People without a vision will be personally frustrated at the lack of purpose, but leaders without a vision are dangerous because others are following them in their aimlessness.

Warren Bennis and Burt Nanus in their book Leaders: Strategies for Taking Charge  said it this way, “The absence or ineffectiveness of leadership implies the absence of vision, a dreamless society, and this will result, at best, in the maintenance of the status quo, or at worst, in the disintegration of our society because of lack of purpose and cohesion.”

There are many great leaders in the Bible; one of them is Caleb. The first mention of Caleb is in Numbers 13:6 where we find him in the general list of spies. He is not the leader, but he is one of the leaders. However, he is about to surface as a man of vision and leadership.

Caleb demonstrates some of the desirable qualities of being a leader of vision. I am going to address three of these qualities in this three-part series on Vision.

1.  The Upward Component of Vision

2.  The Outward Component of Vision

3.  The Inward Component of Vision

I know there are a plethora of books written on vision, both secular and Christian, from which we can glean insight. I have benefited from many of these books and I am sure they have influenced my thinking and leadership, but none so deeply as the Bible. I have learned many principles and guidelines from the scriptures about leadership, the greatest being the necessity of being led by God.

As we look at Caleb in Numbers 14, we see a man who wants to move forward and is willing to trust God. He stands up in the midst of people who are fearful and hesitant, and he articulates a clear Vision. I want to call your attention to three aspects of a Biblical leader with Vision.

1.  Dissatisfaction with the Current Situation—Numbers 14:6-9

Here is a man, broken over rebellion and apathy, who desires to implement change. Andy Stanley says in his book Visoneering, “Visions are born in the soul of man or woman who is consumed with the tension between what is and what could be.”

2.  Dependency on God—Numbers 14:8-9

Caleb realized that being on God’s agenda was more important than carrying out his own. This dependency determined to whom he listened, his guiding values, and gave him the confidence to speak up and lead.

3.  Decision for Obedience—Numbers 14:24; 32:11-12; Joshua 14:8-9

All three of these passages say that Caleb “wholly followed the Lord.” His integrity of life and his message were in sync. People of vision live by design while others live by default.

I would love to hear your thoughts on being a leader of Vision. In the next blog, I will address motivating others with your Vision.

Perhaps you have seen the recently released Nielsen report on Internet usage or at least you have heard the buzz. According to new stats, sites like Facebook and Twitter now account for 22.7% of time spent on the web; the next closest activity is online games, which make up 10.2%. 

This information is like gold to marketers and those who watch the trends for the most effective way to reach the public with their messages. Social Networks are being used extensively by many of the major corporations. Corporations are getting it.

There is a lesson for the church in this report as well… we cannot ignore social media. Nothing can replace face-to-face time with people, but I am a fan of both Facebook and Twitter as supplemental tools of communication. I have ministry with students and leaders daily answering questions or giving encouragement using these tools.

But could there be other take-a-ways for us as we study these stats? Let’s take a moment to look beyond the numbers and listen to the message behind the stats. I do not want to build a “straw man” in order to make my point, but I really think there is something below the surface.

I have three observations and challenges for your consideration. If you disagree with me, I do not mind your being wrong… (Ha…Humor). Seriously, I would welcome your comments.

1. We are entertainment crazy. I know that is not new information but it is worth restating. Based on the Nielsen report about 33% of internet usage is entertainment, which includes either social networking or gaming. We face the task of communicating truth to a consumer culture.
   
   
2. We care about what other people are doing, no matter how mundane. Perhaps the message is, “my life is not interesting, so I need to fill in the margins.” You and I both know people who need to “get a life!” People, young and old, follow athletes, music personalities and movie stars as though they could somehow acquire surrogate pleasure. They often are living their lives vicariously through someone else’s experience. We face the task of communicating truth to people without an identity.
   
   
3. We want somebody to know that we are here. So we create web pages, Facebook personas and Twitter profiles to say, “I am here. Is there anybody out there?” We talk about what we are doing and just want someone to acknowledge us. We are lonely and want to be heard. We face the task of communicating truth to people who are lonely.

Not every person using social media is having an identity crisis, is reclusive or is a certified gaming addict but perhaps there are people in reach of our ministries who feel isolated and need someone to care. The next time they ask, “Is anybody out there?” I hope we will be there to answer.

Why is it that every time I order food I hear something like:

“Would you like that Super-Sized?”

“Will that be small, medium or Large?” 

“Lunch or dinner portion?” 

“Do you want to add a side for just …?”

or my favorite “Tall, Grande or Vente?”

Sometimes the most difficult decision in ordering food is choosing the size you want to consume. I am sure the marketers are just playing to the “I want to have choices” culture. People in general and this Millennial Generation specifically wants to be the masters of their own consumption.

