Description

Episode Summary:

In this eye-opening episode of the Lead Volunteers podcast, host Josh Denhart introduces us to Sandy Harper, a vibrant volunteer in West Virginia whose innovative approach to youth ministry is preventing the all-too-common disconnect between elementary and junior high students within the church. This episode delves into a creative ministry initiative that captivates young minds, building skills and relationships centered around faith and culinary arts. 

Sandy Harper shares the journey of how a simple cooking class evolved into a multifaceted ministry that not only provides students with valuable life skills but also creates a smoother transition into youth ministry. By utilizing the church's industrial-sized kitchen as a classroom, Harper engages fourth through sixth graders in preparing elaborate, from-scratch breakfasts each week. As the students cook and eat together, they learn more than just recipes—they develop leadership skills, practice hospitality, and enjoy Biblical teachings in a unique, hands-on environment. Incorporating community outreach and mentorship, the program exemplifies how leveraging personal passions can transform volunteer work into a life-changing experience for all involved.

Key Takeaways:

• Sandy Harper is pioneering a unique ministry approach by combining cooking with character and connection to bridge the gap between elementary and junior high youth in the church.
• The hands-on cooking class not only engages the students in meal preparation but also provides a platform for teaching life skills, biblical lessons, and fostering strong community bonds.
• The class emphasizes the importance of mentorship, with older students taking on leadership roles to guide their younger peers.
• The program's success is highlighted by the continuity of youth involvement, as graduates of the class often continue serving and leading in various church capacities.
• This episode showcases how individual passions and talents can be utilized to create an impactful and sustainable volunteer ministry.

Notable Quotes:

• "And you said, okay, I want to show you our fourth, fifth, and 6th grade Sunday school classroom. And it was a full industrial size kitchen." - Josh Denhart
• "The cooking is actually nothing more than the vehicle through which we make relationships with these kids." - Sandy Harper
• "For them to be able to thank God for this and to lead… And that makes a good leader. Nine times out of ten, if they come on up to youth, they will be given a message in the youth ministry before you know it." - Sandy Harper
• "You're achieving that which other national leaders are desperate to find a way to succeed. You're doing it well." - Josh Denhart
• "And who doesn't live with a regret or two from back in the day when we weren't walking with the Lord… I became a Christian at 21, but may God put the healing sav of Jesus Christ all over you as you were doing for others, that which would have been extremely beneficial to you." - Josh Denhart

Resources:

The resources mentioned in this episode are primarily the personal experiences and the strategies utilized by Sandy Harper and her team. Don't forget to check out leadministry.com for more insights and guidance on church volunteer management and other related topics by Josh Denhart.

We hope you enjoy episode 209 of the Lead Volunteers Podcast and share it with a ministry leader you know who may find this beneficial for their ministry context!

If you would like to gain INSTANT access to the bank of resources mentioned in today's episode, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠leadvolunteers.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and get started today!

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