Deviation

I have been in evaluation mode over these past 2 weeks, evaluating our purpose and whether or not our process and programs lines up with our overall purpose. I am realizing that deviating from our vision and purpose is so easy to do, not intentionally by usually with the best intentions. There are many GOOD things that can pull our ministries off course. We easily fall prey to the idea that "more is better" which then results in a full calendar of programs and events that do nothing to carry out the vision of our ministry. I like the way Eric Geiger and Jeff Borton put it in Simple Student Ministry, "the buffet of activities becomes the focus of the student ministry." As leaders we must define what is essential for our ministry and then set our focus and guard our focus on that which is essential. Here are some questions I am asking myself:

1.) What is our definition of a fully devoted follower of Christ?
2.) What essential programs and environments are in place or need to be in place to partner with students to take their next steps toward and with Christ?
3.) Do I really believe those programs and environments will carry out the vision and point towards our purpose?
4.) If I do believe that they are, is my desire to see all the energy and resources of our ministry go toward what is essential?