Interestingly enough, the consumer is sold the same product or hamburger, whatever the case may be, regardless of the size of the meal. The only real decision we are making is how much money we will pay. Did you ever stop to ask “Why don’t they just give me the Super-Size for the cheaper price? Huh”

Perhaps some of us have bought into this approach when it comes to youth ministry. We think in terms of size rather than quality and content of ministry. Some of the reasons for such an approach may be:

• The size of the church
• The size of the budget
• The size of the youth facility
• The size of our vision
• The size of our philosophy

But should any of these really affect our ministry model? After all shouldn’t our strategy be crafted in such a way that it would transcend any size church, budget or facility? Should our vision or philosophy be any different for 10 students than 1000?

If our ministry model is based on principle, it will not be held hostage by size. The same goals of Enlisting, Equipping and Engaging students will overshadow the lack of funds or facilities. Our mandate from scripture found in 2 Timothy 2:2 is a strategy that can be applied to any size youth ministry.

Certainly “methodology” or “program” will change to accommodate size, but neither are core values in establishing Biblical youth ministries. Solid “Ministry Models” are never based on personality or program…they are based on principle!

So the next time you think about your “Youth Ministry Model” why not think Super-Size? Begin by establishing solid core values based on Biblical principles not an evaluation of the size of the budget or facilities. Get creative with program! But remember, program is just a vehicle for accomplishing Biblical principles.

Regardless of the size of your church, give your students a Super-Sized ministry. You do this by beginning with principle rather than program. You do this by dreaming big dreams for your students and enlarging your vision for life-change.  You do this by having an intentional ministry model that is Super-Sized.

 

I get to meet lots of cool people and sometimes I take my camera…

Connecting with people who share a passion for Christ and Student Ministry is one of my greatest joys. In my travels I have the opportunity to rub shoulders with the heads of international youth ministries, youth pastors, lay leaders and students who are making a difference. Some of them reach thousands and some tens of thousands, but they are all vital to the cause of Christ.

This is the maiden voyage of a bi-monthly video blog (vlog), Leaders on the Edge, where I want to introduce you to some of these cool people via interviews. There will be nothing fancy since I am using my own little Cannon camera, but I know you will be challenged and blessed by the passion of each person.

Jay Strack is the CEO/President of Student Leadership University, a ministry that reaches and teaches multiplied thousands of students and youth leaders/pastors each year. I have had the privilege of ministering with Jay and SLU for several years and encourage you to take advantage of all they have to offer.    

In this interview I asked Jay, “How did you get started with SLU?” This is a great story and you do not want to miss it.

 

How do we prevent summer camp from being “just” a one week experience? How do we build on the decisions and the experience in order to extend the benefits?

Summer camp plays a vital role in the overall strategy of any student ministry. I know from experience that this has been a turning point in many lives. I consistently come in contact with pastors, missionaries and teachers who committed their lives to Christ at summer camp.

Our goal in ministry is to create a strategy that encompasses the student’s life, not just their time. Every event, relationship and experience should be another building block in an intentional ministry. Summer camp is one of those building blocks that can be capitalized, transforming into sustainable life-change.

Summer camp should be a process, not a destination. In order to maximize the experience, you need to implement a plan on both ends. I want to suggest seven practical steps to help extend the benefits of summer camp.

1. Check out the theme and emphasis of the camp before attending so you can prepare the students before they arrive. If they arrive at summer camp already engaged, their take-away will be greater.
   
   
2. Begin follow-up of the spiritual decisions at camp; don’t wait until you return home. Have a plan for creating accountability for each student. Check out my post How to Make Summer Camp Decisions Stick for more information.
   
   
3. Borrow ideas, songs or games from camp that you can incorporate into your ministry. This will help remind the students of the experience. Check out Ways to Be More Creative: #7 Borrow Ideas.
   
   
4. Connect your students to their counselors via email, Facebook, Twitter or IM, so they can continue communication. A counselor’s influence should not end when you drive away from camp.
   
   
5. Video your students’ testimonies following camp and use these in your fall programing. We often use them in a Sunday service after camp, so why not plan to extend their effect?
   
   
6. Have each student write a letter and address it to himself the last day of camp. Ask them to explain any decisions they made and how the experience changed them. Then mail the letters to each student January 1. You can remind them of their decisions ­­– but how much better to hear it in their own words.
   
   
7. Get the students involved in the youth ministry and other ministries of the church. This allows them to put into practice some of the things they learned and are continuing to learn.

What are some of the ideas you have found helpful?

I love duct tape! Seriously, is there anything you cannot fix with it? My philosophy is “If you cannot fix it with duct tape…then throw it away.” Oh, and by the way, multi-colored duct tape is for sissies.

