The Center

Here's some thoughts about the youth center, or "the center" as I sometimes call it. I think it should have these elements:

1.) Jesus

If Jesus is not the focus of our ministry, then it will fail. We must talk about Jesus, teach about Jesus, emulate Jesus and follow his examples. He is God , Lord, the Way, and the Word.

2.) Creativity

A creative God deserves our best in creativity. We must be creative in order to capture an audience of the lost and found. If we bore people in our transmission and
representation of Jesus and His Word, then how can we expect to impact their lives in a way that God can begin to work in their lives?

3.) Community

In order for the center to be successful, we must never lose sight of the community and we must also shape it and be bound by it. We must respond to the needs of the larger
community, we must respect the community in a way that brings glory to God, and we must create a smaller community within the larger in which kids can feel and be safe. A major goal is to create a place for all people where people can grow in God's love and in faith.

4.) Unity

A house divided against itself cannot stand. The Leaders of this center must be unified in faith, love, and understanding in order to effectively serve students, lead the ministry, and listen to and preach the Word of God. This does not mean compromising, but rather innovating through love-- solving problems by reminding one another and others of the mission and the Gospel and our call to glorify God by living like Christ in all that we do and knowing that everything is God's and not our own.


Please let me know if you have any other ideas, additions, or comments. Have a great day!