World View > Values > Observable Behavior

Last Monday, we ended with the question...

"How do we change our heart and the hearts of teens?"

Short answer: We Don't. God's does.

That's not a cop-out. It's just the we give ourselves WAY to much credit and put WAY too much pressure on ourselves. Youth ministers often blame themselves for the teen who falls away or won't get fully involved. Of course, we can have an impact, but if we're faithful then...

It God's job to "draw all men to myself" and to "give the increase." Our job is to "make disciples."

So how can we hold up our end of the deal?

1. BIBLE classes. Zone members have noticed that our lessons are not activity based, but Bible based. We must "teach them to obey everything Christ commanded" Matthew 28:19-20. (Zone members: Bible lessons, teaching tips, and Amazing Teaching). We're not saying there's anything wrong with activity lessons, but there are plenty out there.

2. Equipping Opportunities (Eph 4:11-13). We  need to provide times and places for teens for discipleship training. Each teen will be a different disciple. Each will have a different worldview that will be shifted through God's power active through their service. We have to train teens to discover and act on their gifts.

3. Availability. At the close of the Great Commission Jesus said, "I am with you always." Not out of occupation, but out of care and concern we need to be there for the teens. Be excited about the opportunities to listen to their problems or celebrate their victories.

That's just three ways we water and plant (1 Cor. 3:6). Make a list this week of other action steps to take.

Next, week we'll talk about changing values.

Your Partners in Ministry,

Paul & Al

P.S. Pass this issue of the Monday MAXimizer along to 3 youth ministry friends.

P.P.S. Zone members don't over look the over 800 youth ministry training articles we have to equip you and your teens

P.P.P.S. Zone members in addition to the regular updates this week we have a new release. Discipleship 101. A 9 week course for you and your group. Scroll down for the link.

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Lesson of the Week: Romans Lesson 6: Celebrate!

Discipleship 101: Download now!!

Discipline is Key to Successful Teaching (Mar 2, 2007 at 1:41 PM) - Preparation could be what you study but discipline is how much time and how often you study.

Death by Meeting (Mar 1, 2007 at 10:34 AM) - I don't like meetings. I never have. And I probably never will. Maybe it's my personality. Maybe it's Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Maybe it's the fact that I'd rather be running around doing things than sitting around talking about things.

Lessons Learned In My First Two Years of Youth Ministry (Mar 1, 2007 at 3:17 AM) - The last two years have been overwhelmingly positive and warm. I feel that I have gleaned a lot from our elders, and other ministry staff.

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