I recently read an article in Wired Magazine entitled The Good Enough Revolution: When Cheap and Simple Is Just Fine by Robert Capps. I found it to be extremely intriguing and troubling simultaneously. The idea of the article is that simple and cheap are more important than quality.

I take no issue with the premise of spending less money if the purpose of the item is short term. I have purchased my share of disposable items and compulsively shop for the lowest price. After all, do I really need a $1000 camera to take my $1 pictures? (I am referring to my photography ability not the subject of my photo.)

But I think the thing that troubles me about the concept is seeing evidence of The Good Enough Revolution creeping into some youth ministries. Real ministry with eternal results is not cheap and it cannot be purchased in the bargain basement.

Biblical discipleship is not a cost, it is an investment. It requires vision, commitment and time. If we are to truly imprint lives for Christ then good enough will not be good enough. Just getting students to attend our church, behave, sing out loud and like us may be good enough but it is not enough.

So how do we combat The Good Enough Revolution in our ministries?

1.      Make a commitment to teach the Bible not just about it.

2.    Develop adult leadership that can multiply the ministry.

3.    Create a climate where personal spiritual growth is the norm not the  exception.

4.    Connect every student with a discipler.

5.     Think through a strategy for each student's personal growth.

6.    Raise the bar for the students.

7.     Demonstrate faithfulness and passion for Christ by example.