LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
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
Children and Youth ministry are some of the most challenging and potentially nebulous
job descriptions that exist. Spanning some of the most complicated age groups, helping children
and youth find and follow Jesus during these ages can be an incredible challenge. While
frequently it is said that challenging times in a child's life are just phases, Ms. Ivy turns that
negative expression into a reminder that those phases are all opportunities for spiritual growth
and positive change in the adolescent's life. The justaphase.com resource is an excellent
reminder that we need to measure success over time and not become overwhelmed or burnt-
out in its pursuit.
Summary
Ms. Ivy maps out the different areas of children and youth ministry into four different
sections: labeled phases. Those phases are Preschool, Elementary, Middle School, and High
School. Although this resource is for student leaders within the church setting, it is also very
beneficial for parents of children in these age groups or phases and lay leaders who serve in any
youth-centric capacity. This author believes that the main point that Ms. Ivy makes in
justaphase.com is that "Great leaders are learners. (Justaphase.com. 2016)" She explains that
there is never a moment when one truly becomes a "Know-it-all" and that life is full of
teachable moments. True experts are always seeking knowledge and, in the child and youth
minister's situation, more efficient ways to help their students find and follow Jesus.
Justaphase.com presents its readers with numerous articles on various topics related to
child and youth ministry, many of which are very insightful and practical. Specifically, there are
many beneficial articles within the Elementary phase to help readers understand how
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elementary-aged students learn and adapt to their new academic world. One profound
statement was, "Just remember, when you understand the way a kid's mind is changing, you
stand a far better chance of identifying clues that help you know what they are thinking,
conveying a message they can understand, and laying a foundation for later learning
Justaphase.com. 2016." As ministers of the Gospel, solid communication is paramount, and
when one understands how the student's mind receives and processes information, one can
present the message in a way that is both received and understood.
Personal Response
This author has ministered to students and young people for more than fifteen years and
found the justaphase.com website insightful and helpful. As the father of a fifth-grade son, this
author recognizes the value of understanding the phases of childhood. Ms. Ivy explains how to
communicate within the confines of the adolescent brain. The article "Why kids need more than
just their parents" was very insightful. The "it takes a village" theory is the primary thought, as
well as the defense of a constant non-parental adult, is presented. Personally, this author
recognizes that the international missionary life, while rich in benefits and blessings, has
deprived this author's son of having that constant, non-parental, adult presence. This author
believes non-parental adult presence is significant and will emphasize the importance of that
within his ministry. While the level of commitment required varies and evolves throughout the
child's life, the presence of another leader to endorse and reinforce the teachings of the family
is meaningful.
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Conclusion
Throughout the resource justaphase.com, Ms. Ivy presents thoughtful and meaningful
information that can be very helpful to children and youth ministers. Gospel leaders need to be
very good at communicating to their students' hearts while reinforcing the positive spiritual
teachings learned at home. This author believes that while the blog-style layout has many
potential areas of improvement, the content is well thought through and very insightful. Quite
recommendable for anyone who finds themselves presenting God's truths to children and or
students.
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Bibliography
“Important Mental and Physical Changes That Happen at Every Phase – Its Just a Phase.” 2016.
Justaphase.Com. June 7, 2016. https://justaphase.com/important-mental-and-physical-
changes-that-happen-at-every-phase/.
“Its Just a Phase - So Don’t Miss It.” n.d. Justaphase.Com. Accessed July 4, 2021.
http://justaphase.com.
