2014 surge presentation chuck bomar

Reaching College-aged PeopleChuck Bomar

Due to Copyright issues, this is for personal use only.

Flow of Today

Assumptions

Reality check-points

More and less of in our ministries

Mistakes

Structure and Practical Steps


A Few Assumptions

“Faithfulness” in ministry must include holding people to the standards of scripture • In discipleship of other people • In individual Christ-like character

…as we approach our conversation today

Faith convictions are cultivated in, with and by relational connections • The power of relational influence is huge • Content has impact, but not as much as personal connection

An understanding of the gospel leads us to focusing on other people •The example and teachings of Jesus •The example and teachings of Paul


Reality Check Points

Assimilation from ministry-to-ministry tends to be weak in church contexts •We lose some kids at every transition point •Contributor: leaders viewing their ministry as an end •Contributor: lack of communication/trust/relationship between leaders •Contributor: lack of cohesive team strategy •Contributor: lack of qualitative evaluation/focus and follow through

…and matters of the heartDue to Copyright issues,

this is for personal use only.

Reality Check Points…and matters of the heart

Attrition doesn’t only happen in transitions •We can most accurately see The Slow Fade in high school ministries •Contributor: when only quantitative evaluations occur •Contributor: program and calendar event ministries vs. people driven


We Need To See More Of…

Strategic discussion about specific students and who they can connect with •That can help develop their individual Christ-like character •That can step up and disciple them, personally

Qualitative measurements •Consistency and frequency of conversation with a leader •Kids pursuit of that leader – questions, invitations, etc.

Accountability in and after times of transitions •For youth/small group leaders to follow through and hand-off •Identify students that do not have ongoing connection and pursue them


We Need To See Less…

Focus on spiritual routines and disciplines • Sensitive to distinguishing between behavior management and genuine faith • We must recognize spiritual discipline as a byproduct of faith

Focus on gaining more information • Spiritual maturity is not defined by how much knowledge we possess • Relationships should lead to content, not vice versa


Common Mistakes When Starting…

Leaders try to operate outside of their gift mix

Focus more on the program than the people

Dump a bunch of resources into it

Start moving with no direction in mind

Try to start where other ministries have grown to


The New In-‐Betweeners

18-‐25 year olds are in-‐between at least 4 areas:

•Themselves •Life Direction •Convictions •Church Structures


0-18 Parents18-30

Churches address these areas


0-18 Parents18-30

!Create service geared

toward this entire age-range

Solution That Isn’t A “Solution”


4 Concerns With This Approach…

Can be a façade of connection

Can actually separate generational gaps

Can inherently preach disunity

Has teaching difficulties


Role of a College-‐age Ministry

Adult life18-25College-‐age stage

Student life


Adult lifeCollege

Assimilation Ministries

JH/HSChildren 5th/6th

Structure of NurtureDue to Copyright issues,


0-18Older

Believers18-25

2 Timothy 2:2 / Titus 2 PrincipleType to enter text


Clearly Defining Success

Quality of relationships cultivated with older believers

How we help them in/through unique age-‐stage issues


5 Age-stage Issues

Intimacy

Identity

Meaning

Pleasure

Truth


Typical Approach

HS

Adult

Student

College


5th Year Leader Approach

HS

Adult

Student

College


0-18Older

Believers18-25

2 Timothy 2:2 / Titus 2 / Matt. 28 Principle


Non-Mentor Mentor:


Non-Mentor Mentor:

A maturing adult who allows a younger person to see and experience their life

!Cf. Matthew 28:18-20


Role of Relationships

Mid- Adolescence

…for cultivating inter-generational relationships

Late Adolescence


Adjusts for Generational Value Differences:

Non-mentor Mentorship

From Information to Imparting Wisdom

From Fixing to Mutual Fascination

From Teaching to Mutual Transformation


Provides a sense of belonging, not just acceptance

Non-mentor Mentorship


Key Point:

If we don’t have a sense of belonging in the Church, we lose our identity in the world.


Relaxed and Older

Ask good questions / are learners, encouragers

Heart for people, not accomplishments

Connected to the life of the church


Biblically sound

Have a solid marriage

Are who they are and are vulnerable


Clearly Defining “Success”:

Frequency and consistency of time together

Younger person looks to them for spiritual direction

Younger person knows where the dishes are in their kitchen

Younger person seeks advice in every day life circumstances

4 things that show a quality of relationship:


Overcoming Obstacles

Distance between generations • be the bridge relationally versus programmatically

Intimidation of older believers • be a model to a relationship


Overcoming Obstacles

Younger not seeing the value • be in tune with everyday circumstances

Older separating due to not approving of certain behavior • view as a missionary – and be flexible/humble


Sustaining A College Ministry

Focus on Goal: Maturity In Christ

You can’t get here without connection to the body

Ephesians 4:11-‐16

Romans 12:3-‐8

1 Corinthians 12:4-‐31



Focus on Means: Assimilation

Constantly communicate role of ministry

With senior pastor - will help for your evaluation

With older believers

With college-age people



Focus on Means: Assimilation

Explore avenues for life connection

Home gatherings

Justice/service projects

RetreatsMentorship


Defining Our Job Description

Personally disciple 2-‐4 people

Cultivate a heart in older believers for discipleship

Create bridges for inter-generational connection

Constantly learn about this age-‐stageDue to Copyright issues,


Defining Our Job Description

Provide direction and training for mentors

Create and lead a gathering point

Join in with what God is already doing on campus

Communicate the role of college ministry


First 90 Days Starting…

Clearly articulate the role of the ministry

Address any hesitations leadership has

Meet with as many people as possible

Immediately become a student of the people


First 90 Days Starting…

Find 1-3 students and 1-3 older adults to invest in

Look for a window of involvement

Plan a gathering time Due to Copyright issues, this is for personal use only.

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Education

2014 surge presentation chuck bomar