Introduction:

Welcome to the Beyond the Youth Room podcast! Our hosts, Keith and Ryne, are in it with you as they approach the start of a new school year. Their aim is to equip you with insights and strategies to ensure a successful launch for your student ministry.

Kicking Off a New School Year:

Keith and Ryne have been in youth ministry for a significant time—Keith for over 20 years and Ryne for 6 years. Each new school year brings its unique challenges and opportunities. Summer can be a tough season for youth ministry, but as they've always emphasized, the gospel moves forward regardless of the season.

Evaluating Your Current Position:

One crucial aspect of preparing for a new school year is understanding where your group currently stands. Youth groups often change significantly year over year. It's essential to assess the spiritual maturity and needs of your students. Keith shared how his church uses a model from Dan Spader’s book, "4 Chair Discipling," to categorize students into four spiritual stages: non-believer, believer, worker, and disciple-maker. Through one-on-one evaluations and student surveys, they gauge where each student stands spiritually. This helps tailor their ministry efforts effectively.

Setting a Bold Vision:

With an understanding of where your group is, the next step is to set a bold vision for the new school year. This vision should be ambitious enough that it requires reliance on God to achieve it. For example, in Ryne's ministry, we aim for a significant number of gospel conversations and salvations. Keith mentioned that one year, they shifted their focus to activate complacent believers into serving and sharing the gospel, resulting in a noticeable spiritual growth within just a few months.

Planning and Systems:

Having a bold vision is just the beginning. The key to success lies in planning and establishing systems to achieve that vision. This involves setting specific goals, creating a calendar with milestones, and ensuring you have the right people and training in place. For instance, adult leader training and recruitment, as well as student leader training, play a crucial role in sustaining and growing the ministry.

Personal and Leadership Growth:

Leaders need to evaluate themselves and determine what changes or growth are necessary to lead effectively. Whether it’s becoming a better delegator, improving time management, or growing spiritually, personal development is essential for the ministry’s success.

Conclusion:

As you gear up for a new school year, focus on understanding your current position, setting a bold and God-sized vision, and meticulously planning your steps to achieve it. Remember, your ultimate goal is to make disciples who make disciples, advancing God's kingdom through our student ministries.

Final Thoughts:

We hope these insights help you as you prepare for an impactful new school year. For more resources and training, visit edgeclub.org/training. Thank you for tuning in, and the best compliment you can give us is to share this podcast with others who might benefit from our content. Until next time, keep pushing forward and trusting in God’s plan for your ministry.