Odd 17 Relational Ministry Learnings!!

Relational ministry is a great approach in leading and guiding students into a deeper walk with Christ.  I’ve really challenged myself in this area, because reaching all types of students for Christ and helping them build a lasting relationship is definitely something I’m passionate about.  As I come across new students, I still find myself learning new things.  So I thought I would share some things that I’ve learned in ministry that relates to relational ministry.

Here’s a few things about relational ministry I’ve learned:

  1. Relational ministry has more to do with the example you set than the words you say.
  2. My walk with Christ and my prayer life plays a huge role in leading and guiding students to Christ.
  3. Be intentional and strategic. ” He who fails to plan, plans to fail.” Corny…I know, but so true!!
  4. Don’t waste students time by hanging out with students to stroke your own ego.
  5. I am a spiritual leader first and friend second. – Your spiritual authority can be easily compromised when you reverse the order.
  6. Honesty is huge in building trust with a student. -You don’t have to be perfect but you do have to be honest.
  7. Be a listener and ask them questions. Check out Conversation Tactics for Youth Workers
  8. Listening and being honest wins you the right to speak into their lives. – Listening shows I care and honesty shows character and realness.
  9. It’s not about the quantity of time spent with students but the quality of time spent with students.
  10. Don’t be afraid to ask the tough questions.
  11. When the opportunity presents itself for you to disciple, obey Nike and “Just do it”. – nothing else on the agenda is more important.
  12. Never cut a student off when they are sharing. If you can’t remember what you were going to say it probably wasn’t worth you sharing anyways.
  13. You don’t have to have all the answers.  Take their questions and discover the answer together. Maybe do a study on it together.
  14. Boundaries are important for you to set for yourself. – Live above reproach.
  15. Use your influence for good and not evil.- God does not tolerate people who take advantage of the innocence of students. Matthew 18:6
  16. Be transparent and point students continually towards perfection (Christ). – Be open about your imperfections. Students will put you on a pedestal so knock yourself off by being open and honest. Also, use wisdom in doing so.
  17. Own the fact that you are a leader and speak to students with confidence. – Own The Conversation

The main message I want to push from this post is to be intentional.  Every student that God has placed in your life and path was placed there for you to pastor, lead, mentor, encourage and share the love of Christ with.  I would even go as far to say that relational ministry equals intentional ministry.

hope it helps

ac

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