Are you wondering about the key to a successful youth ministry? Then take just a few minutes to read one veteran youth leader’s biblical insights about the field.
What’s the secret to a highly effective and successful youth ministry? Rocks!
I love the Bible’s obsession with rocks. (For example, see Genesis 28:18.) God loves to use everyday, ordinary objects (like rocks) and everyday, ordinary people (like David) to accomplish extraordinary missions.
But that’s not the point of this article. (Although the Bible’s consistent allusion to stones as metaphors is interesting.)
My point is that rocks are the secret to a highly effective youth ministry. Allow me to explain.
Why Rocks Are Vital to a Successful Youth Ministry
The late Dr. Stephen Covey gave a powerful illustration in his bestseller The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. And it had to do with, you guessed it, rocks! Here is the illustration in his own words:
One day this expert was speaking to a group of business students and, to drive home a point, used an illustration I’m sure those students will never forget. After I share it with you, you’ll never forget it either.
As this man stood in front of the group of high-powered over-achievers, he said, “OK, time for a quiz.” Then he pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouthed mason jar and set it on a table in front of him. Then he produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar.
When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, “Is this jar full?” Everyone in the class said, “Yes.” Then he said, “Really?” He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel. Then he dumped some gravel in and shook the jar, causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the spaces between the big rocks.
