Growth Engines for the Kingdom
In decision making, business groups use a term called growth engines to determine investments in the market.
In the same way, I think it is important to look at growth engines for the Kingdom... where to invest in regards to time, talent, and treasure...
What is your growth engines for the Kingdom?
If you take time to answer this question honestly and in prayer, you would understand that ONE of the greatest growth engines for the Kingdom is next generation ministries... but why? Well... here are just a few thoughts:
- Over 80% of all first time salvations occur before the age of 18,
- Approximately 70% of all full time ministers were called in their teenage years through camps/conferences,
- Children, preteens, and youth are more open with spirituality (without being tainted by past pains, dreadful experiences with churches, etc.)
YOUTH WORKER
Therefore, it is important to KNOW, if you are a youth worker, that you are extremely important in the stragety for the Kingdom. Church culture might have communicated to you; either directly or indirectly; that youth ministry is a stepping stone to true ministry... but that is false.
Be encouraged TODAY that you are highly valued to God... and to teenagers... and if you have to, ask for a raise (in complete humility of course).
LEAD PASTOR
Successful youth ministry starts and ends with the lead pastor! YOU are the one that hires or either fires your youth worker. YOU determing how much money you give to the youth ministry. YOU are the one who champions the cause to your congregation. I think it is your job as a lead pastor to find, encourage, support, and highly value next gen ministries because, in the end, the Kingdom will grow.
The question needs to be asked: "what are the growth engines in your church?" If NGM is in the top five, then your buget needs to reflect that, your congregation, and communication (directly and indirectly) to the youth...
At the end of the day, your wallet is where you heart is.