I’ve been told it was created for heating/air condition vents but it did not work. So duct tape works on just about everything except for what it was invented. I am glad the inventors did not trash the idea because it was not what they had envisioned.

I think sometimes we discount decisions made by our students at camp because they do not fit into our pre-determined expectations. I am not suggesting that we lower the bar, as there are certain biblical criteria for decisions that are non-negotiable (Matthew 16:24, Luke 9:62, Romans 12:1-2).

What I am saying is that we should allow for the Spirit of God to use the Word of God in the student’s life and be willing to accept their personal expression of those decisions, even if it is outside of our expectations or preferences. Just for clarification, I am referring to discipleship (commitment) decisions, not salvation.

With that as the foundation, let me suggest several concepts that may be helpful to your students in cementing and applying their new level of commitment to Christ.

• Remember, decisions don’t change your life, they change your direction. Students should never walk away from a commitment service thinking they are done. They are just beginning.
  
  
• Realize that students are capable of making life-changing, lifelong decisions. Do not discount decisions made by your younger students.
  
  
• Being emotional does not discredit their decisions nor does the lack of emotion. Some students are wired to be more emotional than others. This is not about emotions; it is about facts.
  
  
• Don’t assume the students know what to do following their decisions. This is typically an awkward time for them so help with clarification.
  
  
• Help the students answer the question… “What’s next?” Don’t overload them with the details of the next ten years; help them one step at a time.
  
  
• Establish accountability for the students from peers, as well as a mentor/discipler. It is great to have adult involvement, but adding a godly peer can really enhance personal growth.
  
  
• Get the parents involved if they are willing. Obviously not all parents are mature in their faith, but they should all be encouraged at some level.
  
  
• Encourage the students to make their decisions public at their home church. They may have done this at camp, but they need to communicate and connect with the church family.
  
  
• Enlist adults who are not in the student ministry to be prayer partners with the students.

There is no magic formula for aiding students in follow-through of their decisions, but we should at least have a goal or plan. What have you found to be helpful in your student ministry?

If you are looking for a discipleship curriculum, check out the “Where Do I Go From Here?” series:

 

First Steps: The Adventure Begins

Knowing What You Believe: The Adventure in Focus

Growing in Your Walk: The Adventure Continues

Images of kids crying in the backseat of your car, rushing through airports carrying entirely too much stuff or maybe some comedy movie on the topic quickly emerge when people think of “family vacation.” Obviously there are some negative aspects that cannot be ignored, but it is also a time to build memories.

Last night I spoke at our Word of Life Family Campground where families come for vacation with a purpose. I am sure they still had to endure some of the “rites of passage” such as crying kids in the backseat, but that was all trumped by what I saw last night.

I spend most of my time speaking to students or student leaders, but I love speaking at the Family Campground. I am always refreshed by seeing families taking in the Word of God together. The Family Campground has just the right blend of family meetings and age-specific meetings, producing a balanced program.

At the campfire service I was moved to tears when I gave the invitation. Families responded together and within a matter of moments they had encircled the campfire, heads bowed, broken before God. I was so blessed to be a part of the evening.

My goal with this blog is to share content that will “add value” to your life. Today I was scheduled to discuss an article about teen behavior and punishment, but my heart is overflowing from the service last night and I just had to share it with you.

Learning, growing and building memories together as a family should not be optional; it should be intentional. What are some of the things you are doing to strengthen your family?

I made a remarkable scientific discovery in the fifth grade. Actually I did not discover this scientific principle: I just became aware of it. I was playing with two magnets, watching them attract each other, and that’s when it happened. I turned them around and voila! …they repelled one another.

I know this is not “earth shattering” information. Most of us know about the attracting and repelling polls of a magnet, but if this is new information then give it a try and have a little fun.

Magnets have a magnetic field that allows them to attract to certain materials and not others. One of the most common uses for magnets at my house is to hold notes, missionary prayer cards and artwork, created by my granddaughter, on the refrigerator.

Now, at the risk of sermonizing, allow me to extract some guidelines for leading change in a church or organization.  There are many facets of leadership but one of the most challenging is leading change.

Usually there are two distinct groups of people in any organization when it comes to change…those who are attracted to it and those who are repelled by it. Ironically, you need both groups and the objective is to know how to merge, meld and motivate (now I really do sound like a preacher) them as one.

The goal is to bring about change without polarizing people. Change by its sheer nature causes some to step back and test the idea or premise, while others enthusiastically embrace it. Remember, you need both groups and the challenge is to leverage each group’s strength.

The group that is cautiously examining the new idea is made up of what I call Anchor Leaders. They aid in the process of evaluation and help keep you on track for changing the methods, not the message. I refer to the other group as the Animated Leaders. Their enthusiasm plays a strategic role as they give the idea, energy and creativity.

