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It is pivotal, necessary, and certainly foundational … have I got your attention yet? The essential question for youth ministry is, “What is Christian leadership?” I look at the question on the page: it is short, it looks simple enough, but its significance leads to a lifetime of discussion.

Any youth ministry that is doing serious work begins with the end in mind. “What is Christian leadership?” must be at the forefront. What are the desired outcomes? Kids came. So what? Where are they now? Who are they now? Who will they be? I have said it over and over again, “Kids are either leading, or they are leaving.” If the church does not offer substance, meaning, and, for me the big word is purpose, they have checked out.

We want kids to be Christian leaders. My fear? The leadership images we esteem, those we keep holding up and praising, revolve around microphones and committees. Real Christian leaders must be those who talk or sing into microphones or those who are elected or appointed to committees. Okay, those are important roles! I am not suggesting they go away, but the microphone and committee people exist to organize, edify, inspire, and gather the rest of us. Then, we need to equip, engage, and empower Christian leaders to daily live on the front lines of ministry.

After some months of asking questions, discussing, and reading, the Peer Ministry Leadership advisory team and I came slamming right back into the Good Samaritan story.

Christian leadership is best described in context of the Good Samaritan story (Lk. 10: 25-37) as caring and welcoming every day, everywhere and in every relationship.

We believe that all are called to a vocation of loving one’s neighbor, as a response to a loving God, through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

The outcomes flowing from the Good Samaritan story are that a Christian leader…

Is Observant: Alert to the needs of others
Takes Action: Uses skills with confidence, led by a compassionate heart
Is the Improbable One: Knows woundedness from having been wounded
Comes Close: Listens patiently and explores what is the real need
Sacrifices: Willing to risk group security to give help
Crosses Boundaries: Gives help to others, no matter their identity or label
Seeks Help: Guides others to people who can help

These are the outcomes I want for kids. Instead of trying to teach or preach about it, Peer Ministry Leadership equips, empowers, and engages kids to live it!

EVERYDAY incorporated is a new training ministry launched on Jan 1st 2010. Lyle Griner is the director along with leadership with a new advisory board and group of Associate Trainers. EveryDay is now the umbrella organization for several worthy and great programs, Peer Ministry Leadership (PML) being the cornerstone. The title EverDay was chosen as it defines ministry as a way of living every day, everywhere and in every relationship.

PML is couched in a Good Samaritan style of leadership that fits all youth. Youth most often see Christian leadership imaged in the context of microphones or committees. “Good roles, but they only fit a few youth. I believe Peer Ministry Leadership can give a better representation of Christian leadership as it equips people with caring and welcoming skills that will be used in the congregation but most importantly in all aspects of life.” Says director Lyle Griner. “Moving youth into leadership is essential as youth are either leading or they are leaving.”

EveryDay goals include deepening and broadening the use of PML into all denominations, congregations, campus ministry and youth serving organizations. Helping congregations better define Christian Leadership. Develop 50 new Training Associates representing all denominations and areas of the country. PML will be offered in various new ways and customized to work well with other groups.

EveryDay will also host training for Full Circle: Triple-A Adults, a program in which congregations can equip all adults with specific skills and ways to mentor a young person’s faith. Building Bridges teaches congregations how to gather families to learn a rhythm of faith practices with a belief that families need to practice hands on in the congregation before they will use them as an every day practice in the home. Growing Groups trains all small group leaders in a learn-by-doing style that results in confidence with using skills and a grounding in the relational mentoring.

EveryDay is also partnering with congregations who can not presently afford a youth minister, or who must wait to hire due to economic restraints. Training, organizing and mentoring youth ministry is a better option than not doing anything, or pouring efforts into things that don’t work.

EveryDay may be a new twist on how some think of “ministry.” The emphasis is much less on the gathering and more on the living a spiritual life Everyday, Everywhere and in Every Relationship.

Peer Ministry Leadership is the cornerstone for EveryDay with the addition of several amazing opportunities to expand the ability of households and the empowering of adults who have dramatic effects on the faith lives of children and youth.

Please follow the Blog for ongoing updates, resources, articles, stories and references. The Peer Ministry FaceBook page is a great resource for continuing the ongoing resources.