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