You are a student ministry pastor. You want to reach out to the youth in your community. Where to start??
The needs are abundant! Time is short. Through social media and other conversations, we learn about the joys and struggles in the lives of our students and their friends.
Early in my years of ministry, I found a list by youth leader Dave Flowers to help discern who to contact. I’ve adapted it over the years.
Questions to Ponder
Consider these questions to help guide who to call, text, facebook message, DM or meet …
- Who is hurting right now?
- Who do you need to follow-up a conversation?
- Who accomplished something special this week?
- Who is struggling spiritually, emotionally?
- Who has a family member who is struggling?
- Who can you congratulate on their progress?
- Who have you not talked to in a long time?
- Who has asked for your time?
- Who needs to be confronted?
- Who needs to be challenged to move forward?
- Who needs to be encouraged?
- Who needs to know Jesus?
- Who is the Spirit placing on your heart?
The needs are indeed abundant. Who is the Lord prompting you to reach out to?
One More Thought to Ponder…
These questions actually apply to all of life.
Think through your family, friends, and neighbors … who can you help?
Posted by Sharon R. Hoover
Photo credit: Marc Wathieu via photo pin cc
What a wonderful list–almost overwhelming, though, which leads one back to asking God where He wants us at any particular time or place.
So true, Patricia! The Lord will guide us. I struggle sometimes with needing to be a better listener to His quiet voice that offers this guidance!
This is a great list to use as a check list as I pray and before I leave for church. It immediately reminded me of people I need to call or send an encouraging note. I’ve printed it out. Thanks, Sharon.
The needs are indeed abundant. I’m delighted this list can help focus on specific people. Thanks for stopping by, Edythe!