Back to Basics: It’s about Relationships!

This is part two of a series of Blog Posts on some “basics” of student ministry.  You can read part one here.

It’s all about relationships!

Relationships with Students – This should be a no brainer when it comes to student ministry, but make sure that you put the relationship with students above your programs, events, activities, etc.  Looking back I don’t remember all the programs, events, or activities that I did when I was in youth group, but I do remember the relationships that I built with my youth pastor and my Sunday school teacher.  Also, as your ministry grows it is difficult to know each student, but make sure you can put them in a small group where there is at least one other adult who is involved in their life and getting to know them.  

Relationships with Parents – Parents are not the enemy!  Make attempts to get to know the parents of your students by giving them regular communication, having open door policies, returning phone calls, etc.  When you build good relationships with parents they will help to make sure their students are at your ministries events, activities, etc.  Also, let the parents know that you are praying for them, and that if they ever need anything that you are there to serve them too.  

Relationships with Leaders – Make sure that you are building solid relationships with your leaders too.  It is our job as the student pastor to reach out to them, encourage them, give them training, etc. that will help them become a better leader.  Also, make time to just have fun with your leaders and let them know that you appreciate them.  Take them to lunch, give them a gift card, write them a card.  We can’t do ministry without great leaders, so make sure that you are building good relationships with them too!

Don’t get so caught up in your programs that you forget that it’s all about relationships!