In 2009, nine CBF congregations participated in a year-long pilot project in which they sought to apply the Search Institute’s 40 developmental assets to their youth ministries.  I was fascinated to hear how this asset-based approach to youth ministry was put into practice in such a broad set of contexts, from historic downtown churches to smaller rural congregations.  Many of these congregations saw the effects of asset-based youth ministry pouring over into other generations within their churches as younger and older members participated in ministry to and with one another.  Some even saw it begin to transform their communities.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m typically leary of templates for ministry because they rarely work in contexts unlike their own, but asset-based youth ministry isn’t a template so much as a target.  It provides goals for how we might choose to nurture the younger members of our congregations.  It gives insight to how a congregation might be able to meet the needs of their community.  I would encourage you to take a look at the Search Institute’s website and explore the ways that the 40 developmental assets might shape your ministry not only to teens but to people of all ages.