Creating a Culture of Service

We have each been tasked with teaching students an important lesson:

Church is not something we do. Being the Church is who we are.

Teaching this lesson often takes a huge culture shift within our student ministry and church as a whole. 

This shift does something very specific regarding service. It removes service as an activity or event and turns it into a way of life. 

So, how do we create a culture of service? How do we make this a way of life?

1) Study the Life and Heart of Jesus

“For even the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

Scripture graciously reminds us that Jesus came to lay down His life. He came to serve. He came to love. The book of Philippians also gives us a very clear picture of everything that Christ laid down….and then commissions us to have the same heart and mind. 

Students needs to have a clear understanding understanding of service in relation to the Gospel. Creating a culture of service begins with falling deeper in love with the One who serves. 

2) Redefine: Student Ministry 

During middle school, my youth pastor initiated a huge culture shift in our student ministry. He stood up one day and told us,

“Student ministry is not just a place for you to eat, play, learn, and leave. Student ministry is YOUR ministry. You serve. You invite your friends. You lead worship. You help set up each week. You create intentional relationships with visitors. This ministry is yours.” 

He completely redefined student ministry for all of us. It wasn’t just a place to come and chill. It was a place for us to lead and serve our friends, church, and community. 

3) Be Intentional about Service

(Most) students are not just going to show up to church and randomly start greeting people at the door. Likewise, they aren’t going to stumble into children’s church one day ready to lead. We must be intentional about service. Ask your students about their talents and interests, and find ways for them to use them for the good of the Body. 

If we have already created a culture of service within our student ministry, little Johnny won’t be surprised when you find a place for him to serve on Sunday. Students are awesome serving within AV/tech ministry, nursery, greeters, social media, worship, VBS, etc. Almost any place that adults are serving, students can serve.

Serving others does not come naturally. We must be intentional in placing our students within opportunities to serve. 

4) Involve the Family 

Planning a service week over spring break? Don’t just have mom drop a suburban of students off and leave. Find ways to intentionally involve the family. Ask mom or dad to stay and help. Does dad work in construction? Have him help lead a church workday or small repair job for an elderly couple. Does mom love to cook? Ask her to oversee meals for a new mom at church?    When students see their parents serving, they are more likely to follow their lead. 

How have you been intentional about creating a culture of service within your student ministry?