The Commitment Level Model is more an approach to youth ministry than a specific program. In fact, there are many models of youth ministry that could be classified as Commitment Level ministry. The following principles provide the clue to understanding the heart of the Model. These can be considered the DNA of the Model - if you are going to replicate this model, there are principles to follow rather than programmes to implement.
1. Purpose-Driven Approach: we aim ministry around the purpose of making disciples according to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20. Overriding everythiung we do is the desire to make disciples - and by this we mean the whole process of building relationships with unchurched youth, leading them to Christ, grounding them in the faith, helping them to grow spiritually and equipping them for ministry in the church and the community.
2. Commitment-Level Targeting: we target ministry at each level of spiritual commitment. The total ministry within a local church must cover ministry at all the levels of spiritual commitment - the specific levels we choose to focus at may differ, but they will cover the whole spectrum from the unchurched to the spiritually mature believer.
3. Process-Based Discipling: we have a process to move people through commitment levels to spiritual maturity. This focus on intentionally moving people from one level of spiritual commitment to a deeper one is possible THE core characteristic underlying the Commitment Level Model of Youth Ministry.
4. Every-Member Ministry: we believe that every member should be involved in ministry within the body. We stress that Jesus did not call us to make converts but disciples - those who are fully-equipped and ready to reproduce their lives in others, who are still outside of the kingdom.
5. Commitment-Based Programming: we aim each programme at a specific level of spiritual commitment. Whenever we design a programme we first identify which level of spiritual commitment we are targeting, and only then do we begin the process of program planning.
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