How To Plan a Programming/Teaching Calendar

Planning is key to any successful Young People’s Ministry program. A lot of people think that you can just throw something together and that that’s good enough, however, what I have found that the old adage is true “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Here are a few suggestions to get you started on planning a programming/teaching calendar.

Consider Working in “Thirds” - break down your calendar into categories. One example might be: 1) Christian Education; 2) Life Skills; 3) Felt Need. By doing this you will balance your programming/teaching calendar so that you do not focus on any one category too much.

Consider Series/Themes - if you’re leading a program or teaching a Bible study or Small Group choose a series that you will follow for 3 to 6 weeks. A lot of research has been done that the ideal timeframe for a series is no greater than 6 weeks. There are a few exceptions (confirmation class, disciple Bible study, etc.) but for the most part determining theme/series for a season of time is helpful. If you get really good at it you can plan a whole year in advance.

The most important thing to remember about planning is not to get lost in the plan. It is okay to get off schedule. The planning just helps you kind of like a roadmap. It helps students, parents and other leaders know where you are going so that they can plan their lives accordingly.

What do you think is the most important thing when it comes to planning ?

Running on Empty

As a pastor and youth leader who has been in professional ministry for nearly 20 years, I have found myself running on empty a time or two to. The energy and excitement of the fall is gone, seniors are already starting to head towards the door and you are desperately trying to make the final plans for your summer mission trip, before it all starts over again. Here are a few suggestions that I would lift up to help you if you are feeling like you have nothing more to give.

Take an Hour-Sometimes you just need some space to clear your head for an hour or so. Go for a walk… Journal… Be silent… Exercise. Look at your calendar right now and make an appointment with yourself!

Take a Personal Day-Not everybody has the luxury of being able to sneak away for an entire day… But if you do… DO IT! An entire day of rest, relaxation, reading, reflection and rejoicing might just be what the good doctor ordered. Too often I find pastors not setting proper boundaries for themselves. The truth is, that there is always one more person to help, one more phone call to make, one more email to respond to. However, you are no good to anyone if you are not first good to yourself.

Get some sleep-When you’re robbing yourself of sleep at night, you’re robbing yourself of energy for the next day! Put down the iPad, step away from the refrigerator, and find a pillow with your name on it. If your computer has a sleep mode, you should too.

Clear the Calendar-In some of the most extreme cases, the wisest thing you can do is slow everything down. Trim the calendar. Slash the calendar. Talk to your supervisor about changing office hours and expectations. Cancel that thing that has you stuck.

Even Jesus had to take time away (shouldn’t we follow his example?)