On Their Own

The question may come to a youth pastor or leader, the shepherd, of "when to let go?"  When has discipleship set in?  When are the training wheels off?  If it is a matter of sooner or later, I would say later, not sooner.

 

At The Underground, we have been focusing on discipleship for several years. When I say, "focusing on discipleship," I mean that as opposed to focusing on "filling time" or "entertaining" or "preaching moral theism."  With momentum and enthusiasm springing up from an energizing retreat (not to mention Spring Fever), students at The Underground plan to meet at the mall and evangelize Jesus Christ, and invite other teens to The Underground.  This is not an article on evangelism or "how-to."  It's about the discipleship of the students in your ministry.

 

Yes First

When God begins having ideas in your students, it's important that your first reaction is "Yes."  A 'yes' goes a long way.  It's an open door.  It says, "I trust that God is working in you, I want to know more, and I want to help you be successful."  And if you're not sure if it's saying those things, then say those things.  It builds trust, whether or not the student ever completes the project or plan in question.  It tells them that you are not a closed door.  Before I continue, let me add that I am not a superhero when it comes to having a "Yes First" mindset.  It's something I'm working on personally (and dramatically), because I saw firsthand how disheartening it can be to approach ideas with questions first.  We should still ask the questions, "How do you see this working? When do you want to do it? Where will it be? How does this fit in with the ministry focus? Etc?" but let those come after you validate the person and their willingness to approach.

 

Sometimes it will be a "No" first.  Hopefully those are the minority of your responses to serious inquiries.  Some ideas are just undoable right now (ie. a lock-in when you have no space to do such a thing).  Some ideas are just bad (ie. let's duct-tape the pastor to his desk, water balloon fight in the sanctuary). But most come from a sincere desire to be obedient to the passion God has given, be a contribution to the ministry, and to make it even better.  Being able to facilitate that passion, obedience, and contribution is really important.

 

Not a Free For All

Being of the "Yes First" mentality does not mean that it is a hands-off free-for-all.  Pastoring is shepherding.  A shepherd leads the way to water and pasture safely; safe from assault (spiritual, physical, emotional). So, pastor, do that.  Being hands-off and allowing a free for all does not build the credibility of the ministry.  It has the potential to diminish it.

 

I once worked with a leader that was led by the Holy Spirit to begin a girls meeting to study the Bible and pray for each other.  I'm not a girl, so I didn't go.  I stayed engaged with the leader-- I kept current on her approach and how things were progressing.  I answered questions that came up (this was rare).  That leader moved geographically, and a new, younger, less experienced, but just as enthusiastic leader to her place.  I hadn't worked with that leader very closely, but I knew she had shadowed the previous leader for a time.  I had subconsciously transferred the previous leader's credibility to the new one, even though she had never proven herself.  I snapped out of this when I received a call from a parent who asked some very good and pointed questions.  "Does this Bible study report to you as its spiritual head?"  The answer was, "Yes, and even more so after this call."  Without that confidence of spiritual leadership, that parent's daughter would not have been allowed to participate.  I am even more engaged in developing this new leader now.  Not only will that will help that leader build credibility with the community, but it will also help the leader to be built up well by the shepherd (in this case, me).

 

Let God, but Don't Let Go

As their pastor, it's important that I stay connected, while not telling them what to do.  I should provide guidelines (ie. 1. Stay out in the open, 2. Stay in groups of two or more, younger kids with older kids, and 3. If people litter your fliers, clean them up), and I should provide support (prayer, words of encouragement, providing fliers), but I should not send them off on their own with no form of spiritual guidance or headship.

 

They are going out as representatives of 1. their families, 2. our student ministry, 3. our fellowship, and 4. Jesus Christ.  How they behave will reflect on each of those communities, positively, negatively, or neutrally.  It is important that they understand what that means without laying down the law so heavily that it smashes any sort of heart ninja living inside them that is prompting them to do this.  Essentially, the shepherd must have a light touch.  Know when to micro manage, and know when to just back off, Jack.

 

This is one of those situations that falls neatly into "risk management."  I'm looking forward to following up with the students who do this.  I want to know what was discouraging, and minimize those things (while still addressing them).  I want to know what was encouraging, and I want to magnify those victories.  As their shepherd, I must be willing and able to meet their needs as the Holy Spirit equips me to do so.  The first time there is serious engagement by the students to do ministry (outreach, evangelism, fundraising, etc.) is not the time to disengage your shepherding guidance.  Be right there with them.  It is better to be a co-worker than a boss, and it is best to work with them as long as possible.