This article originally appeared in LeadershipLINK during May and June 2000, a weekly ezine written by Todd Styles of Youth Leader Connection, Inc. It is used at this site with the authors' permission. To subscribe to the ezine vist the website at http://www.Youthleader.org.
Todd Styles encourages leaders to evaluate their big events using six questions:
1. STRESS OR PASSION?
You've seen it happen too many times. What starts out as a simple idea for a decent get-together winds up being an all-out, city-wide event; what was supposed to be a manageable project has turned into a self-consuming monster. Now what you once anticipated with excitement, you dread with anxiety.
While events, especially big events, are hot tickets these days, many youth leaders find themselves on the leash of the event, with the event taking full control and choking the life out of their schedules and groups. What can you do if you find yourself dangling in the noose of the big event, knowing that if it doesn't strangle the life out of you this time it will come around again in just a few weeks for another shot?
The issue of perspective and focus stands out as the number one flaw in event-driven youth ministry. Though events are necessary, they should not be the focal point of our ministry. Consider this -- do we really want our young people tied solely into events? Wouldn't we rather connect them to relationships? While events may be points at which they can connect in relationships, events themselves must not be the sole focus of our group. When events become the all-encompassing center of our ministries, then they themselves-the events-become the singular target at which we aim, an unhealthy perspective at best. Reaching and equipping people - students and adults - is our main target, and events are a means to that end, not the end itself.
Wondering if you have a hold of your event or if your event has a hold of you? Here is the first of six questions you can use in measuring your group's event pulse.
Question #1: Am I feeling stress or passion?
Consider the emotion of the event. When you sit back and take a bird's eye view of the coming event, do you sense stress or passion? If stress seems to be the rising emotion, be careful. It is at times like this we can make potentially destructive decisions.
There are two reasons stress often undermines our decision-making ability:
* Stress drives people to pursue means which could possibly violate principles; passion calls us to ethical and responsible ministry.
* Stress often comes from an insatiable desire for a perfect performance; passion is a deep thirst for biblical service.
Be honest with yourself as you evaluate this issue. Most of us are probably more stressed than we want to admit about the events we are doing, and one reason is because we fear those who evaluate our event. In other words, we're often too worried about those rating our success; subtly, we fear they won't give us an A+ or "thumbs up," thus blowing the "perfect image" we seek to establish. After all, an unsuccessful event means we're not the successful youth leader everyone thinks we are.
Much of the pressure in this scenario stems from the standard we use in evaluating events: success. Worse yet, the American definition of success. Words like big, loud, exciting, crowded, and entertaining have become key adjectives in describing the successful event, even if it accomplished very little from a biblical perspective. Oddly, it is this pseudo-success mindset which actually leads us to the point of stress, for we start doing all we can to produce for God instead of partnering with God. It sounds like we're more driven than called; more stressed than passionate.
2. A BEGINNING OR AN ENDING?
If you've ever felt like your next event had more of a hold on you than you had on it, don't give up yet! Here is the second of six questions you can use in determining which is really in control - you or the event.
Question #2: Am I sensing this event as a beginning or an ending?
Consider the mindset of the event. Perhaps the biggest paradox of events is seen in the mindset of those involved: leaders look at events as conclusions, while attenders view events as commencements.
Most youth leaders open up their files and planners weeks, even months, prior to an event, strategically thinking it through in their mind. But once the closing prayer is said or the last song is sung, we close the files, and, unfortunately, our mind. "It's over," we think. "I pulled another one off!" However, in the mind of the participants (i.e., those who have either made decisions or developed relationships), it is just the beginning. They have just opened up their minds and their hearts to possibly a new relationship. Do you sense the mental conflict already developing? We shut down . . . they get going!
This explains one reason follow-up is traditionally difficult with events. We become satisfied with a low follow-up ratio because we rarely plan and develop our structure around it. We put 95% of our energies into pre-event work, and about 5% into post-event follow-up. Conversely, those who benefit from our events typically do the opposite and pour in the majority of their energies after the event is over. They attended and were persuaded to pursue further action. Are you prepared for this? Did you plan for it?
The point is simple: the mindset of the event must span the weeks prior to and following the actual gathering, not just on "game night." It's an issue of closure versus consistency.
