Hello, Student Ministry Leaders! When I was growing up we used the acronym FAT in student ministry.

[0:36] F - Be Faithful

If you have been called into student ministry, it will be daunting and it will be discouraging at times. You might find it difficult to connect with students. You might even be tempted to be like someone else. But be faithful.

Be faithful to who you are; don’t try to be someone else. God has not called you to be anyone else, but yourself.

Be faithful in your presence. Keep showing up for the students. God has called you to be present.

[1:50] A - Be Available

Be available for conversations with students. That means being available to talk to students and to listen to them. Sometimes, students don’t want to talk at all. Don’t be afraid of silence. Eventually, most students will open up.

Everyone needs affirmation, acceptance, and approval. Students want to be heard and they will open up when they are ready.

[3:20] T - Be True

Be true to who you are and who you are becoming. Students don’t need more friends. They need more caring adults.

Students need S.O.A.P. That’s a funny acronym for Significant Other Adult Person. Students need significant other adult people in their lives and you are one of them.

The deepest need that students have is to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and savior. They will look to you to guide them in their lives with their real problems and real struggles. You have the privilege of leading them to Christ and helping them learn how to live out their faith.

[5:00] Thank You!

Thank you for being involved in student ministries and for being FAT! God will use you in ways you may not expect.