STUDENT MINISTRY for the Long Haul - Play Well with Others
To survive in student ministry, there are many things to consider. We have covered a number of them over the past few weeks. This week, we want to focus on one that can determine the course of your ministry.
Being a student ministry worker means that you are a member of a team. You are working with other staff members. You are usually following a lead pastor. You have a group of volunteers. You even have to think of your student leaders as a part of your team — not just minions to do your bidding. If we are not willing to work well with others, that will be a big problem for you and your ministry.
God called us to work with others. He knows we need community to accomplish the work of the kingdom. That is why God has given us the church. He uses people and the community of the church to accomplish His purpose in this world. That means we must act as one unified body of believers, not independent agents accomplishing what we think is the most important task at hand.
An inability to work with others can create an unwanted reputation that will follow us wherever we go. “He is a smart guy, but he just doesn’t know how to be a part of a team.” That is a phrase we cannot allow to be attached to our name. It will limit our opportunities to serve and lessen our impact on the kingdom.
Ultimately, it is an issue of pride. Are we willing to admit that we don’t know everything? Is it possible that others have something to contribute as they look at the situation from a different perspective? I am reminded of something I learned as I went through COACH training with Dr. Keith Webb. He put it very simply: “There are three people in the room as you COACH others — you, your client and the Holy Spirit.” The same can be said as you meet with others in your ministry for planning and ministry direction. As believers, we must understand that the same Holy Spirit residing in you is the same Holy Spirit residing in your team members. It is important to embrace that and work together as a team.
Perhaps this is an area you have struggled in over the years. You love ministry — if it wasn’t for the people. That seems silly to say and share, but it is a place we can find ourselves in. Let me encourage you to consider a few steps toward working with others that may help as you seek to have a long-term impact in your ministry.
• Embrace your role on the ministry team. Back in college, I served for a short time at a church as the assistant director of student ministries. It was a fancy title, but I had a very clear role on the team. I was to assist the director of student ministries by working in the areas of children and college ministries. That was the official role and job. The unofficial role was “low man on the totem pole.” I could have bucked at that, but I had the least amount of experience and was there to learn. I didn’t try to steer the ship. It wasn’t my place or role. As the years have gone by, I have served as both lead pastor and staff pastor. I have seen both sides of the street. It is your responsibility for the unity of the church to understand your role within the church and submit yourself to the authorities in your life.
• Pray for your lead pastor and team members. We may not always agree with our leaders — that is a given. However, we should always be praying for them. God has given us an avenue in which to communicate with Him about our lives. Prayer provides support for our pastor and team members as well as changes us. Prayer can soften our hearts as we struggle to work with others.
• Communicate openly. One of the most important things you can do when working with others is to communicate openly and clearly. I have heard that “Clarity is kindness,” and I couldn’t agree more. If we want to reduce stress and tension between team members, we will want to share the “why” behind our actions and decisions. There are plenty of ways to communicate: conversations with coffee, email, text, social media, messaging apps, etc. Our goal should be to share with those we are working with. If it is you and your lead pastor, schedule time at least monthly to check in and inform your pastor of plans and direction. I remember my former pastor, Ron Fields, telling me that he would always be there to support me and my ministry, but he needed to be informed. No one likes to be surprised, especially our leaders.
• Celebrate your team. In the rush of student ministry, we can get caught up in the doing of ministry. We go from activity to activity or meeting to meeting and forget to celebrate when things go well. If you want to be known as a team player, celebrate your team as they serve your students, the church and the kingdom well. Cards, small gifts and public acknowledgments can be powerful tools in encouraging your group. However, don’t forget the impact of a simple thank you as well.
Being a team player is vital in ministry. If you want to have a long ministry, be willing to make adjustments to things that might stand in the way of you serving well with others. Not only will it be beneficial in the long term, it will also pay dividends in the short term. I know when I have been a part of the hiring or selection process of ministry team members, I am looking for those who “play well with others.” Are you willing to be that person?
Join the conversation on how you can be a good team member at facebook.com/groups/StudentMinistryMattersCommunity.
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Dan Carson
BMA Youth Department Director Dan Carson writes a weekly column titled, Student Ministry Matters, through which he inspires, challenges, and informs BMA of Arkansas churches and church staff about all things pertaining to student ministry.
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