Summary

This video discusses the importance of leveraging local missions for discipleship in youth ministry. Caleb shares his experience with an event called 'Impact' at his church, which combines a Vacation Bible School (VBS) and a missions trip. He outlines three principles for effective discipleship through local missions: serving well, investing well, and playing well. Serving well involves getting students out of their comfort zones to serve in various capacities, fostering humility and reliance on God. Investing well means pouring into students after they have served, creating an environment conducive to spiritual growth. Playing well incorporates fun activities to build relationships and create lasting memories. The conversation aims to provide practical insights for youth ministries to implement local missions experiences for discipleship.

Main Points

Principle 1: Serving Well

The first principle Caleb discusses is serving well. This involves getting students out of their comfort zones and having them serve in various capacities, even if it's not something they're naturally good at or comfortable with. Serving well breaks down pride, pushes students to rely on God, and opens them up to the discipleship process. It also fosters relationships as students work together shoulder-to-shoulder.

Principle 2: Investing Well

The second principle is investing well. After students have poured themselves out in service, they are in a prime state to be invested in spiritually. Caleb describes a cycle at Impact where students serve in the morning and receive investment through night services and small group times. This creates an environment where students recognize their need for the Holy Spirit's power and develop a spiritual hunger.

Principle 3: Playing Well

The third principle is playing well, incorporating fun activities, and creating an enjoyable environment. Impact achieves this through intense team competitions and other recreational activities. Playing well helps balance the serving and investing components, builds relationships, and creates lasting memories. It also helps manage energy levels and prevents burnout.

Action Items

• Prepare well-organized serving opportunities for students, ensuring that projects and tasks are lined up and resources are available.

• Incorporate times of investment and spiritual input after students have served, such as night services, small group discussions, or teachings.

• Plan fun activities, games, or recreational times to balance the serving and investing components and foster relationships among students.

• Consider implementing a cycle or schedule alternating between serving, investing, and playing to create a balanced discipleship experience.

• Partner with other ministries or organizations in the community to provide local missions opportunities for students.