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Who Determines What Your Ministry Looks Like?
Posted by Kurt Johnston
This morning I heard an interesting quote that was credited to Steve Jobs, the recently retired CEO and primary creative force of Apple:
“It isn’t the job of the consumer to determine what they want.”
Wow! Read that one again. The junior high ministry correlations are interesting to ponder. Here are a few thoughts that might be worth your time:
- How much of what we teach should be “felt need” (what they want), VS. what we as experts in young teen ministry know they need to learn?
- How much of a “voice” should the students in our ministries have concerning planning of events, activities, elements of our programs, etc.?
- Should our ministries as a whole be a reflection of what kids want…..or is it up to us to determine FOR THEM what they want, need etc.?
Would love to hear your thoughts!
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Kurt –
Thanks for the thought-provoking post. After mulling it over, it generated one of my own at http://ymjen.com/blog/who-determines-what-you-teach.
Jen
I love the post and here are my thoughts;
1) I think there should be a balance. Students will show by their examples (or lifestyle) of things that need to be taught. They may not come out and say it, but they may show it. We as “experts” know our goal (end result) more than students. So there is a balance.
.
2) I think the voice of the student should be loud and clear. It’s their ministry, let them plan events and such. Teach them to be excellent planners. They know what is fun way more than we do.
3) Rather we like it or not, students are consumers. Students want fun, friendships, and conversations. It’s our job to provide Christ in a fun way. So I think yes, ministries should be a reflection of what they want. (Kurt…blog about number 3)
There you go.