Adding Value

This article originally appeared on the Northeast District Youth Leaders blog for The Brethren Church, authored by Luke Dowdy of Berlin Brethren Church in Berlin, PA.

People look for value, not just activity when they attend church. – D. Reiland

I’ve heard and been a part of churches that think they’re accomplishing Kingdom work simply by virtue of being busy. “We’re an active church. We’re a busy a church.” Well, those things aren’t bad…as long as they’re actually adding value and not another task to peoples’ lives.

In student ministry, I’ve noticed an obvious trend the last few years in teenagers—students are burning out! They play sports, commit to clubs, log community service hours, work part-time jobs, pursue academics, attend youth group, and list any other responsibility your community offers. But are these events adding value to their growth? The quick answer for many parents is likely yes. You can find a way it’s benefiting them. But do they understand what they’re doing as adding value?

The best part is that the church exists to accomplish a gospel mission of infinite value. It shouldn’t be a hard pitch to make when you frame Jesus properly. In fact, Dan Reiland also notes that if the people you lead know where you are going, and what value they’re investing in, you can get there together.

Reframe your times together as not just time fillers or “good” ministry to be involved in. Rather, communicate the value being pursued.