3 Things that DON’T need to Change with the Times

In the past I have talked about how we, as ministers, need to evaluate, adapt and change with the times. Students today are not the same as they were in the ’90s or even 5 years ago. They like different things, act different ways and talk differently, just to name a few things. That is why it is really important to constantly evaluate, adapt and change with the times. If you don’t change, there is a very high probablility that you will not be as effective and you could go the way of some old newspapers or book stores that went out of business because they failed to adapt and change.

While it is important to do this, not all things that you do need to change. In fact, there are some things you don’t need change in order to be effective as a minister. Here are 3 things that don’t need to change no matter what year, decade or century you are in:

• The love and compassion you give. It doesn’t matter who they are or what they are going through, you can always love and care for students. And that love will go a very long way for them to know and experience Jesus. Share the love of Jesus. Show compassion to others today.
• Consistency. How you consistently show up and support your parents, students and leaders doesn’t change. In fact, as the world constantly changes, people need consistency. They need others who they can rely on and know that they will show up and support them. With broken marriages and friendship happening regularly, maybe you are that one person that is a consistent presence in their lives because you show up. Show up in peoples lives today, even if it is digitally.
• The Truth of Christ. I get asked regularly about why the Bible doesn’t change with the times. My response is, “if the Bible changed as the world changed, how valuable would the principles taught in the Bible be?” They would be worthless if they constantly changed. The Truth of Christ found in the Bible stands the test of time. The times may change, but Jesus continues to be unchanging demonstrating a love that is unconditional and never changing. Share about Him and His life. That is life-changing no matter what year it is.

As a student minister, it would benefit you greatly to change with the times and adapt your strategy to reach students in whatever day and age you are in. Strategy and implementation of that strategy always needs to be evaluated and changed as the times and people change. However, there are at least three things that do not need to change with the times. How you love and show compassion to students and families, how you consistently show up and how you share the Truth of Christ all are unchanging. And, they are all life-changing.

What do you think?  Are there other unchanging things in ministry? If so, what?  Share your experiences below or on social media using #ymsidekick when you share.

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