Like lots of leaders we know, we at FYI follow marketing and branding guru Seth Godin. I enjoy his daily blogs, and they are often good conversation starters for our team.

I thought Seth’s blog from last week about the purpose of high school was interesting.

Here’s what I appreciate about his list:

-It’s specific. So often in ministry we use vague terms about our goals. Seth is very specific.

-It emphasizes critical thinking and communication skills, both of which are invaluable for kids.

-It mentions “self-management,” meaning kids learn how to be responsible and navigate their own lives (with healthy adult support).

-It includes leadership.

It made me wonder: how would youth ministries describe what they are for? Could we make a specific list like this? Should we make a specific list like this?