Decentralize: verb (used with object)
1.to distribute the administrative powers or functions of (a central authority) over a less concentrated area: to decentralize the national government.
2.to disperse (something) from an area of concentration: to decentralize the nation's industry.
I do not mean necessarily that we move from a central focus to many focuses HOWEVER I do like the idea of distributing “administrative powers” not to take jobs off of my plate but to enable and empower you (as leaders) and the youth to do certain things that may or may not necessarily be a “youth” event with the students i.e. in your small group.
Of course we will keep “large group” activities a regular aspect of the ministry but if certain students in your small group really want to get into service why do they have to wait for us to schedule a “service day” until they get to do some service. Instead of that maybe you tell them to call a place and set something up and you and your group goes and does it. I would want to know about it for scheduling purposes and so I can be a help or resource to you and to cheer you on but it does NOT have to be a youth activity.
I LOVE Gina’s comment: “Encourage them to take their part in helping those who are living with injustice- locally and then globally. What if each of us shared our passions with them, and then let them know how and when they could participate”
I think every one of you that has jumped into this conversation has brought up some aspect of service as something that we need to expose these students to more. I totally agree…I want to say this in the most encouraging way…DO IT! Instead of having small group time some Wed go feed a dinner at a homeless shelter or get together on a Sat and trim some old lady’s bushes or rake her lawn or whatever, contact the city and find out if there is a place that you can “clean up” (usually they will provide gloves and a dumpster if it is trash, all you have to do is show up with man/woman power) or any other ideas you have.
Decentralization needs to be more of an aspect in this ministry where you and the students can plan something and do it without being worried that you are excluding someone or stepping on my toes. My toes could use some stepping on :)
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Just familiarizing myself with the blog
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