Never Enough
8/10/2008
Just programs are never enough.
We can create as many programs as we want, make each one bigger and cooler than the last. And once we start, we can never stop. We’re stuck in an endless cycle of having to outdo ourselves. And the biggest shortcoming of programming like this is that very word: ‘ourselves’.
Just programs are never enough.
It’s easy to try and make things bigger and flashier and relevant-er (is that a word?) than we or anyone else ever thought possible. But what does it accomplish? Behind all the props and sets and lights and mailings, what’s really happening?
Just programs are never enough. Because being attractional is not the same as being relational. Being attractional is not the same as being missional. Being attractional is not the same as being wholistic.
Although the attractional program is very good looking (that’s why it’s called attractional!). But once it’s over it’s over. After the people come, they leave. And then they’re gone. And where? With who?
Just programs are never enough. The things we program and create need to build out of and into the rest of our students’ lives. Who are they learning from (teachers, mentors, coaches)? Who is in their family (siblings, parents, grandparents)? What are we giving them that goes beyond the doors of our events and programs? And what are we inviting them to bring into our programs and events from the rest of their lives?
Our programs are good. And necessary. But because they all come to an end, they are never the end itself. Family is. Friends are. The relational will always go further (and deeper) than the attractional.
Just programs are never enough. How do yours go beyond itself?
Jim Kast-Keat is the Director of fifty6, the fifth and sixth grade ministry at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, MI. Read more at www.jimkastkeat.com. You can also read more about Jim’s thoughts on programs, formation, and family in the July/August issue of The Journal of Student Ministries.
We can create as many programs as we want, make each one bigger and cooler than the last. And once we start, we can never stop. We’re stuck in an endless cycle of having to outdo ourselves. And the biggest shortcoming of programming like this is that very word: ‘ourselves’.
Just programs are never enough.
It’s easy to try and make things bigger and flashier and relevant-er (is that a word?) than we or anyone else ever thought possible. But what does it accomplish? Behind all the props and sets and lights and mailings, what’s really happening?
Just programs are never enough. Because being attractional is not the same as being relational. Being attractional is not the same as being missional. Being attractional is not the same as being wholistic.
Although the attractional program is very good looking (that’s why it’s called attractional!). But once it’s over it’s over. After the people come, they leave. And then they’re gone. And where? With who?
Just programs are never enough. The things we program and create need to build out of and into the rest of our students’ lives. Who are they learning from (teachers, mentors, coaches)? Who is in their family (siblings, parents, grandparents)? What are we giving them that goes beyond the doors of our events and programs? And what are we inviting them to bring into our programs and events from the rest of their lives?
Our programs are good. And necessary. But because they all come to an end, they are never the end itself. Family is. Friends are. The relational will always go further (and deeper) than the attractional.
Just programs are never enough. How do yours go beyond itself?
Jim Kast-Keat is the Director of fifty6, the fifth and sixth grade ministry at Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, MI. Read more at www.jimkastkeat.com. You can also read more about Jim’s thoughts on programs, formation, and family in the July/August issue of The Journal of Student Ministries.
Conversation
So true - our programs
So true - our programs should be a part of the medium that is our message. But the message should always come first!
Thank you Jim for addressing
Thank you Jim for addressing this issue. On the missionfield, it's easy to get caught up in "doing lots of programs" thinking they're necessary because the new culture is not like our own. However, let's take it back to what is the most important - a person's eternal life which rests solely in Christ Jesus. The programs should only come secondary to the great news of salvation and discipleship!
Chris - I'm glad you
Chris -
I'm glad you enjoyed the article. But I want to make sure you're not hearing me incorrectly; I do think that good programs are helpful and important. But even more I believe that they should never exist for themselves.
As I read your scenario I would offer you a question that I constantly ask myself: how do you measure a successful program? It sounds like your pastor views a successful program as one that is bigger and better than the last. And it seems that this does not match up the best with your focus on mentoring and discipleship. (Does he want large groups and you're fine focusing on a smaller group?)
I think if you and your pastor can come to the same page for measuring a successful program then it will give you a better starting ground.
For me and the ministry I lead, we view a successful program as one that sets up and builds into our small groups, students' families, and the larger church community. Having this criteria has made it easier to decide what to and not to do in our program as well as giving us a better understanding as to why our program exists.
If you have any other thoughts or questions, send them my way!
Hey Jim! I love the
Hey Jim!
I love the article, I think that it really speaks to where student ministry needs to go. My issue is not with the students, but with the adults who feel the programs are still the way to go. Including my minister and his wife.
I have tried to communicate the idea which you presented in the article, but they still feel that if I am not doing the biggest and best event then i am not working. Even thought we are building a mentoring program, and have students getting excited about God and building a realtionship with Him. We are even starting a series on the Christian Disciplines, which is going great!
I guess my question is, how can I bridge the gap between what the adults expect and what the students need? If you could email me back that would be great!
Thanks man
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