Adults In the Making -

What is “AIM” and what sets it apart from other approaches to youth ministry?

It starts with our foundational premise. Believe it or not, the goal of AIM is not to create a great youth ministry. No, seriously. The goal is to create disciples of Jesus for the long haul, starting now and into adulthood. Now that may sounds like we’re splitting hairs. But there really is a difference. The sobering reality is that a focus on “excitement” tends to lead to a consumer mentality (“What’s in it for me?”).
We don’t need more of that. And a tendency towards “isolation” (allowing ourselves to be cut off from adults) severs connections. And we don’t need more of that either.

What we need is to pursue biblical goals through biblical means. “Fine,” you say. “What would that look like?” Consider that the strongest indicators of ongoing faith maturity are twofold. First, what happens in the home. Second, our relationships with the “extended family” of faith. The implications? The family needs to be empowered. And there need to be intergenerational relationships growing within the body.

So what are we proposing? A team approach with parents and youth engaged and leading together. It’s a family-based youth ministry with this vision: To train young people to grow toward Christian adulthood.

Curious?