I searching for some clues as to how to foster these characteristics in our youth. Its not easy with youth as hands off and detached as they are today. These are among the goals I have for our youth in developing disciples and leaders in faith from our youth. -Jason
by: andy@ym360 on May, 31 2012
What do these two stories have in common? In both cases, the individual seemed to possess a certain amount of ownership in regards to her respective place.
In neither case was the individual's action part of any job or obligation. No one expected them to take the time to make improvement to the park and the commons area, respectively. And yet, they did. And so my question for us is pretty simple: Are we cultivating a ministry environment where people feel ownership? What does ownership look like? This is not an exhaustive list, by any means, but it's a start.
Environmental Ownership
Environmental ownership may very well look similar to the two individual's actions I just mentioned. Do you see students cleaning up without being asked? Do they straighten chairs? Throw away trash? Set up or break down on their own initiative?
Spiritual Ownership
Spiritual ownership may look a few different ways. It could be students willingly engaging in spiritual discussions. It could be students bringing friends to gatherings without being urged to do so. Or it could be students suggesting changes or improvements in your programming or methodology. Do you see these behaviors in students?
Physical Ownership
Do your students make it top priority to attend your youth ministry gatherings? Do they volunteer to help meet any one of the various needs that come up in the course of your ministry? Are they positive, active, and engaging to you and other adults?
So, what do you say? Do you see these habits in your students?
So, what do you say? Do you see these habits in your students?
- If so, what have you done to give rise to this level of ownership?
- If not, what might you change to begin creating ownership in your students?
