Joshua Caldwell
Essay 1
In your opinion, describe what is a healthy student ministry? This may include both the
structure, characteristics, and priorities of the ministry. What does it look like?
I have worked in this particular field for the last 5 years. I have seen healthy churches,
and unhealthy churches. A healthy student ministry cares more about the relationships and less
about the numbers. A healthy student ministry cares more about the students who show up and
less about the ones who do not. I believe a healthy student ministry invests in its leaders. Their
opinion matters. Ownership in a healthy student ministry is what allows people to invest and
grow in all different areas of the ministry. Biblical teaching is also a core characteristic of student
ministry. Holding your students accountable through Matthew 18, and then allowing them to step
into those hard conversations shows growth and health. I know all of this, because I have seen it
work, and I have been a part of a church who did this. Culture matters as well. If you do not have
buy-in from the leadership, it will be extremely hard to create the healthy enviroments you need.
