(Visit livingfaithtabernacle.org for a digital file of this outline. Under “Media” tab, select Christian Training, and look for the Hyphens & Ministry file.) Search YouTube: (Crist/Millennial/International) Potential Millennial Hurdles to Ministry Millennials have proven slow to “adulting”. Millennials are accustomed to many options. Millennials have often been parented by “helicopter” parents. Millennials often struggle with requirements. These millennial traits become hurdles when they interfere with the very meaning of ministry. Ministry is eternally spiritual work that stretches us as we serve others. Jumping the Hurdles We clear ministry hurdles by desire. Is my desire for ministry greater than other desires? We leap millennial hurdles through formal education & training. What training will I pursue to prepare me for ministry? Questions for your parents & pastor: When can we have coffee? When can I buy you lunch? What are my top strengths? What are my weaknesses? What should I be reading? How can I help you? What should I focus on right now? What kind of education do you believe is best for me at this point? Am I going forward, or sitting still? We leap hurdles through constant personal improvement. Do I have a personal learning plan? We only leap hurdles when we show-up for the race. Is ministry my priority? Do I edit my life to be available for ministry? We leap hurdles through experience that builds social maturity. Can I manage children/teens who aren’t following directions? Can I calm parents who are angry with me? Can I apologize for my mistakes? Can I learn from them? Can I work with a team? Can I follow Pastor’s directions? Can I motivate others? Can I properly deal with rejection? Can I keep multiple people performing multiple tasks? Am I active? Am I gaining experience? Am I building my social maturity? Ministry requires practicality. When someone starts moving chairs, jump in. See trash on the floor, pick it up. Mentor a middle-school student. Teach Bible studies. Plan/organize youth events. Involve yourself in the music department. Clean the church building. Set up for the church picnic. Serve dinners at a homeless shelter. Call all first-time guests and welcome them to return. Coach a Bible Quiz team. Teach in children’s ministry. Creative? Learn video recording, editing, etc. Learn computer design. Techie? Church website. Church database. ChMS. Am I searching for ways to help? Am I being practical about ministry? Recommended reading: Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald Spiritual Leadership by David Bernard Next Generation Leader by Andy Stanley