In our book, Experiential Youth Ministry Handbook, on page 11, Losey asks two questions:
How do people learn and grow? and
How can we as leaders and teachers best help others in that process?
He goes on to say, "Too often, instead of living with the question, I would focus on finding a quick answer." ... "As my focus shifted to the questions themselves, my teaching and leading moved from a desire to inform to a passion to transform." So, now that I've rambled on and on about what the book says, my question is how would you, in your various forms of ministry, transform people instead of just informing? How can you help your "students" in the process of transforming?
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I think that one of the best ways you can help "transform" your student is by truly being present with them when they are around. Instead of simply planning events, playing games, leading lessons, having superficial conversations.... honestly listen and care about the questions they have and the experiences they are having. This can change the way that teenagers not only feel about you but the way they learn about Christ and his kingdom from you.
ReplyDeleteTransformation is not about what I am doing but what God is doing. It's easy to lose focus on the invisible God. Only the God Who loves each person and knows exactly who and where they are can transform. My job comes after God has worked when I get to present the Word and allow the Spirit to move. It's important that I allow God to impress the meaning on the hearts of the seekers. Then I can affirm the message and take the opportunity to hear how it affects them and changes their lives, encouraging and building them up in the Truth they have received.
ReplyDeleteIn any ministry setting that you are present in, we need to remember why we are doing what we are doing and to whom were doing it for. We need to remember the presence of the Holy Spirit and how he is the one who ultimately changes hearts. We are his servants and messengers, and to be an effective communicator of God's love, we need to be open/vulnerable and humble. When we attempt to transform others by our own doing we are trying to make a basket without a basketball. We need to have the knowledge that and trust that Christ is in us and all around us as we attempt to show his grace to others.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I believe that mentorship has a strong effect on the lives of students within their spiritual walks. I would implement mentoring into the ministry, in hopes that I could not only offer wisdom to students in how God has shaped my own life, but also be there to simply listen to what He is doing in the lives of the students. Some of the most influential moments in my journey towards knowing Christ did not come out of a deep, theologically-based, prayer and worship experience, but instead from someone I trusted offering a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. When I was able to see them go through the toughest times that I could ever imagine and make it through [because of their unshakeable faith], I, myself, was transformed. I want to bring that type of relationship to every student that I have the opportunity to walk alongside in ministry. Transformation goes much deeper than the intellectual ability of a student (informing them); it is about the heart as well (journeying through life with them).
ReplyDeleteI think a good way to help students transform as opposed to just be informed is by listening to them and helping them work out their questions and issues without simply giving an answer to them. By keeping the idea of listening at the forefront of your mind, I believe it makes you less likely to jump into conversations with "the answer that will solve this." Sometimes, students aren't really looking for answers in their life, but just looking for someone to let their life out to. In this process of stepping back and listening, it lets them know that you are completely present and care about what they are saying and it allows God to work through the space that you are not imposing words into.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that we can transform our students. transformation is an inward process and it takes the Holy Spirit to transform an individual. I do, however, think that we can help facilitate that kind of transformation by being real with our students. These kids can tell when you are just reading from a script verses speaking from your heart. The words you say should always be intentional, edifying, and Christ-centered. We need to set an example with our lives about the transforming power of the Spirit of God. Always let your words be a testimony of what Christ has done in your life that point back to him and he will pick up on the segue and introduction you provide for him.
ReplyDeleteAs a Developer, I see myself really wanting to invest and transform people by developing their talents and passions, all the while making Christ the foundation. Discipleship and mentoring are two ways that I can see as means of investing myself in the lives of those in the youth group I hope to serve. I want to make sure I am pointing my students in the right direction as well as letting them make their own decisions. I want the students I minister to have a relationship with God that is so strong that if I am called to another church, they can continue to live a transformed life with Christ. I want to lead, listen, and direct my students into the transformed life God has called them to live and teach them how to continue that transformation in their one on one relationship with Him.
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