3. HOLY AWE OR HYPERACTIVITY?
Just when you thought it was safe to tuck away your Daytimer or Franklin, guess what appeared on the horizon? Another event! If you're finding yourself increasingly timid of the church calendar, take heart...help is on the way. Here is the third of six questions designed to help you control the event, not the other way around.
Question #3: Am I sensing holy awe or hyperactivity?
Consider the energy of the event. One of the neat things about spiritual events is that the Holy Spirit generates a sense of excitement and awe, something that can't be duplicated in the secular arena. Remember, however, that we are talking about "holy" awe - energy with a spiritual focus.
When considering the energy of your event, the question becomes, "Is it holy or is it hype?" Typically, we do whatever is necessary to build the hype and attract the students, hoping the simple enthusiasm of the crowd will be what is necessary to give us a "good feel" thereafter. However, I'm not so sure that's the formula for a successful event. While I'm not opposing enthusiasm and honest, contagious fun, I do believe the best energy we can create when our students come together is the energy of worship. And I don't just mean singing! I mean the worship of community, the worship of celebration, the worship of giving, the worship of teaching, and yes, the worship of singing. Essentially, our focus must be upward in order to gain holy energy. Anything less is probably hype; and while it may give us a good youth group 'buzz,' it rarely lasts over the long haul.
Therein lies the rub for most of us: we can "do it up great" for one night (i.e., hype), but find it difficult to create lasting momentum (i.e., sustained spiritual energy). Why? Because we want to crate a great first impression! So we cave in to the urgent and invent our latest version of Christian Hollywood, praying God will bless it. And though it works initially, it's still simply hype! Kids come, kids go. And it's up to us to figure out how we're going to get them back.
Here's a better idea: Start with an upward focus from day one, and the expectation will be exactly that each and every time - an encounter with God! Gear your efforts towards the marathon, not the sprint. Be content that others will know of your depth eventually, not immediately. In doing these things you'll be best prepared for a spiritual encounter, not just a church activity.
4. FAITHFULNESS OR FATIGUE?
Has the church calendar got you frazzled? Feeling like there's just no way you can host even one more event or trip? Wondering when the cycle ever ends? If you're starting to think through the big event, here is
the fourth of six questions designed to aid you in gaining the proper perspective.
Question #4: Am I feeling faithful to the call or fatigued by the drive?
Consider the momentum of the event. Momentum is simply sustained energy, and in the realm of ministry, spiritually sustained energy. Understanding how to gain momentum means we are willing to compare two things: faithfulness versus fatigue. In an event environment, it is imperative we see ourselves as faithful to God's purposes (i.e., creating venues where He can reach people on a consistent basis through our efforts), not strictly driven by our own insecurities for human achievement and success. Being faithful is a guaranteed - though long-term - key to momentum. However, momentum is circumvented when we, by feeling driven and pursuing hype, find ourselves fatigued. If you're sensing your events are driving others and yourself more toward fatigue than faithfulness, you are not creating momentum; instead, you're simply encouraging burnout.
While burnout leaves us feeling like we want to quit, momentum gives us the capacity to endure. In other words, spiritually sustained energy builds in us the character of resilience-the ability to spiritually bounce back even after defeats and setbacks. In fact, mindset and momentum work in conjunction. The proper pursuit of holy energy (mindset) correctly sets us in place for sustained movement (momentum)-the kind that builds endurance within us. However, chasing hype generally leaves us fatigued, only to shoot for even a "greater high" next time in order to gain the same thrill.
5. HOW I LOOK OR WHAT I ACCOMPLISH?
Just when you thought it was safe to tuck away your Daytimer or Franklin, guess what appeared on the horizon? Another event! If you're finding yourself increasingly timid of the church calendar, take heart...help is on the way. Here is the fifth of six questions designed to help you control the event, not the other way around.
Question #5: Am I worried about how I look more than what I'll accomplish?
Consider the resources of your event. On more than one occasion I have sat down with a group of leaders to detail an upcoming event and have ended up with something completely different than what I had imagined. Why? Because our plans, goals and dreams far exceeded our simple resources-facilities, money and people. Because I lacked the courage to confront these dreams, we often found ourselves shooting for image rather than substance. Therein lies the resource battle: our hearts aspire to more than our hands can accomplish. Sadly, our wishes and wallets often don't match.
