Have you ever felt like our work is often reduced to just "getting kids saved"? While leading young people to faith in Jesus is crucial, there's so much more to youth ministry than just conversion. It's about seeing the potential in every young person and helping them build the assets they need to thrive. This perspective shift can transform how we approach our work and the impact we have. Focusing on asset building is a vital component in the paradigm shift needed in the church to equip and empower this generation of young people.
What is Asset Building?
Asset building is about recognizing and nurturing the strengths, skills, and potential within each young person. It’s moving beyond seeing them as problems to be solved and instead viewing them as partners in their own growth and development. It's about empowering them to become resilient, capable, and confident individuals who can navigate the challenges of life.
Still Learning the Ropes
I’ll be honest—I’m still learning what asset building looks like in practice. It’s a journey, and there’s so much to discover and apply. But one thing I’ve learned is that it starts with shifting our mindset and truly seeing the young people we serve for who they are: full of potential and purpose.
The other day one of our youth asked me:
“Mister, I’m good if I just read the Bible and pray, right? Can I get a list of sins so I know I’m good with God?”
These questions tell me I have a long way to go in leading our students in consequential faith. A faith that is embodied and moves past getting kids saved and baptized. This process of discipleship is not a quick fix situation. We’re committed to supporting these kids every step of the way.Top of FormBottom of Form
Learning from "Building Cathedrals"
Ted Travis, in his book Building Cathedrals, emphasizes the importance of long-term investment in the lives of young people. He compares this process to the construction of magnificent cathedrals, which often took generations to complete. Travis argues that youth work is not about immediate results but about laying a solid foundation for future growth and development. He challenges us to adopt a cathedral-building mindset, where we focus on the enduring impact of our efforts. By investing in the strengths and potential of urban youth, we are not just addressing immediate needs but contributing to their lifelong journey towards becoming resilient and thriving individuals (Travis, 2017).
The 40 Developmental Assets Tool
One tool that has been incredibly helpful is the 40 Developmental Assets framework developed by the Search Institute. These assets are the building blocks of healthy development that help young people grow up to be responsible, productive, and caring adults. They are divided into external and internal categories, including support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, constructive use of time, commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies, and positive identity (Search Institute, 2024).
Here are a few examples of these assets:
- Support: Young people need to feel supported by their family, school, and community.
- Empowerment: They need to feel valued and safe in their environment.
- Boundaries and Expectations: Clear rules, expectations, and consequences are vital.
- Constructive Use of Time: Opportunities for creative activities, youth programs, and time at home.
- Commitment to Learning: Engaging in learning and feeling that it is valuable.
- Positive Values: Developing strong guiding principles to live by.
- Social Competencies: Skills to interact positively with others.
- Positive Identity: A strong sense of personal worth and future potential.
Practical Steps for Asset Building
- Create Supportive Environments: Foster safe and nurturing spaces where young people feel valued and heard. This can be in your church, community center, or even in informal settings like sports teams or clubs.
- Empower Youth: Give them leadership roles and responsibilities. Let them have a say in the programs and activities they are involved in. Empowerment builds confidence and ownership.
- Set Clear Boundaries and Expectations: Young people need structure. Clear rules and consistent consequences help them understand boundaries and develop self-discipline.
- Encourage Constructive Use of Time: Promote involvement in positive activities like arts, sports, and community service. These experiences help young people discover their interests and talents.
- Cultivate a Love for Learning: Encourage academic achievement and a commitment to lifelong learning. This could be through tutoring programs, book clubs, or even just conversations about their dreams and aspirations.
- Model Positive Values: Demonstrate integrity, compassion, and respect in your interactions. Young people learn a lot by watching us.
- Develop Social Competencies: Teach and model healthy communication, conflict resolution, and relationship-building skills.
- Foster Positive Identity: Help young people understand their value and potential. Encourage self-reflection and celebrate their achievements, no matter how small.
Moving Forward
I must keep reminding myself that this is a long-term commitment. We’re not just looking for quick fixes or short-term successes. We’re investing in the future of our young people, helping
IG :@aimrightministries & @jeffchuppaz
Website: aimright.org
Jeff Chupp is the Executive Director at Aim Right Ministries in Phoenix, AZ, where he passionately works with at-risk students. Married to Trisha, they have three children, juggling the hustle of family life with urban youth work. As an ultrarunner, he finds peace and challenge out on the desert trails. An avid reader, Jeff is always eager to explore new ideas and viewpoints.