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The Principle of Time

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By Jeanne Mayo
8/23/2007

In the world of youth ministry, or any ministry for that matter, there exists the classic debate of programs versus principles. Early on in youth ministry I realized that programs were not the answer to reaching teenagers and seeing them changed for eternity. I quickly learned that programs were not as effective as principles

There are a million details, logistics, steps to building a youth ministry, but amidst them all the principles cannot get lost. Disciplining students, requiring accountability from leaders, running big events; the success to all facets of your ministry can be drawn back to the core principle of spending time with people.

We've implemented dozens of these principles or what I might consider core values.

One of the most time-tested is the principle of time. I've always said that "he who spends the most time wins." What does that mean? It encompasses multiple issues, but the primary one goes right along with one of our core values; getting in to teenagers' lives. This takes time and work, but through the years, by spending time, we won in a lot of hearts. We showed up at ballgames. We attended musical events. We sat with others at funerals, hospitals, and just listened. We earned the right to speak into students' lives.

Many of the principles we've implemented in our youth ministries have seen unbelievable results. Spending time rests at the top of the list. There are a million details, logistics, steps to building a youth ministry, but amidst them all the principles cannot get lost. Disciplining students, requiring accountability from leaders, running big events; the success to all facets of your ministry can be drawn back to the core principle of spending time with people. We overcame the doubters who said in certain parts of the country our "style" wouldn't work. But the truth is we've never followed a program or a system. We've remained principle - driven. And time and time again, we won. I guarantee no matter what denomination you are or what part of the country you live, I honestly believe they will work for you too.

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I fully agree with having your ministry a focus on building relationships with your students rather than trying to develop programs that will excite them for the short term. Relationship building always pays better dividends 'cause your students are going to remember the time you were there when they needed someone rather than the bible study topic that was presented at youth meeting a year ago.

Adrian 11:02:56am on 2/04/2009

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Jeanne is 100% correct! I was a part of her youth group in Sacramento and that was a huge reason that we grew, not only in numbers, but spiritually. She was interested in us, and it rubbed off on her staff and everyone that she was around. Time is the biggest and most important thing in youth minisrty. And Jeanne is a great example of that!

Matthew Cook 5:10:09pm on 10/29/2007

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