LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Student Ministry Essentials
Reading Report #3
CHMN 301 – D01
Foundations of Next Gen Ministry
Submitted to Dr. Steve Vandegriff
in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the completion of
Summary
Conclusion
Introduction
Personal Response
Contents
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Introduction
Student ministry often feels like herding cats or catching water in a pasta strainer. In
today's postmodern world, there are fewer positive spiritual influences for today's youth.
Although remarkably challenging, youth ministry can also be rewarding to those who genuinely
seek to help today's youth find and follow Jesus. Youth ministry is one of the most critical roles
for the preservation of the Christian faith. If we do not train the next generation to seek Jesus,
we will continue to see a decline in the followers of Jesus. Student Ministry Essentials
endeavors to equip its readers to authentically and effectively minister to the next generation.
Student Ministry Essentials breaks down the information into sections that are easy to follow
and apply to each reader's unique situation to help the reader feel less like he or she is herding
cats.
Summary
Authors Steve Vandegriff and Richard Brown dissect student ministry into three
manageable sections; leading, nurturing, and reaching. Leading into these sections, the authors
remind their readers that we are in a war, and the enemy is determined to win the hearts of
our youth. The introduction analyzes John 10:10 and explains the enemy's three-part plan to
conquer today's youth. This reality cultivates conflict with the younger generation because they
deal with many outside influences that are counter to the truths presented in the Scriptures.
The Next Generation Leader has to balance that tension while leading with love and grace.
The first chapter presents the realities of youth ministry leadership. The authors
thoroughly explain the importance of solid and intentional leadership among the varied kinds
of student leaders. There is a solid explanation of the different expectations that both the
leaders and the students have regarding the "student pastor" position.
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The second chapter dives more into the nurturing element of student ministry. There is a
thorough explanation of the need for intergenerational ministry. This ministry approach
interweaves both older and younger generations into each other's ministry area so that the
church body feels link an actual family and not disjointed and segregated. It is here that the
author states and defends, "We need to connect our youth with adults during their high school
years and beyond [Steve Vandegriff (2020). (p. 120). This truth could not be more relevant to
today's church world.
The remaining section delves into the more technical and logistical sides of ministry. The
section on international outreach held many nuggets on intentional international outreach. This
section is brown down into ten well-alliterated steps; The leader's Purpose, Plan, Promotion,
Payment Plan, Players, Passion, Program, Personal Touch, Perspective, and Prayers. The final
point is that apart from God through prayers, all the best-laid plans and strategies are nothing
without God's intervention. It is here that the authors remind us that "Events or programs by
themselves do not save anyone. They are simply a tool. [Steve Vandegriff (2020). (p. 215).
Personal Response
As an international church planter that has worked with both adults and youth cross
culturally and intergenerationally, this resource was enlightening and enjoyable to read. This
author found many truths spread among practical methods and strategies. As we strive to lead
tomorrow's leaders today, we need to be well versed in the scriptures and today's best
strategies of winning the lost to Jesus. Student Ministry Essentials was an enjoyable read and
very informative to this author, and we have already recommended this to our leaders in Peru
and Mexico.
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The authors certainly invested time and applied many years of experience to create this
relevant resource for today's youth leaders. Every local church that desires to reach the next
generation of Christianity should become acquainted with this resource and apply its truths to
their ministry. The authors do a great job reminding their readers that "Staying current is trickier
than ever, but while our methods may change, our message remains the same. [Steve Vandegriff
(2020). (p. 245). Pursuing hearts and souls for the kingdom will evolve methodically, but the
central message will remain the same. Hats off for a well-curated ministry resource.
Conclusion
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Bibliography
[Steve Vandegriff (2020). Student Ministry Essentials: Reaching. Leading. Nurturing.
Retrieved from https://app.wordsearchbible.lifeway.com]
