about were evolution , drugs / violence , sex , and music . We brought in some local volunteer subject matter experts to teach each course — a public school teacher / coach , a policeman , a counselor , and a musician . No celebrities were invited . There was no curriculum written by some adult expert in another state . Each student would be able to sign up for one of the four subjects until the course was full .
I then engaged my teachers . Their buy-in was critical . I challenged them to own whatever way they determined to get their kids there . I told them what their mission was , not how to do it .
Our church had a large staff . When it came time for all the departments to gather for our weekly staff meeting , each department head reported how they were planning to increase attendance and the budget they needed to make it happen . Each department gave a predictable report featuring a costly spectator event . My report was different . No special anything . No money needed . Just elevate the expectation of the volunteers . When I was done , all I received were blank stares .
The prevailing expectation of youth pastors was to create amazing spectator experiences that would draw kids to the church and get them involved in the ongoing programs . My plan didn ’ t fit that mold .
I passed on the sentiments from our meeting to my teachers the following Sunday . And that is when I saw it . A spark of fire in their eyes . They realized I was relying on them . If they didn ’ t come through , our plan would fail . I made sure our volunteers knew that most of the leaders didn ’ t think they could do it . video here
40