Menu Vs. Roadmap: How to Eliminate the Consumerist Mindset in Your Ministry | BTYR Podcast • Ep 61

Ellen Hembree • December 10, 2024

Menu vs. Roadmap: A New Approach to Youth Ministry

(Check out the podcast here.)

Are you a youth minister who's tired of the "menu" approach?

In this episode of the Beyond the Youth Room podcast, Ryne and Keith discuss a critical shift in youth ministry: moving from a "menu" approach to a "roadmap" approach.


What's the difference?

  1. Menu Approach: This approach focuses on providing a variety of activities and programs for students to choose from, often without a clear connection to spiritual growth or discipleship.
  2. Roadmap Approach: This approach focuses on a clear path of discipleship, with intentional steps designed to help students grow in their faith and become active disciples of Christ.


Why the Shift?

A menu approach can lead to a consumeristic mindset among students, where they prioritize their own preferences over spiritual growth. A roadmap approach, on the other hand, can help students develop a deeper understanding of their faith and a stronger commitment to following Christ.


Key Points to Consider:

Set Clear Goals: Establish a clear vision for your ministry and set specific, measurable goals to help you achieve that vision.
  1. Measure What Matters: Use tools like the 4-Chair Discipling model to assess the spiritual maturity of your students and identify areas for growth.
  2. Focus on Discipleship: Prioritize activities and programs that help students grow in their faith and become active disciples of Christ
  3. Challenge Your Students: Encourage your students to step out of their comfort zones and share their faith with others.


By shifting from a menu approach to a roadmap approach, you can help your students develop a deeper understanding of their faith and a stronger commitment to following Christ.


Want to learn more?

Check out the Youth Ministry Mastermind for more resources and support.

By Ellen Hembree January 27, 2026
Overwhelmed in Youth Ministry? 5 Things to Cut to Protect Margin
By Ellen Hembree January 27, 2026
What Dave Ramsey Can Teach Us About Youth Ministry Growth
By Ellen Hembree January 20, 2026
Why So Many Youth Ministries Stall at 10–25 Students (and How to Move Forward)
By Ellen Hembree January 13, 2026
Navigating the Schooling Debate: A Youth Pastor’s Perspective on Public, Private, and Homeschooling
By Ellen Hembree January 6, 2026
TikTok Theology: Training Students for Digital Discernment
By Ellen Hembree December 16, 2025
Your Church Has a Leadership Personality (And It Shapes Your Youth Ministry)
By Ellen Hembree December 9, 2025
Panic or Patience? What to Do When Youth Ministry Growth Slows
By Ellen Hembree December 2, 2025
5 Youth Ministry Trends That Will Shape 2026 (and how to get ready) 
By Ellen Hembree November 25, 2025
Why So Many Students Are Deconstructing—And What You Can Do About It
By Ellen Hembree November 18, 2025
Millennials, Gen Z, and the Bible: Why Young Adults Are Fueling a Scripture Comeback