Summary

This video discusses the importance of involving students in serving various ministries within the local church as a critical part of their discipleship journey. The speakers emphasize expanding the thought capacity beyond just having students serve in the youth ministry and considering them for roles across different areas of the church, such as ushering, greeting, worship team, and more. They acknowledge the challenges of managing this, likening it to spinning plates, but stress that it is a worthwhile investment in the developing of a student’s responsibility, leadership, and servant mindset. The speakers caution against limiting students to only serving within the youth ministry, as this can lead to them becoming spiritual consumers rather than contributors when they graduate. Overall, the meeting highlights the significance of intentionally involving students in serving the broader church as a means of discipleship and fostering a spirit of servanthood.

Main Points

Introduction and Importance of Missional Living

The speakers introduce the topic of missional living, specifically discipleship, through serving in the local church. They emphasize the importance of getting students involved in ministry, citing a verse from Matthew 20:26 about being a servant.

Expanding Thought Capacity for Student Involvement

The speakers encourage expanding the thought capacity beyond having students serve in the youth ministry. They suggest considering students for various roles across the church, such as ushering, greeting, worship team, and more. They provide an example of a student named Chris, who serves as an usher at their church.

Acknowledging the Cost and Challenges

The speakers acknowledged the challenges and effort required to involve students in serving across different ministries, likening it to spinning plates or keeping balloons in the air. They emphasize that it is a worthwhile investment as serving is critical to a student's discipleship journey.

Consequences of Not Involving Students in Serving

The speakers warned against the consequences of not involving students in serving or limiting their involvement to only the youth ministry. They caution that this can lead students to graduate from the youth ministry and become spiritual consumers rather than contributors to the broader church.

Embracing Students as Leaders and Contributors

The speakers discuss the importance of embracing students who serve in various ministries as student leaders and contributors to the church. They share an example of how they shifted their perspective to include all students serving in any ministry as student leaders, fostering a sense of connection and ownership.

Action Items

• Expand the thought capacity and consider involving students in serving across various ministries within the church, such as ushering, greeting, worship team, and more.

• Acknowledge the challenges and effort required to manage student involvement in serving, but view it as a worthwhile investment in their discipleship journey.

• Embrace students who serve in any ministry as student leaders and contributors to the church, fostering a sense of connection and ownership.

• Avoid limiting student involvement to only the youth ministry, as this can lead to them becoming spiritual consumers rather than contributors when they graduate.

• Provide opportunities for students to explore their spiritual gifts and passions to find the best fit for serving within the church.

• Maintain a high standard of quality and consistency when involving students in serving, ensuring that services and ministries are not compromised.

• Have open conversations with students about their interests and abilities, guide them toward suitable serving opportunities, and provide constructive feedback when necessary.