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Today, we’re diving into a crucial topic: the four warning signs that indicate your youth ministry might be heading for trouble. We've all been there – navigating the complexities of youth ministry can be challenging, but being aware of these red flags can make all the difference.

We've been inspired by some great insights from Greg Steer, who's traveled extensively and seen a wide range of youth ministries. He's identified four key warning signs that often pop up in struggling ministries, and more importantly, he offers solutions. Let's get started!

1. Internally Obsessed, Not Outwardly Focused

Imagine pouring milk into a sponge but never squeezing it out – it'll sour. That's exactly what happens when our youth ministries become too internally focused. Greg Steer points out that "youth ministries that tend to be all about what's happening inside the four walls of the youth room become spiritually inbred and culturally impotent."

What Does This Look Like?

• Consumerism: A "what am I getting out of this?" mentality among students.
• Cliques: An unwelcoming atmosphere for newcomers.
• Justifying Lack of Growth: Defending a small group by saying "we go deep" while ignoring outreach.

The Solution: Train and challenge students to evangelize. Encourage them to share their faith and put what they've learned into practice. As Keith mentioned, "That means you can invest," when a student expressed feeling like they were not getting anything out of the current ministry. Help them to see the opportunity to pour into others.

2. Built on Human Strategy, Not Divine Wisdom

Are we relying on flashy programs and entertainment, or are we grounded in prayer and the Word? Greg reminds us, "the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom." Too often, we focus on keeping teens entertained rather than nurturing their spiritual growth.

What Does This Look Like?

• Over-reliance on trendy programs and curriculum.
• Neglecting prayer, the Bible, and deep fellowship.
• Competing with the world for entertainment.

The Solution: Look to the book of Acts and ask, "What elements kept the early church thriving?" Focus on the ministry of the Word and prayer, and remember that God anoints people, not programs.

3. About Attendance, Not Percentage

Bigger isn't always better. Jesus focused on the percentage of commitment, not just the number of attendees. Are we measuring the depth of our students' faith and the number of new believers we're reaching?

What Does This Look Like?

• Focusing solely on attendance numbers.
• Neglecting to measure spiritual growth and new conversion growth.
• "I want you to be one and bring one." But bringing non believers.

The Solution: Measure what matters. Use tools like four-tier surveys to assess spiritual growth and track new conversion growth. Remember, it's about the percentage of committed hearts and new believers, not just the size of the crowd.

4. Personality Led, Not Value Driven

Is your ministry built on your personality, or on biblical values? When the "sizzle fades," what's left? We need to build our ministries on solid biblical foundations.

What Does This Look Like?

• A leader wanting to be the center of attention.
• A lack of focus on core biblical values.
• Relying on "winsome personality" over solid teaching.

The Solution: Focus on building a value-driven ministry grounded in biblical principles. Ensure that the core values of the ministry remain, even when the leaders change.

A Call to Action

If you're seeing any of these warning signs in your youth ministry, don't panic. The Beyond the Youth Room's youth ministry mastermind community is here to help. It's a free community built by youth pastors for youth pastors. We're all passionate about equipping students to live out the great commission.

Remember, it's about reaching the most students with the gospel, and that requires a focus on spiritual depth, genuine connection, and divine wisdom. Let's work together to build thriving, impactful youth ministries!

Click the link in the description below and join for free today.