.

Flexibility and Addressing Unexpected Events

The speakers acknowledge that plans may need to be adjusted to address unexpected events, cultural issues, or specific needs within the youth group or church. They encourage leaving room in the teaching calendar to address these situations with a shepherd's heart, allowing God to guide the ministry's response.

Involving Other Speakers

The speakers recommend creating space for other leaders, pastors, or students to speak in the youth ministry. Jay Heiss suggests having a guest speaker every seven weeks to provide a fresh perspective and empower other leaders. They caution against pride or the belief that only the youth pastor should teach.

Action Items

• Seek God's direction for the youth ministry through prayer and discernment.

• Establish an annual theme or focus word to guide sermon series and discussions.

• Develop a multi-year rotation to cover core spiritual disciplines and biblical truths.

• Leave room in the teaching calendar to address unexpected events or cultural issues.

• Involve other leaders, pastors, and students as guest speakers in the youth ministry.

• Align the youth ministry's vision and teaching plan with the church's overall direction.