I’ve been thinking a lot (maybe too much) lately about longevity in youth ministry; especially longevity in the same church/organization. And while my conclusions aren’t scientific and can certainly be argued against (in fact, please do!), I’ve identified what I’d like to call “ministerial intelligence” as the common denominator. The higher a man or woman’s ministerial intelligence, the more likely he/she is to find success and fulfillment in a ministry setting for an extended period of time.
Ministerial Intelligence involves three key ministry arenas:
1) THE PLACE: The ability to understand and navigate the nuances of your particular organization.
2) THE PRACTICES: Proficiency at the various “practices” of youth ministry; the stuff we do.
3) THE PEOPLE: The ability to develop people, win the trust of people etc.
Isn’t there more to successful youth ministry that ministerial intelligence? Yes, youth ministry is a complex calling and it’s not easily confined to tidy little categories. However, I think the three arenas that make up ministerial intelligence are vital. Without them it is highly unlikely you will stay in one setting for more than a few years.
So over the next three weeks, I’ll be sharing my thoughts about each of these areas and insights into how you can increase your ministerial intelligence, which will increase both your value to the ministry you serve and your sense of fulfillment along the way.
It’s going to be a little bit of a work in progress…me jotting down my thoughts in real time because this whole concept is brand new to me. I’d love your comments, additions and push-backs! In fact, you can start right now: What do you think about the concept of “ministerial intelligence”?
– Kurt