For many of us, the new year is an opportunity to set a few new goals for our ministries. So as I step into the new year, and the office for the first time this new year, I have three ministry goals for 2016.
Be a place where students can worship God. I think it is so important that student learn how to worship God. Worship is a way of life for the believer. We worship God with every aspect of our lives. When I think about my students, I think about how I want them to discover and know God is such a way that it changes how they think and live. I want to create a place for students where the can discover the awesomeness of God and be awed by the fact that He loves us! Be a place where students can fall in love with Jesus. Halfway through 2015, I started thinking more about what it might look like to chase after Jesus. Then I read Rick Lawrence’s book, Jesus Centered Youth Ministry, and was even more challenged to not just think about a Jesus-Center life for me, but leading students to knowing Jesus more and live a Jesus-Center life of their own. So, not only will I be looking to seek Jesus, but I will be applying some of Rick’s thoughts to how I minister to students and lead our student ministry. Be a place where students can build strong friendships. For years I have always tried to foster an atmosphere where students can feel like they have a place that’s theirs; a place that is safe and comfortable. But after reading Mark DeVries’ book, Sustainable Youth Ministry, not only do I want to create a comfortable place for students, I want to create a place where students are forming deep relationships. This is going to require that I, and the leadership team that I recruit and train, lead by example, building deep relationships with each other. How is this done? By being genuine and authentic. Each one of the three goals are going to require that I make significant changes in how I live and love. It’s going to change my relationship with the Creator, and it will change how I interact with the students I serve. In the end, my hope is to see my students develop deep and intimate relationships with their Creator. - jay
Jay Higham is a 24 year veteran of student ministry; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently the Youth Director at Hickory Church, located in Western PA. Jay has been married to Amy for 19 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, 4 boys and 1 little girl. Jay is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and caring for the hearts of husbands. You can learn more about their ministry to the family and husband by visiting their family blog at, www.TheHighamFamily.com and www.TheGoodHusbandBlog.com!
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AuthorJay Higham is a veteran youth worker of over 30 years; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently serving as the director of family ministry at a church, located in West Virginia. Jay has been married to Amy for over 25 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, (4 boys and 1 girl). Jay is an aspiring author, blogger, speaker, vlogger, and social media junkie. He is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and training youth workers to love and serve their students with passion and excellence. Archives
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