“No More Lone Rangers” by David Chow Essay (Critical Writing)

How I will go about starting a team-led youth ministry at my church

Each ministry has its needs and expectations. The outstanding fact is that every “youth leader” in the world is struggling to meet the strategic goals and needs of his or her ministry. The book “Team Centered Ministry” by David Chow presents some of the best ideas and concepts for starting a team-led youth ministry. The author explores the best skills and ideas for starting a “team-led” youth ministry. The first thing to do is to bring others along. These new individuals will become my co-ministers and “helpers.” The team will share “ideas” and work together in the ministry¹. It is also necessary to have a “vision” for the team. The vision or goal will make the “youth ministry” successful. This should be a long-term goal.

I will also educate everyone about the importance of this youth ministry. I will also explain to them why the ministry should not be a “one-man” show. All “youth ministers” should collaborate with one another. In the beginning, I will seek advice from different experts and “ministers” in the church. This strategy will ensure there is a “team-led” youth ministry whereby every member is part of the “project.” The next thing is to embrace and inspire every member of the team. It is important to connect with one another in order to address any obstacle that might arise. It will be my duty to train and empower every member in order to ensure the team-led ministry is successful².

Why and how to have a team-led youth ministry

David Chow explains the importance of having a “team-led” youth ministry. To begin with, youth ministry is not the job of a single person. From his personal experience, Chow realized that he needed other people in order to make his ministry successful. A team-led ministry embraces the best skills in order to make the practice successful³. A team will always make decisions much easier and address the challenges affecting the ministry. A team will handle the problems, concerns, and expectations of every member of the ministry. Teamwork also helps the ministers to have a clear vision and strategy. Team-led ministries find it easier to recruit new leaders, inspire the youth, and eventually make the best decisions. At the same time, every individual embraces the best virtues such as unity, love, “understanding,” and attention.

It is appropriate for every member to play a unique role in the ministry. With these insights, it becomes necessary to have the best strategies and concepts for the youth ministry. When every member of the church understands the importance of having a team-led youth ministry, it will be easier to form a team and achieve the targeted goals. For instance, the members of the church will come together and identify the best strategies to bring the youth together. Every leader has a unique role to play if the ministry is to succeed. The leaders or “ministers” will make informed decisions and eventually represent the image of Christ on earth⁴.

David Chow’s key points to successful team-led youth ministry

The above discussion explains how (and why) to have a “team-led” youth ministry. According to Chow, the first strategy is embracing the importance of teamwork⁵. Some ministers and youth leaders tend to start their own ministries without involving others. Members of a given team will make quick decisions and address most of the issues or challenges affecting their ministry. The book also explains why every member of a team should “honor” God as the creator of the universe. This becomes a powerful strategy towards promoting unity and love in the ministry. Team members should deal with challenges and problems whenever they arise⁶. The approach will create a team-centered approach, thus making the ministry successful.

The author goes further to identify six unique principles that can make a “team-led” ministry successful. It is necessary for every individual to share his or her ideas with others. The second principle is to “model” the life and body of Jesus Christ. This explains why “ministers” should replicate Christ’s life on earth. As well, all ministers should care about the youth and students in the ministry. The focus should be on the “students’ life,” especially after he or she leaves the ministry. The youth leaders should treat the success of every ministry as a “destination” and not a “journey.” The “ministers” should treat every activity or idea as God’s job. The leaders should have a “vision” in order to inspire the youth or students depending on their expectations and needs⁷.

Reference List

Chow, David. No More Lone Rangers: How to Build a Team-Centered Youth Ministry. Harrisburg: Flagship Church Resources, 2002.

Footnotes

1. David Chow, No More Lone Rangers: How to Build a Team-Centered Youth Ministry (Harrisburg: Flagship Church Resources, 2002), 11.
2. Chow, No More Lone Rangers, 104.
3. David Chow, No More Lone Rangers: How to Build a Team-Centered Youth Ministry (Harrisburg: Flagship Church Resources, 2002), 46.
4. Chow, No More Lone Rangers, 26.
5. Chow, No More Lone Rangers, 45.
6. David Chow, No More Lone Rangers: How to Build a Team-Centered Youth Ministry (Harrisburg: Flagship Church Resources, 2002), 27.
7. Chow, No More Lone Rangers, 15.