Planning a big event

Planning a Big Ministry Event

Most youth workers like events. We may have mixed emotions about their overall effectiveness, but they aren’t going away anytime soon….we simply won’t let them! And while we all like events, we aren’t all great at planning them from start to finish. As a result, many events are tossed together at the last minute, poorly run, with less than hoped-for results.  But maybe there’s a better way. Here are three parts to a great event every youth worker should master: Marketing / Promotion This is the not-so-simple task of getting the word out. Flyers and handouts used to be the preferred method, and printed postcards still work with slides on the screen and mentions in the bulletin. Texting has become the preferred method of communication with students. The church/youth ministry website too, is an important part of the puzzle, especially with parents. Just make sure you get the word out early enough for students not to make other plans, but not too early as to be forgotten. The Actual Event This is where we typically do our best work. Everyone is “on” and ready to go, the energy level is high. You’ve worked hard to get students there, and they showed up. The night was great; everyone made it back in one piece and is now thoroughly exhausted. Whew!  Of course, this only happens if you planned ahead and got the word out! Post-Event / Follow-up Most youth workers struggle here, and we’re no exception. When can we leave? Who gets the sexy job of cleaning up after the big mess we just made? Am I really going to have to stay late for that one kid whose mom always leaves the house to get him 45 minutes after everyone else has already left? Cleanup is a big deal. Having a team assembled for the post-event is crucial. Otherwise, you’ll be spending an extra hour or three finishing the night off right – or worse you’ll take shortcuts and pay for it politically in your church.

By: Kurt Johnston & Josh Griffin

Discipleship

The mission of Crossroad is to make disciples of Jesus Christ.  What does a disciple of Jesus Christ look like?  He/she is having an intimate relationship with God, he/she loves people around him/her, and he/she has a passion to share the good news of Jesus Christ to friends that have not received Jesus.


This is reflected by the following:
- steady prayer life
- participate in corporate worship and fellowship regularly 
- publicly declares faith and baptism
- devoted to reading and learning God's Words
- actively shares Jesus Christ to non-believers
- available to follow up with new believers
- willing to serve the body of believers  


Looking at the list above, it seems pretty tough isn't it?  I have to confess that as the youth pastor of the group,  I have lots of room to grow.  Discipleship is a life long journey.  We are all in this journey of growth together.  


Our goal for discipleship is to train every of our disciples to become passionate followers of Jesus Christ.  During the discipleship time, let us devote in God's Word, sharing how we experienced God, and pray for one another.  My prayer is that we will all grow to become mature spiritually for the glory of God.