3. Celebrate the past . . . but don’t stay there
This can be challenging depending on your situation. But regardless of the past, celebrate the good stuff and don’t dwell on the bad stuff. As you get to know the students, families and volunteers, remember that some of them still have great memories of what happened before you got there. Value them by valuing that memory and experience but begin to make new memories together! There is a reason God has called you to this specific church. Don’t be afraid to implement new things, or create a new direction. Sometimes fresh eyes and a new leader can allow the ministry to do things that couldn’t be accomplished in the past. It may be challenging, and some things may take time to change, but begin taking some baby steps in that direction.

As my mentor would say . . . don’t get caught in a rut. If you don’t know what a rut is, this probably doesn’t make any sense. But he defined a rut as a grave with its ends knocked out. So don’t get caught in a rut that you can avoid simply because you are new and have a fresh outlook on the ministry.

4. Move Slowly
If you are a driven person like me, this may be easy to say but hard to do. I have to remind myself that student ministry is a marathon and not a sprint and that people take change differently. Some people will want change immediately, while others might not understand why things are changing. Either way, change can be difficult and exciting, but take your time. Pray for clear direction and then begin to move that way. Moving slowly you will allow others to adjust to the vision and direction of the ministry and take ownership in the changes that may be taking place.