The last few weeks there has been a lot of talk about sports dynasties and whether one team’s dynasty has ended or still going on.
It got me thinking about what does a student ministry “dynasty” look like? Most of us would all say that we want a ministry that makes an impact beyond our time there. So how do you know what will last beyond you? Obviously, there are no trophies in student ministry to gauge our success on. But I believe you can look to some markers of whether your ministry will last beyond you and build a ministry dynasty.
Ministry dynasties aren’t personality-centered. Let’s be absolutely clear. Any ministry dynasty isn’t about you. It’s about Jesus and HIS kingdom. If you aren’t willing to become forgotten after you leave, then you are building your kingdom, not Jesus’.
Ministry dynasties develop disciples and leaders that aren’t dependent on you. If you build people up, students will stay in the faith after they graduate, leaders will be able to take ownership when you’re gone, and you’ll have people who are sent out to lead ministries of your own. The key is you have to prioritize equipping people.
Ministry dynasties are able to refocus after losing key people. Just as great teams will lose players to free agency, there are times when you will graduate a really great class of students or lose a key leader. Ministry dynasties are able to see potential in the next batch of leaders and students. They use that potential as fuel to dig in and start the equipping process again.
Ministry dynasties are able to adapt ministries strategies to fit new realities and challenges. Youth workers who rely on the same bag of tricks have a hard time staying in one place long enough to build a ministry dynasty. Once they use up all their old ideas, events etc, they look for a new place to try them. After 17 years at my current church I have to constantly ask the question, “what is no longer effective in reaching our students and families?” I have to let go of ineffective programs and events simply even if it’s what I’m comfortable or easy for me.
Finally, ministry dynasties know their core principles…and stand firm on them. While strategies change with the times. There are some things that need to anchor your decision making processes and allocation of resources. Are you a church for the community? Do you exist to make disciples? For us, small groups are a core part of our ministry and that shapes every event and every Sunday. 
If you have clear core values or principles, everyone knows them and owns them. Solid core values will last a long after you leave your ministry. Other people who take what you’ve done and build on it to create a dynasty that points people to Jesus and calls them to follow them for a lifetime.
Far from easy fixes and quick results, building a ministry dynasty requires a long term view and a patient work ethic. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither will any ministry that lasts beyond you.
*Guest post by Kevin Libick