Unfortunately, we typically plan for things we can't produce. While I'm not saying lessen your faith, I am saying quit dreaming the impossible. Simply start dreaming the possible. Go ahead and identify what is potentially possible, then let the God-factor enter and create a miracle! You may think this sounds too human, too fleshly; I contend it's simply the biblical aspect of counting the cost.
A good motive detector here is to evaluate why you wish to create an event with goals, budgets, and expectations so large you're set for failure before you even begin - is it due to a God-size faith or a man-size ego? Only you know deep inside which it is; have the courage to tell yourself the truth.
Additionally, ask yourself some more questions, like:
"When I consider the limited resources of my event, do I tend to lean more toward image or substance?"
"Is our event actually beneficial, or is it simply a ministry 'photo opportunity' for everyone to look good?"
"Am I more willing to take care of the exterior than the interior, hoping everyone will see the surface and not look too deeply, or do I aim to provide quality and depth throughout the entire event?"
I can't tell you how many times I've seen a slick brochure or a fancy postcard, only to be left somewhat dry after attending the event. Upon leaving, it was clear that all the resources were put into attraction, very little into completion. Let's not make the same mistake. Build more toward substance and less toward image. In doing this you'll concentrate more on what you accomplish - the proper focus -- and look good as a result.
6. SURVIVAL OR SAFETY?
Has the church calendar got you frazzled? Feeling like there's just no way you can host even one more event or trip? Wondering when the cycle ever ends? If you're starting to think through the big event, here is the last of six questions designed to aid you in gaining the proper perspective.
Question #6: Am I more concerned about survival than safety?
Consider the volunteers for your event. More than likely, you've conducted one too many events all by yourself. You cooked the food, lined up the speakers, set up the PA system, drove the van, reserved the facilities, and wrote the checks. And yes, you and your group survived. But why do it that way again? There is a better way, and it lends itself more toward thriving than surviving: volunteers.
We are depriving others of a genuine blessing and setting ourselves up for an eventual fall when we do not properly utilize the help of qualified volunteers. Every event is better when we bring others on board to help us. The key question is this: "Am I more concerned about survival than safety?"
Those concerned with survival tend to do most things by themselves. They look at most events with this mindset: "If it's going to get done, I'm going to have to do it!" And so, to simply survive, they undertake almost all of the necessary tasks, and enter the event with the game face of a mad mama bear!
However, those concerned with safety split up the tasks, incorporate leaders among the students in the proper ratio, and make sure things are done in a way that breeds accountability and orderliness. In this scenario everyone wins (and enjoys the event, too!).
One more note - survivalists tend to be easily threatened. Offer advice or lend a hand and you may get clawed, even bitten! Worse yet, reactions like this prove that a survivalist's main concern is not the students for whom the event is planned; it's their own ego. Working with a selfish, pseudo-leader like this (or finding that you may have these characteristics), is a sure morale-killer for any team. Truly, there is little safety, physically, emotionally, or spiritually, in such an environment.
SIX "BIG EVENT" CORRECTIVE MEASURES
If you're starting to feel like your big event is becoming too big, here are some corrective measures you can take. You may choose to do only one of these, or you may wish to undertake all six. Regardless, the first step is to be honest about where you are, then select from there the path that will best facilitate moving you to where you want to be.
1. Evaluate. Stop and measure the overall worth of your event. Whether personally or corporately, address the issue of effectiveness by asking, "Are we doing this the best way we can?"
2. Scale down. Like it or not, some events flop because we fail to measure the size of our event. You will have to address the issue of intensity.
3. Unschedule. Admit it -- most of us are too busy. Measuring the timeliness of your event means you're willing to address the issue of frequency.
4. Network. You may not have what you need, but somebody does. You may not be able to afford your first-choice speaker, but several groups working together could. You may not have enough volunteers for your retreat, but another group may have extras. How willing are you to rethink your own version of the event and rework it in conjunction with others? In other words, measure the resources of your event by addressing the issue of personnel.
5. Educate. The purpose of your event must be known by more than yourself; it needs to be felt by all those involved. If you feel like you're the only one who understands the motivation behind the event, address the issue of communication.
6. Structure differently. How well does your event accomplish its intended objectives? Find out by measuring the system of your event. If you sense your event lacks structure and practicality, address the issue of efficiency.
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