So here is the take-away from my magnet analogy for Leading Change in your organization:

• Merge (Connecting)
  • Allow both groups to express ideas and concerns.
  • Facilitate open discussion and communication.
    
    
• Meld (Uniting)
  • Massage the ideas or concerns into one strategic plan.
  • Clarify guidelines and responsibilities for each person.
    
    
• Motivate (Activating)
  • Allow for personal stewardship of the idea or project.
  • Promote individual creativity and expression.

This process will require an investment of time and energy, but it is exciting to lead change without polarizing people. Learning to attract people to an idea or project is a core criterion of leadership.  

The dictionary says that anticipation is an expectation or hope. I think that expresses my feelings the last few weeks concerning the Where Was God When…? project. I have anticipated it arriving and being used of God to help students and adults deal with the difficult questions of life.

Well, they are finally here. The book and DVD set of Where Was God When…? have officially been released. If you pre-ordered the book or the DVD set you should receive it in the mail very soon. If you haven’t ordered your copy yet, you can do so at:  http://www.wolstore.org/p-1200-where-was-god-when-book.aspx

Over the last couple of weeks, a number of different bloggers participated in the Where Was God When…? Blog Tour. If I combined all of their blogs, it would almost be enough content for a sequel. Each person involved, like you, is on the front-lines of youth ministry. I am well aware that you face these types of “Where Was God When…?” questions on a regular basis. None of us have all the answers, but we do know where the answers are found. 

If you missed any of the blogs from the Blog Tour, you can review them below. I am grateful to everyone who took the time to contribute to this project. The bloggers have greatly enhanced the ministry of this endeavor.

• Dennis Beckner – veteran volunteer in the youth ministry at Saddleback Church:   Where is God When a Daughter Goes Missing?
  
  
• Nathan Shoultz – youth consultant and speaker:  Where Was God When I Lost my Fiancé?
  
  
• Jordan Muck – youth pastor, blogger and speaker: Losing Control Tests Our Faith
  
  
• John Powley – youth consultant and speaker:  answered a Where Was God When…? question via video
  
  
• Ken Miller – speaker, counselor and blogger:  Broken Expectations Cause Doubt
  
  
• Mel Walker – writer, speaker and President of Vision for Youth:  God’s is Faithful Even When Others Are Not
  
  
• Dan DeWitt – Vice President of Communications; Assistant Professor of College Ministry: Why Do Bad Things Happen to Good People

Answering hard questions is synonymous with ministry to youth. All of us are going to be confronted with the “realities” of life and we need to be ready to guide students to foundational truth. Our goal with Where Was God When…? is to put additional materials into your hands that you can use to give answers and hope. I would love to hear from you as to how the book or DVD set is helping you in your ministry.

In order to stand on the highest point on planet earth, I would have to scale Mount Everest conquering its peak of 29,028 feet above sea level plus or minus 10 feet because of the snow pack. Since I have no trips planned to the Himalayan mountain range, on the border of Nepal and Tibet, I will settle for the 46 Adirondack High Peaks.

The 46 peaks range in height from 4000 to 5000 feet (ballpark numbers) and are all incredible. They are not the highest mountains in the USA, but they are some of the more difficult to ascend with each path (assuming there is one) presenting rugged obstacle after obstacle. The boulders you climb over and the slides you climb up always present a challenge.

Yesterday I climbed one of those peaks with my two sons, Joshua and Caleb. I admit that part of the time they were waiting for the old guy, but we all made it. We ascended to the top together, which was our goal. This was not a race although there was some brotherly competition; it was a family outing.

All of us realize the importance of family. I guess we have always known that, but right now it seems to be more poignant than at other times. Some things should not change and the fact that family is there for one another is one of them. We had a great time laughing with and at each other but when it was all said and done, we stood on the very top­ together.

Allow me to highlight a few life facts from today’s 12-mile hike:

1. I was with both of my sons and my twenty plus years did make a difference.
2. Five miles into the hike I wondered whose dumb idea this was.
3. You can move faster when you can breathe.
4. Almost anything tastes good when you get hungry enough.

Now allow me to highlight a few life lessons:

1. If you are going to reach the top, you have to keep climbing even when it hurts.
2. The view you are looking for will not be found at the half-way point.
3. Accomplishing the goal gives a rush of endorphins even when you are tired.
4. It is easier to reach the top when you go together.
5. Reaching a goal is more significant when you go with people you like or love.

So what is the point of all this? What are the leadership lessons?

1. Ministry is not always easy. It sometimes hurts, but you have to keep moving.
2. Our goal is not to go half-way; the final view as a believer will make it worthwhile.
3. Do ministry together; don’t try to be a lone ranger.
4. Do ministry with people you like or love, even if you have to move to make that happen.
5. Set a goal and do not stop until you reach it.

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